Designing for a Small Space

Not everyone has the luxury of a large expansive house with plenty of storage. In fact, a trend that has been building momentum over the years is toward smaller, more efficient houses.  The design challenge becomes how to maximize the space while minimizing clutter.  Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your space and achieve the aesthetic and comfort that you envision.

Multifunctional Furniture

Now is the time to be creative and think outside of the box. A coffee table doesn’t have to just be a coffee table any more, or a bed just a bed.  Look for ways to incorporate multiple purposes into one piece.  Storage Benches are a perfect example of blending functionality.  If you have a small space in the city, maybe a murphy bed that retracts with shelving could be an option.

sunny designs bench

Diversify Storage

Think of unique ways to find storage in your space. Instead of low dressers and cabinets, try a tall armoire or wardrobe.  Play with different styles and designs to not only create a visual effect, but a purposeful strategy.  If you have kids, there are endless ways to be creative with toy bins and shelves.  Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors and designs.

Armoire

 

 

Declutter

Perhaps the most important element to living in a small space is eliminating unnecessary items. Think about the essentials you need and the must haves in your life, whether practical or sentimental.  It is amazing how fast we accumulate things.  Spring cleaning is a great way to reevaluate and start fresh.  Sometimes a yard sale is the perfect way to motivate the process.

man moving chair

Organization

This is key for sustaining a comfortable environment in a small space. Research organizational hacks.  If you have a closet that is your hideaway for stuff, think about a hanging storage rack for the back of the door.  Hat or coat racks also provide additional clothes hanging areas and don't take up a lot of floor space.  If your bathroom cabinets are a jumbled mess, look for simple ways to hang items on the back of the cabinets.

sunny designs rustic hat rack

 

Every living space is different, and whether you have thousands of square feet or hundreds, there are inevitable challenges. Luckily, furniture has come a long way over the years.  The amount of options and information we have at our fingertips makes designing a lot easier, and a lot more fun.