we all know that the biggest problem in small houses is that of space and the other one is that of maximizing the available space and make the small areas appear big and spacious. It looks like a problem in the beginning but the first steps have to be taken in planning the right kind of furniture, upholstery, appliances, and much more. Some of these tips are going to be very beneficial in designing your home when there is a lack of space.
1. Define your windows well
The trick here is to define the windows in style. However, style is not enough to work for you. Windows should be draped in such a way that it allows maximum light in. Use bright curtains, preferable light-colored to let the sunlight in. Place a mirror in the window area to reflect the room light and create a brighter atmosphere. The mirror works up the décor and also brings style. Do keep the windows clean as dirty ones will make the appearance shabby and stuffy. Use long drapes from top to bottom to create an illusion of space.
2.Simplicity in furniture
Simplicity in furniture works great for small areas and the intricate and heavy furniture pieces tend to clutter the space and make it look stuffy. It has been seen that simple and elegant furnishing has always looked better in general sense. However, it is not that complex designs are a strict NO; you can still experiment and see what works best for your house, family, moods, and style. A settee style sofa or sofa- cum-bed styles are a hit too.
3.Closet doors have to go
Closet doors occupy quite a lot of floor space for opening, closing, and using. If those doors are swinging open around the floor, then make sure that you get them removed. The ones opening on a height like a kitchen or a bathroom are still fine. This brings quite a lot of space to the room but you have to be very
organized about your closet then. However, isn’t small housing all about being organized! Drape a long curtain from top to bottom of the cupboard to cover your stuff and you can experiment with some stylish drapes and handicraft designs to bring spice to the room. Try it; it is not a bad idea!
4.Get rid of your music collection
It sounds criminal to say so but you have to get rid of your music collection and other such things. They occupy quite a bit of space and the facility of playing music can be handled by other devices too. How about a radio! Get used to digital music and use your phone and computer to do the task. The music collection is a matter of pride but more space is far more important. You may be a Beatles or Jackson fan but those songs are readily available and you have far more portable options available that occupy less space and look cool.
5.Be practical
You should learn to be more practical and learn to say no to some emotional or formal entanglements. It is alright to apologize and explain that you do not have enough space for big parties, barbecue gets together, or guests to sleep overnight. You have to learn to be practical because you cannot manage all these arrangements and your guests will not be comfortable with your limited space and things. It is better to bring the practical side to dominance and let people know about the limitations.
6.Buy better domestic things
You may not have a cleaning closet or big cupboards for the kitchen. So, the way out is to invest in containers and cleaning equipment that does not look dirty if they are found hanging in a corner. Go shopping for some pretty and fancy stuff instead of standard brooms, dustpans, and mops. There are some luxury stores that have very useful but fancy stuff to choose from.
7.Say no to “small”
Have you experienced that small things are as difficult to store as the big ones, probably more! Get rid of small things like extra spoons, baking trays, racks, etc. Tell your friends that you prefer some sensible gifts or gift vouchers rather than small little things that end up adding big bulk to your luggage and storage space.
8.Change your towels
Till now you have been using thick and large bathroom linen but define your bathroom closet in a new way. Use quick-dry thin towels that do not need much air and sun. Small house people have small bathrooms and it does not allow much ventilation. The towels take long to dry and the linen and bathroom both smell moist and stuffy, they lack freshness. If you switch your towels for smaller, thinner, and quick dry kinds, they would go well with your small space.
9.Bath mats replacement
It would be difficult for you to find bath mats that fit the size of your small bathroom in the small house. However, a bathmat is absolutely essential. Go for quick drying medium or small size towels to be used as bath mats. It has the same advantages as the ones used for bathing and comes handy, tidy, and easily manageable while cleaning and drying.
10.Try simple bedding
People experiment with all kinds of bedding to make their small bedroom space look bigger, however, the best design for a small bedroom is to keep the bedding in light color and simple. Floral patterns make the small spaces look even smaller and so does the pattern of any kind. Simple bedding makes the space large and even clean and crisp. Make sure that the bed is crisp and well made to enjoy the space.
11.Unpack immediately
People with experience of small housing have shared that unpacked suitcases in the corners of the house led to bruised toes and obscene cursing. Whether you come home from a holiday or move into a new establishment, make sure that the suitcases are unpacked as the first thing to do and put away the stuff. This makes space available for usage and also save you from all the confusion and bruises.
There is hardly anything more relaxing than to know that all your things are in the right place and your house is clutter-free.
12.Use under the bed/sofa space
Unless you are the truly minimalistic kinds and you do not have many personal belongings as such, you need to be a genius in managing your house. Use all the space that you can think of, under the bed, under the sofa, under some cabinets, etc. you can store anything from a guitar, extra bedding, books, stuff you need only a few times a year, all these things can find a safe home under your bed, sofa or settee.
13. Make use of public facilities
Why did the government build parks, churches, and theatres? For us, right! Then why have we forgotten all about using them for us, and only allow children to play there? Make use of parks, churches, and other such places for weekend brunches and friends’ outing. You may not like the idea of this kind in the beginning but you have to try them to know what it has. It would be a great experience and soon you would start looking forward to such weekends. Breakfast and gossiping in the lovely sun, reading or playing over the weekend and children playing close is very enjoyable indeed. You’ll have some time with kids and friends both without bargaining one for the other.
You can have the whole city as a living room of your own house.
14.Price to pay
We all know that there is a price to pay for everything we choose. Well, the price here could be quite challenging too. A small house means a struggle to manage space always, especially in the beginning. There would be sharing of closets, bathrooms, and many such things and this has to be accepted with open arms. Be ready to have all these considerations.
15. Be optimistic
This one holds the key to your happiness. Cribbing about something and doing it is not the best way to handle a situation. Have an optimistic approach towards your small house and try to have a joyful life in it. There are millions who live a happy life in tiny houses and so can you. Your happiness and joy lie in your family members, pets, and your own comfort. Design the house according to your comfort and priorities and not what your wealthy friend has. Find moments of happiness and love and you are all set to live wonderful in a small house.
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