Living in a smaller dwelling can come with its set of challenges, especially if the space is being shared with others. The good news is that with a bit of time, money, and creativity, there are countless ways any space can be maximized and styled.
Even if you are on a modest budget, thrift stores, and online buy-and-sell groups can be great places to shop for products or supplies. They are also an eco-friendlier option, and the fact that most items are already assembled, means you get to skip that tedious step! Local dollar stores also offer a great variety of items at affordable prices, perfect for tackling DIY projects. IKEA® is always a fan favorite as well (minus the assembly part!).
One of the key factors to consider before making any changes to a space is whether you rent or own. While homeowners do have more flexibility when it comes to permanent solutions – for example, drilling into walls, installing shelving, and so forth – not to worry, as there are tons of rental friendly options available, with many being more affordable than you think. Make sure to just reference your rental agreement first or inquire with your landlord if you have questions regarding what you are allowed to do in your space. Take note of any restrictions that apply to avoid breaching the conditions of your lease.
Now let’s dive into some ideas below for inspiration!
Fabulous storage solutions and products to maximize space in cozier homes
Utilize vertical wall space. Hall trees or armoire wardrobes (for coats and shoes) placed near your entryway offer excellent storage solutions, especially if your home is lacking a hallway closet. These are a great use of space due to their height, and you can find narrow styles as well. Cube shelves placed vertically or horizontally against a wall work great as well to house shoes and accessories, and create a drop zone for keys, incoming mail, sunglasses, and all the other small things you need space for. Add in some storage bins and label them for each houseguest to keep items more organized. These options are ideal for both homeowners and renters, and come in different sizes and variations – just make sure to measure your space first. Peg boards, coat hooks, or floating shelves installed onto walls are all inexpensive space saving hacks as well, that are perfect for homeowners.
Opt for versatile bedroom and living room pieces. There are so many amazing furniture options to choose from these days that offer hidden storage – beds with pull out drawers underneath, as well as sofas, benches and ottomans that open up (great for storing extra pillows/blankets!). Bunk beds and room dividers are also excellent ideas for kids who share rooms, and loft style beds work well for older kids, as desks can be placed underneath, and larger items can also be stored.
Creative kitchen ideas. If square footage in your kitchen is tight, then every bit of space has to count. For homeowners, installing pull-out shelving is a clever way to utilize space in hard-to-access areas. Tiered pull-out storage organizers under sinks are also great choices and require no installation. Add riser shelves in cabinets or pantries to make use of as much vertical space as possible. Lazy Susans also work well in these areas to store oils, vinegars, spices, medicines, and more. Rolling carts can house extra supplies and be tucked away under islands or in closets and can be pulled out as needed. Free-standing kitchen islands with built-in shelves for extra storage are a great investment. Some models even feature extra tabletop sections that fold down, to save space when not in use.
For basements and storage areas, stack similar sized totes (to keep them balanced) along the perimeter of the room or on shelving units. Spaces will have a clearer feel if items aren’t scattered in the centre of them. Label the contents of bins as you fill them up and store heavier ones lower to the ground, and high use ones easier to access.
Fun and budget friendly ways to style and personalize spaces
Pick up some peel-and-stick wallpaper. This is one of my absolute favorite ways to add personality, design, and fun pops of color to a space! The possibilities are endless, and you can create different themes anywhere in your home. Perfect for nurseries, kids/teens rooms, creating accent walls, or a great background option for an office (especially for business owners who conduct a lot of virtual meetings or consultations from home). You can even add some fun to your pantry walls or bookshelves. This can be an affordable option (depending on the brand and style, and how large of a space you are doing) and can also be renter friendly – again, always check with your landlord first.
*Pro tip – Do your research and opt for reputable brands to ensure no potential damage to walls after removal. Remember to order a bit of extra as well to account for any mistakes, or if you are doing complex pattern-matching.
Homeowners can also choose to go with a permanent pasted wallpaper, if a different style or texture is preferred.
Paint away. A fresh coat of paint can make a huge statement, by creating a specific ambiance in a room – think bold colors or patterns – or quiet, calm, and spa-like. Whatever vibe you are going for, your walls can speak it! This is a fabulous and budget-friendly option to make a space pop for homeowners, and possibly renters as well.
Incorporate fun themes, color palettes, and accessories into your spaces. Personalize rooms in your home by coming up with different concepts or color schemes to follow. Some fun ideas for kid’s rooms can include space themes, animals/jungle, under the sea/mermaids, or simply decorating the space with your child’s favorite color. This method can help create better flow and cohesion in your home, as mismatched styles and decor can often lead to a busy and unstructured feel in a space. If you want your home to exhibit a more natural feel, plants and flowers can provide liveliness, calm, and beauty to any space, where natural color palettes and earthy tones can be used.
Think about the mood and atmosphere you want to create in your environment, let the ideas flow, and bring your visions to life!
Lisa is a mom of two and a Trained Professional Organizer. She is the owner of Light at The End of The Clutter Professional Organizing Services. For more information, visit her Instagram page at – Light at The End of The Clutter or her website – lightattheendoftheclutter.com.
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