If you're staying in a shoebox-sized home, you’re bound to run into issues, and not having enough space is probably the biggest one of all. The good news is there are so many creative ways to create extra space out of thin air.
Here’s how to up the ante with these clever space-saving designs.
Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind
Interior Designer: Posh Home
Don’t like to see your clutter? Drawers are the answer to maximising space and providing clever, hidden storage options. Sliding drawers are also an elegant solution for minimalistic homes. Opt for flush-fit, inset drawers to seamlessly blend storage into walls.
When In Doubt, Shelve It
Interior Designer: AD. I. WRKS
Do you find yourself staring at the empty walls in your home, wishing you had some use for it? Enter: shelves! They make a great addition to any obscure corners or awkward spaces, and when done right, can be a focal point in any room.
Interior Designer: Boon Siew D'sign
The trick is to extend vertical storage all the way to the ceiling — if you have particularly high ceilings, a rolling library ladder will come in handy and double as a decorative feature.
Open Up
Interior Designer: Jubilee Interior
The ‘open-concept’ idea is popular with homeowners with small spaces - it’s a nifty design trick for creating a more spacious look. As the most common area to open up would be the kitchen, rethink its layout to make use of overhead space or awkward gaps.
Interior Designer: Imagine by SK66
Tip: If you’re short on space and use bulkier kitchen appliances infrequently, consider renting a small external storage unit to free up counter and cabinet space. Storage spaces are versatile and can store any goods from unused kitchen appliances to dry goods and even other items like bicycles and sports equipment.
Call It Murphy’s Law
Interior Designer: I-Bridge Design
A handy design solution that’s been around for nearly 100 years now, Murphy beds are pull-down beds that lie flush with the wall when not in use. Since these nifty beds can double as storage, they work well in smaller apartments. While this solution may not be particularly practical for everyday use, it works well in spare bedrooms which double as home offices, lounge areas, or even a playroom.
Raise the Bar
Interior Designer: First Dot Design
For an everyday option, turn to Japanese-style wooden platform beds. Elevating your bed makes use of floor space and keeps your storage out of sight.
Interior Designer: Superhome Design
Tip: Under-bed storage can be used to keep anything from clothing and bed linens to household appliances. Depending on the set-up of your storage — whether you’re using flush-fit drawers or open-top cabinets — avoid cramming bulky items such as duvets or your winter parka so the storage unit can remain flush to the ground. Instead, keep these items away in a standing cabinet.
Outsource Storage Space
Interior Designer: Luova Project Services
For stray items that you don’t need regular access to, such as seasonal thick bulky winter coats or Christmas deco, consider a Valet Storage Service that conveniently picks up your packed boxes and stores them for you in a safe facility. When you need your items back, simply arrange a re-delivery with your friendly valet.
Interior Designer: Third Avenue Studio
Tip: If you’re really tight on space, adapt this design to your dining bench to carve out even more storage!
The Window To An Organised Home
Interior Designer: Prozfile Design
Look at your windows in a new light for endless storage possibilities! If you have a large window and some sill space, why not opt for cupboards where you can store your items for easy access? Store bags or well-worn shoes to keep them within easy reach.
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