I am often confronted with the challenge of how to make better use of small spaces. No matter how large or small our homes are, we always want to maximize our spaces visually and practically. Visually, there are tricks we can use to make a small room appear larger and function better. What we want is to get the most seating, the most storage, and the most functionality out of our rooms.
If you have a small living room or family room it is te:mpting to furnish it with just a few pieces of small-scale furniture. Logic tells you that this is all that will fit. However, good design has shown time and again that going with larger-scale furniture will visually trick your eye and make the room appear larger. In turn, you will also get more seating and better functionality out of that same small space.
Another way to live large in a small space is to include lots of clever storage. A bench or ottoman with hidden storage is a good way to start. Many stock furniture items come with hidden compartments that can be used for a throw, board games, and books. Custom storage units and bookcases can be built to the ceiling, using space that otherwise would have been lost. A bookcase with a drop-down shelf can be used as a work surface for a laptop, a homework area, or an at-home office in a tight space. Making use of the space under a staircase with open or hidden bookcases or as a closet for rarely used “stuff” is a good idea too.
Furniture that can multitask is a great way to make better use of your space. A group of ottomans or small end tables can be pulled together and set up as a coffee table and then pulled apart into smaller groups and used as tables for playing games, additional seating (if using ottomans), or breaking the area up into seating groups when entertaining. A game table in a family room can be set as a dining table when serving a more intimate meal. And don’t forget an oldie but a goodie: the sleep sofa. You no longer need to dread putting your aunt on the crumbly, uncomfortable sleep sofa. Today’s models are comfortable and stylish as sofas and as beds. If you have a wall you can use, the Murphy bed has also made a comeback. They can be built into wall units and bookcases and can disappear during the day and be easily pulled out at night for a last-minute guest.
Color and texture can also play a role in creating a sense of space. While they don’t practically increase your space, a well-thought-out color palette can visually open up the space. Dark colors look beautiful in a small space for intimacy and coziness, but if it is a more open space you are trying to achieve, then stick with lighter and more neutral tones. Vary texture of fabrics to create interest while keeping the palate simple.
Creating functional spaces will beautify your home both inside and out. When furnishing a room don’t be afraid to push the envelope and go bigger than you would have thought. Add in small pieces that can multitask and then function big! Keep the room uncluttered with good storage solutions. And balance the room with soft color and texture to pull it all together.
By Shoshana Halpert
