Strategies for Maximizing limited Living Spaces in Small Homes
Shrinking Spaces, Booming Solutions: Expert Advice for Maximizing Your Small Home
These real estate pros are dishing out their top tips for making the most of your tiny living quarters – from decluttering to functional furniture choices. Buckle up, small space dwellers, because these ideas will make your cramped home feel like a mansion!
Who's the Guru?
- Morgan Whitney, realtor and broker with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wostal in Topeka, Kansas.
- J Ryan Johnson, real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Reliance Partners in Walnut Creek, California.
- Jackie Christensen, real estate agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Executive Partners in Augusta, Georgia.
1. Purge and Organize
Get ruthless with your stuff! If it hasn't been used in the last few months, it's time to say goodbye.Sendimental items can still be kept but digitally – take photos for a virtual keepsake instead of cluttering your closets.
Sell, donate, or hold a garage sale for your unwanted items. Remember, every square foot counts when living small!
2. Shop Smart
When furnishing your humble abode, choose pieces that don't hog space. Look for smaller-scale items at thrift stores, antique shops, or Facebook Marketplace, and give them a new life with a redo, recover, or paint job.
Multifunctional furniture is your best friend. Go for innovative pieces like storage ottomans, Murphy beds, expandable or nesting dining tables, and wall-mounted desks. These clever pieces will help you maximize every inch while maintaining comfort and practicality.
3. Light It Up
The right lighting can transform a tight space. Soft white lighting, up lights in plants, and LED can lights create a minimalist, inviting atmosphere. Remember to open up the curtains and blinds during the day to make the most of natural lighting.
4. Reach for the Sky
Use vertical space wisely. Tall cabinets, pull-out shelves, and built-in organizers help reduce clutter, while vestibules, built-ins, and storage racks suspended in the garage can maximize hidden storage capacity.
5. Renovate Wisely
If you're planning a remodel, consider adding closets, pantries, and built-in shelves to your kitchens and bathrooms. Features that serve multiple purposes, like kitchen islands with built-in storage or vanities with drawers, can increase functionality.
Increasing the ceiling height in your garage is another great space-saving renovation – just remember, this space is usually less expensive per square foot to finish, allowing for lots of storage.
6. Hide the Mess
Keep countertops and high-traffic areas clear to create an open, streamlined feel. Kitchen cabinets are sufficient for storage today, with declining china and silver collections. Using storage containers in the pantry can help keep countertops clutter-free.
7. Paint It
The right paint colors can make the world of difference! Stick with a neutral color scheme and use black as an accent for a modern pop of color. Adding 2 inches of ceiling color to the top of the walls can make a room feel taller and more spacious.
9. Embrace Home Improvement Ideas
Inspiration for small space solutions can be found everywhere, including in magazines like Better Homes and Gardens and online resources such as BHG.com, Home-and-Garden, and Home-Improvement websites.
10. Color Matters
Optimize your space by using light, bright colors on walls and furniture – they give the illusion of more space. Consider painting a missing wall, adding a pop of color, or even painting an accent wall in the B27fb3b9fe854605b3ba9ba27021cb9c shade for a stylish focal point.
11. Mindfully Decorate
Create a lifestyle that reflects your personality while maintaining a cohesive look. Rather than overcrowding your home with unnecessary items, choose decor that serves a purpose and contributes to your overall well-being.
12. Make Every Move Count
Moving doesn't always mean upsizing. Learn from the experts at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate when choosing your next home. Be mindful about the lifestyle you want to cultivate – remember, it's not just about owning a home; it's about owning a home that brings you joy and harmony.