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Big homes are arguably everyone’s dream. However, at some point in time, many may realize that having too big of a home may be more challenging than rewarding. Furthermore, there are some who might put more weight on practicality and realism rather than glam and extravagance. Costly maintenance may always be an issue, and that’s a fact.

So if you have a small living space, fear not! Being in this scenario may actually suit you better. If you have a small living space, you may still make the most of it by following these tips and practices. After reading this, we hope you will appreciate your small home more!

Tip No. 1 Prioritize the Living Room

The living room is more often than not the first segment near the main entrance of your home. Thus, this is the first area that you and your guests will step foot into. Given this, it is hence imperative to dedicate significant open space to this area.

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If you are still in the planning stage of construction, then it is easy to simply set your living room as one of the biggest room, if not actually the largest area of your home. Make sure to make it open and well-ventilated as possible.

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If your apartment or home is already existing, then try to minimize the furniture as much as possible. A sofa, a center table, and an entertainment set may do, depending on your priority. If the living room is really too narrow, then a sofa and hanging television may suffice. You may use wall lamps, track lights, or hanging lamps for sufficient lighting without the need for standing lamps that may take up space. Then simply add a carpet for a luxurious feel.

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For a lasting impression, a spacious living room is highly recommended.

Tip No. 2 Kitchen Cabinets – Proper Placement and Use of Overhead Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets especially the modular ones may appear expensive, however, these are usually planned well and maximized. If modular cabinets are not within budget allocation, simple carpentry works for cabinets will also do. Just make sure that the principle of maximizing spaces including overhead space is considered.

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Architects and interior designers are very familiar with the standards for designing and making kitchen cabinets. If you do not have an architect or designer and you opted to do it yourself, the simplest way to design your cabinets is to do a mock-up. What kind of mock-up? Just imagine yourself being in the kitchen, preparing food, cooking, washing the dishes, etc. With this, you will already have a vision of what you really need and how you would like to operate in your kitchen. As an effect, you may be able to visualize your desired placement of fridge, stove, other appliances, sink, and even as particular as your utensils, condiments, and the like.

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The more cabinets you add, the better. Just make sure to partition your cabinets well. You do not want to have a very big overhead cabinet with no partitions. At the same time, you also do not want to put a partition on cabinets where you will place tall items such as soda bottles, sauces, vacuum sealed flasks, etc.

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Thus, what we’re saying here is to plan your cabinets well so you can maximize the space.

Tip No. 3 Proper Partitioning

Open concept houses have been very popular in recent memory. Modern Japanese homes or muji themed houses have been trending for a while already. This may also apply to your small living space. The objective is not to make your area look cluttered. If the area is really too small, then an open concept home is highly recommended.

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However, if a particular area appears to be too big, then you may split it into several rooms. Again, we’re talking about a small living space. Hence, you should move on from wooden or fixed partitions. Instead, opt for glass partitions. Why? A glass partition still gives the feel of an open concept while allowing you to separate a large room perhaps into a living room and a dining room, for example. It automatically gives an impression that the area is spacious.

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Kitchen Islands are also often used not just for large areas but even for small living spaces. One may think that it consumes a lot of space especially since it is often placed on centers or open parts of the house. However, some may not realize that kitchen islands doubles not just as a preparation table or nook, but also as the main dining table already. Hence, it’s like hitting two birds with one stone.

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Tip No. 4 Take Advantage of High Ceiling Homes

For those who have the luxury to design and construct their new homes, you may want to consider high ceiling or high structures for mezzanines. This may be more costly but if you can afford at least an extra 2m of wall, it can actually make a big difference.

With high ceilings, you may have a loft type home where you can place your bed on the loft. This will give you an overlooking feel with an open below. At the same time, it gives you an added floor area without the expense of an actual additional floor level.

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If the added height is not sufficient for a loft, then at least you can maximize the space for storages. Holiday decors, old memorabilias, and the like may be placed in these overhead space to minimize clutter on the actual floor area.

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It simply goes as “having strategic storage means a magnificent home”.

Tip No. 5 Open Doorways

If you have a lawn and you can go for an open doorway, do it. This again gives an open space appeal without compromising functionality. Again, use sliding glass doors. Besides functioning as a window, it also becomes a big window that you can use to get apt natural light. With this, the place also looks bigger.

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At the same time, when you open the door, it also gives you proper ventilation. Fresh air and spacious feels definitely help you make the most out of your space.

Tip No. 6 Be Creative and Do the Obvious

There are many more ways to make the most of your living area but most boils down to you being creative. Here are some more ideas where the obvious are mentioned and your creativeness will be touched:

Mounted TV – Obviously, mounted televisions give more space. Instead of having an entertainment cabinet for the television, simply mount your television on the wall through brackets. Use fluted panels as background of your Television and use proper lighting for the best effect.

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Declutter Countertops – Another obvious idea is to avoid clutter in your countertops. Instead, make your countertops strictly for preparation only. Besides more space for your required work, it also tricks the eye as it can make your home feel more spacious.

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Avoid Floor Lamps – Floor lamps take up space that can either be used for another fixture or simply more area for you to walk on. Instead, use overhead lighting for all lighting needs.

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Pocket Doors or Folding Doors  – Be creative and install pocket doors instead of the typical swing type doors. With pocket doors, you will be able to place furniture and fixtures on the place where a swing door was expected to pass through. This gives you more space even if you decide to leave the area empty.

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Multifunctional Furniture – Headboard with built in storage for your bedroom comes to mind when talking about multifunctional furniture. This gives you more storage while still making your bedroom aesthetically pleasing.

Murphy beds are ideal for small rooms. Especially for HDB’s and flats, these hide-able furniture are highly recommended. If you want to sleep, pull down the bed. If you want to do a quick cardio exercise or an Hight Intensity Interval Training, pull up the bed and lay down your mat. It gives you more space while still having the function of a normal bed.

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Transforming tables are also popular for small homes. Just like murphy beds, the concept is that if you’re not using it, then hide it. Extending dining tables, side tables that go big as much as a regular dining table, tables where chairs can be kept inside, study tables that have two length options, these are just a few examples of creative furniture.

Ottoman Sofas are also creative furniture you can explore. With your sofa taking up a lot of space, at least below it also gives you another layer for you to use as storage. Your throw pillows, books, and the like may be kept under the sofa.

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Pull-out Bed – Pull out beds are often used in dormitories, but this does not mean that it is not appropriate for your home. For guest rooms, this is actually highly recommended. Normally, you only have a single bed, but with a pull out bed under the said single bed, then two visitors will be able to sleep in your guest room.

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No matter how small your space is, there will always be a way to make the most out of it. Plan ahead, be creative, and follow these tips so you can achieve your dream home.