This past year has forced us to reimagine our homes in dramatic ways. For many, a pandemic-induced remote lifestyle has meant turning kitchen counters into standing desks and bedrooms into zoom venues. For others, the recent shortage of real estate inventory has meant getting creative with spaces their families had outgrown. While the details vary, the trend is apparent: more people are working with less space. Here are a few simple tips for getting the most out of your humble abode.
Rethink Storage
Gone are the days of using floor space as your only storage option. In fact, the best way to optimize your floor space is by getting as many things as possible off of it. Our solution: get creative with walls and ceilings. From hanging bicycles to installing custom bookshelves, the space around you is truly invaluable. Use the space above your kitchen cabinets for unused appliances, empty boxes, and china sets. Take advantage of corners, which are historically underused. From corner cabinets to tv stands, there are plenty of ways to rethink the nooks that are collecting dust. Pro tip: installing shelves above doors are a unique way to take space-saving to the next level.
Brighten Up Your Space
The more light you let into a room, the more spacious it will appear. In spaces with windows, allow natural daylight to fill the room by using sheer window curtains. For rooms with less access to natural light, be sure each room is well-lit with LED lamps, chandeliers, and sconces. When it comes to painting, darker shades tend to impose on space. Instead, opt for lighter, softer shades, using bright colors sparingly as accents.
Utilize Your Furniture
Don't get us wrong, we're huge fans of a good statement piece. However, there's a time and a place for everything... and limited space means getting practical with furnishings big and small. Trade out that angular couch for a sleeper sofa or that glass coffee table for one with storage space. We love ottomans with storage space as well! Use nested end tables that can be tucked away when necessary or an L-shaped reversible Credenza desk. Stick with vertical bookcases and push larger furniture pieces against the wall to avoid breaking up open space.
Take Advantage of the Outdoors
Wether you have a backyard or a small terrace, your outdoor spaces can be utilized as well! For homeowners with lawns, keeping them trimmed and flowerbeds neat mitigates that overcrowded feeling caused by overgrown landscaping. Expand patios and add planters to hardscapes to create an oasis-type environment. You can even install a grill to extend your kitchen and dining areas!
