House ideas
When selecting colours for the furniture, walls and floors in a small space, aim to keep things light and bright as this will make the area feel open and welcoming. Neutral colours such as warm whites and light greys, and natural materials such as linen, work well. Mirrors are another smart addition as they will bounce natural light around the room and give the illusion of more space. Tip: Where possible, position mirrors to reflect greenery or a great view – introducing a touch of the exterior world to your interior will enhance the connection between the two.
Start by listing the different activities that will take place in the room – whether it’s entertaining, relaxation or quiet play – and who will be using it. Consider which furniture pieces are essential and which you can do without. This will help you prioritise your specific needs for the space and clear out anything non-essential.
Are your drawers out of control? Bring order back to these pull-out storage spaces by fitting them with handy drawer dividers and inserts that will keep them neat and orderly – that’s right, no more tangled jewellery, crumpled ties, kinked belts, misshaped bras or lonely, single socks (hurrah)! They’ll also help prevent delicate or fragile accessories, such as lacy lingerie or sunglasses, from getting damaged, as each item (or similar items that have been grouped together) will have its own designated space, rather than being thrown in a drawer with other wares they could become tangled with and end up getting scratched or snagged.
If the number of blouses, shirts, dresses, trousers, jackets and other items you own that must be hung and not folded far outnumber the pieces in your wardrobe that can be neatly folded and stowed away, then consider making clothes racks the primary means of storage in your closet. Installing two rods in a section will add additional practicality to your wardrobe by ensuring the space meets your storage needs and maximises all of the available area. Use a combination of cupboards, shelves and drawers to complete the space.
Small appliances can take up a lot of bench space, but it isn’t easy finding a good storage solution – particularly for items that get a lot of use. Benchtop built-ins can save a lot of space and hassle. This clever built-in slides a toaster in and out of place without the need to unplug it or move it from cupboard to bench.
Most organisation experts will tell you that one of the key aspects of any organisational system is having a place for everything. Nowhere is this more important than in the pantry where, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be rushing to find things as you cook (I’ve never got quite into the good habit of preparing it all in advance). If everything is a big mess and you can’t find anything, cooking will be harder.
If you decide to opt for new storage or at least some new containers, go shopping before you put everything back. Before you go, figure out exactly what you will need, how big your containers need to be, and write a shopping list. Remember that large containers are useful but measure your shelves to make sure they are big enough to take really tall ones.
Coats and cold-weather accessories. Notice which coats and winter accessories consistently go unworn, and consider donating those in good condition to a local nonprofit or coat drive. Your old coats and gear could be out there keeping someone warm. For this reason, it’s especially good to donate cold-weather items now, when they are needed, rather than waiting until spring for a clean-out.
Are you constantly losing things in drawers, cupboards, bins or other nooks and crannies of your home? This is usually a sign of too many belongings. What to do about it: Keep your things consistent. Use one wallet, one makeup case, one pencil case … at a time. Having one place where your items live reduces the amount of backup items you have.
Laundry nook. This broom closet is really a fully equipped laundry station, complete with a washer and a dryer. Mop, broom and cleaning supplies are stored in doors with built-in shelving and hooks. This is really the ultimate space saver, as there is no need for either a stand-alone broom closet or a separate laundry room — this laundry niche does it all.
Given the plumbing fixtures that must go beneath the kitchen sink and the fact that there isn’t much room in that space for storage, this area can feel like a dank mini-cave. This drawer has a clever cutout that gently surrounds the plumbing, making available the good, clean space while keeping the plumbing hidden.
paint a wall green or yellow creates happiness
Clever storage is the key to minimising clutter in a small space. There are plenty of options to choose from; open shelving is ideal for displaying your prized possessions, while closed storage is great for tech gadgets. Make the most of your wall space by taking storage from floor to ceiling, and consider customising the design to create a visually arresting look. Boost this with hidden storage, such as double-duty furniture with concealed storage compartments. And keep the look simple and calm by choosing pieces in a neutral or white finish.
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