If you're living in a small space, you
may find yourself tripping over things from time to time.
That's why it's important to be creative about finding
storage.
Let your furniture multi-task for
you:
One idea is to choose furniture that
also acts as storage space. Bench seats and otomans often
feature a hinged lid that opens to reveal a nice amount of
storage space. These can hold blankets, toys, books or
whatever you need them to.
Choose a bed that has built in
drawers underneath it, like a captain's bed. If that's not
practical, purchase storage totes that fit under your existing
bed. These are great for storing out of season clothes or
accessories that you only need for special occasions.
If you're a single person living in a
bachelor suite, consider a day-bed. These are designed to
masquerade as couches during the day but are big enough for
one person to sleep on comfortably. Just be sure to make it
neatly and keep your bedding clean.
When it comes to appliances and
cookware, think minimalist. Nothing clutters a kitchen counter
and cupboards more than fad appliances. However, if there's a
tool out there that truly does five jobs, and does them well,
it might be worth investing in. But then you need to get rid
of the things it replaced. Otherwise, choose one type of
blender that works for what you like, and just say no when
gift givers try to give you novelty appliances.
Make space where once there was none:
If you are in dire need of a cabinet
in your bathroom or bedroom, but having something sticking out
from the wall is going to make your already small space feel
downright claustrophobic, build one right into the wall. There
should be about 6 inches of space inside a wall that can be
utilized, especially if it is a wall with plumbing, as these
tend to be slightly wider.
If you have stairs in your home, what
is under them? Some homes have great storage closets under
their staircase, perfect for the vacuum and other cleaning
supplies, tools, or even out of season foot-wear. If you are
really tight for space, you can even use the staircase itself
as a bookshelf. I don't mean the stairs themselves, but the
space between and under each one. This works best on open
staircases. The shelf is built in behind them and instead of
open space between each step you can see the book's spines.
Make what you have disappear when you
don't need it:
I'm not talking magic, just a simple
drop-leaf table could make all the difference in your
dining/living area. Open up the leaves when you have dinner,
drop them down and move it to the side to do your daily yoga.
A murphy bed is probably a must-have
if you live in a bachelor suite. A built-in one folds right up
into the wall, but you can buy them for existing rooms, too.
They look like a large cabinet with shelves flanking double
doors that open to reveal your folded up bed.
However you decide to maximize your
space, remember to think outside, or in this case maybe
inside, the box. Be creative and have fun!
