As younger generations move from large homes to smaller spaces, decorating trends are following suit. Today’s first-time homebuyer isn’t looking to purchase a sprawling suburban home with a large yard like the generations before them. Modern young home buyers would rather have smaller homes that utilize space effectively, leaving more room in the budget.
But decorating these smaller spaces can be tricky. If you’re a homeowner trying to make the most of limited square footage, we are here to help! Here are ten tips to help homeowners maximize small spaces.
1. Minimize Your Stuff
Take a hard look at your belongings and decide what you really need to bring into your new home. If you’re hanging on to decades-old knick-knacks, it’s probably time to pare down. A decluttered space will make your house appear larger. Need some decluttering tips? Check out our article here for some ideas.
2. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
You’ll need to utilize every square inch of space in a small home. Everything should have a function, including your furniture. Maximize your storage space by including multi-purpose pieces. Check out some of these options:
- Replace your coffee table with a storage ottoman. Place a large tray on top for use as a table or use as extra seating when you have company.
- Purchase bedroom furniture with built-in storage underneath.
- Use fold-out desks and tables to free up space when not in use.
3. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Every small space needs a mirror. Wall mirrors are a simple, inexpensive way to reflect light and create an illusion of depth, making your room appear bigger and brighter.
4. Keep It Light
Lighter, softer paint tones give the illusion of a grander space. Window coverings should be sheer enough to let in ample natural light. Dark colors and opaque drapes will make your home feel cramped and closed off.
5. Use Your Walls
Everything in your home should have a purpose, from the furniture on the floor to the items hanging on your walls.
- Add decorative shelves to the walls in the kitchen for storage and add hooks to hold large kitchen utensils or towels and hot pads.
- Get creative by hanging baskets on bathroom walls to hold extra towels and toiletries.
- Place hooks under cabinets and hang coffee mugs so you can free up precious cabinet space.
6. Keep Everything in Its Place
Nothing closes off an already small area like clutter. Assign everything in your home a place, and make sure each item ends up back in its home after each use.
7. Large Sofas: Just Say No
Large sofas or other furniture will look out of place and make navigating your sitting area challenging. Choose smaller options with sleek lines.
8. Large Rugs for Small Rooms
It might seem counter-intuitive, but adding a large rug to a small room gives the illusion of width and depth. Ideally, your area rug should extend beyond the furniture, filling up as much of the room as possible.
9. Think Vertically
If you can’t build out, build up! Adding functional shelving close to the ceiling will make the room appear taller. Utilize tall bookshelves with baskets for more storage. Hang pots and pans from your kitchen ceiling to free up more cabinet storage. You might even choose a loft bed and use the space underneath as a workspace.
10. Use Your Imagination
You don’t need to spend extra money to repurpose what you already have. Get creative with the stuff you already own. How about using those baskets in the pantry? Can you give that old dresser new life as storage space under the stairs? Should you turn that bench into seating for the kitchen nook? A little imagination can go a long way to making your small space extra cozy.
Do you have decoration or organization tips for living in small spaces? We want to hear them! Drop us a line in the comments below or visit us at our Facebook page and tell us how you maximize your small space!
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