Maximizing Space In A Small House

More and more people are opting to stay in smaller homes owing to easier maintenance, budget constraints, etc. If one is looking for a home in a good neighbourhood, it is likely to cost a lot. Under such circumstances, one often chooses to buy a smaller space than compromising on the location. If it’s a small house, it can get really congested if not planned well. Here are some simple methods for maximizing space in a small house.

• Paint it white:

Creating an illusion of space will help you make the space look large and airy. Use light colours, ideally something as light and bright as white on all the walls. Use similar toned curtains and doors to create a sense of continuity and openness. Avoid any form of wall treatment in varying colours as this makes a space look small.

• Multipurpose Furniture:

Opt for furniture that is multifunctional. A bench that is meant for the dinner table can also double up as additional seating in the living room if need be. Foot rests can be used for seating and a bay window can be used as a seat as well as storage. Items like this will save up space and also serve dual purpose eliminating the need for more furniture. Stackable furniture like stackable stools and tables are also a great inclusion to a small house. They occupy little space but can be used to seat or accommodate many people.

• Wall Storage:

Instead of using up precious space on the floor to accommodate large storage units, opt for full length storage units that take up less floor space but still house all the items you need.

• Open Plan:

This is one of the simplest and basic ways to maximise space in a small house. This is an intervention that needs to be taken at the planning level. Eliminate walls as much as you can and opt for open spaces that can be segregated with movable partitions when needed. This gives one the choice to have large uninterrupted spaces when needed, and to create private pockets of spaces depending on their needs.

• Include your balcony:

No, we don’t mean that you should add your balcony to your living space! Use folding doors and add simple seating in your balcony. When needed you can open up the balcony doors and include that space into your living room. This helps in seamlessly blending in the two spaces, making it instantly airy, bright and large.

• Addition of lofts:

Some spaces do not require the entire height devoted to it. Spaces like walk in wardrobes, landing between bedrooms, bathrooms, storage rooms, etc. can have a loft over them. This space can be used to store home essentials, items that you may no longer use, family keepsakes, etc. This helps you clear up floor space which would otherwise be occupied with large storage units.

• Declutter:

Enough emphasis cannot be laid on how important it is to clean up your space ever so often in order to make the most of what you have. The most common mistake one makes is to keep accumulating stuff that they no longer need or use. This takes up large amounts of space making it look smaller and untidy. The most important method to maximise space in a small home is to keep it tidy and free of clutter.

• Space Saving Furniture:

There has been great progress in the realm of space saving furnishing. From simple folding chairs to retractable beds, there are so many options to choose from. These are one of the most reliable ways to maximise space as a lot of space can be created by just folding or retracting a certain piece of furniture. There are also items that can be expanded, thus making room to accommodate more number of people when the need arises.

• Translucent, Transparent & Sliding Partitions:

Instead of solid walls, it is better to opt for translucent or transparent walls which help in creating an illusion of space thus maximizing space in a small house. Frosted glass walls, transparent partitions, etc. are some ways to achieve this look. Sliding walls and doors are also a great way to make the space more fluid which ends up making the space look large and airy. Combining translucent walls with sliding panels will help in creating privacy and creating an illusion of space.

• Under The Stairs Storage:

If you have stairs in your home, make the most of the space that you have and convert the space under the stairs into something more utilitarian. Most commonly used as a storage unit, depending on the height available below the stairs, you could also use it for seating, a small study area, etc. The key here is to understand the need of the house, the space available and choose a style of stairs that works best for you. Once that is done, you can plan the space under it accordingly to make the most of it.

These are some quick and simple tips that you can use to make the most of your space. Some of the measures are to be taken while planning the spaces and some others can be done after the construction. If it is an independent home, it is best advised to brief your architect to make the most of the space and also take some measures post construction to ensure that you are maximising the space available to you.