The average house size in the U.S. is growing. In the early 1970s, the average size was 1,660 square feet. As of 2015, that had jumped to 2,687 square feet for newly-constructed homes. But, many people are still moving into smaller, pre-existing homes. Some are even downsizing and jumping on the tiny house trend.
If you’re one of those people, getting the most out of your small space is important. Living a minimalistic-yet-functional lifestyle is completely possible, even if you’re short on space.
To make the most of your space, there are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind. Thankfully, you don’t have to be a design expert to bring these tricks to life. With a bit of time, effort, and creativity, you can get more out of your small space – and may even make it feel bigger.
So, what can you do to maximize your minimal space?
Making Your Space Functional
To get the most out of your space, it needs to be both a functional and stylish reflection of your personality. This means choosing the right way to arrange your furniture and decorate. One of the best ways to do that is to consider the natural flow of each room.
Consider practicing Feng Shui for your small rooms. The principle of this practice focuses on the connections between people and their spaces. The idea is that the way you arrange a room can affect things like:
Your relationships
Creativity
Prosperity
Wealth
Some people don’t necessarily believe in those principles, but the practice of Feng Shui can make a room more functional. For example, putting your dining table in the center of the room can add a more open, flowing feel. Turning the backs of the chairs in your living room away from doors can allow people to see a bigger space with more open opportunities when they walk in.
In addition to organizing your furniture and decor the right way, the colors and designs you choose for each room can make a difference. Using different shades of the same color in a room can make it seem bigger. Painting your ceiling a darker color will draw people’s attention upward and make the room feel higher.
When you allow your design preferences to mesh with functionality, you can create more inviting, open spaces throughout your home – even if some of those “tricks” only provide the illusion of more space.
Setting Up a Successful Storage Space
The last thing you want is a small space that is cluttered and disorganized. Having things on the floor or out of place can make any room seem smaller and doesn’t allow you to utilize it to its full potential. Even your basement can quickly become a more functional area of your home if you choose to rethink the way you store things.
When you know how to store things the right way, you can continue to make smart purchases that bring you joy. You don’t have to give up everything just because you’re dealing with a small space. Instead, consider where you’ll put new items and how they’ll contribute to your existing space. Practice mindfulness with your purchases, especially if you are a collector, and ask yourself a few questions, including:
Am I getting a good deal?
Will this item increase in value?
Will it bring me joy?
Where will I put it?
What will I have to get rid of to make room for it?
By purchasing things that are valuable to you in some way, you’re more likely to store them practically. That might include building shelves or cupboards. You might even have an organization system somewhere with bins and boxes that are neatly hidden away to free up more space. It’s also a good idea to think outside the box – literally. When you don’t have much space, getting creative with your storage solutions can be a lifesaver. Try things like:
Hanging items on walls
Making vertical cabinets
Using “hidden storage” furniture
Sliding things under furniture
You don’t have to give up a certain lifestyle or things that you want just because you have a small space. When you’re willing to make a few changes and be creative about your storage, decor, and design, you can get the most out of your small space and be perfectly content with what you have.
Author Bio: Noah Rue is a freelance writer.
