SMALL SPACES 101
From clearing visual clutter to installing sliding doors, Shannon Vos shares his clever space-saving tips and tricks
Small-space living is no longer an out-ofthe-box concept that only happens in other parts of the world, and no longer a far-flung idea from the future. It’s becoming the norm here in Australia, thanks in part to sky-rocketing house prices, and the fact that many of us (myself included) want to live in, or near, one of a few major cities.
Smaller spaces are something many of us will have to face. Houses are getting smaller, and a quarter-acre block of land is now deemed a generous size, so that needs to be at the forefront of our minds when designing our homes. But let’s be clear, small-space living isn’t a step down on life’s ladder, but a parallel that encourages us to use our homes in smarter ways, with more economical and environmentally friendly principles.
Here, I take a ‘little’ look at how we can make the transition from wide open floor plans to the cosier side of life.
the big picture
Small-space living doesn’t necessarily mean thinking small or choosing small furniture. What it does mean is that we need to consider every design decision and make choices that deliberately work for the space. There are lots of clever tricks that will help to make a small space more functional while also making it seem bigger than it is.
+ Natural light has the power to transform a room, so any sunlight that enters it should be maximised. Large doors and windows that allow lots of light to stream in go a long way to making those small spaces feel less poky.
+ The more light that’s reflected around a room, the bigger that area will feel, so light and bright colours will always make an otherwise compact space feel bigger and brighter. On top of this, well-placed mirrors (the bigger the better) will trick the eye into thinking the space is much larger. Placing a mirror to reflect a view outside will also bring the outdoors in, giving you the illusion of having extra room to move around.
+ Visual clutter can seriously cramp your style, and will also cause a room of any size to feel crowded and confined. Reduce the clutter by only keeping the
stuff you use and/or love. Doing so should immediately create a more open and relaxed environment.
+ Furniture can sometimes take up way too much floor space, so consider which pieces you really need. Perhaps you have one-too-many side tables, or never use the chaise on your L-shaped sofa. Or maybe that eight-seater dining table hasn’t hosted as many dinner parties as you first thought it would. It’s about making the furniture you use regularly a priority in the room, and downsizing the elements you don’t.
small-space hacks
Now that we’ve covered the big stuff, it’s worth looking at the small but crucial decisions that will go a long way towards creating extra space, as well as enhancing the way your home feels and functions.
+ Incorporating furniture and joinery that serves more than one purpose will reduce the need to buy extra pieces. Think sofas with room for drawers in the base, stairs with an integrated cupboard, and even load-bearing bookshelves. These multitasking elements eliminate the need for additional furniture items, which often contribute to that overcrowded feeling.
+ Compact spaces that don’t have the right lighting can seem almost cave-like. Oyster ceiling lights are one of the most common culprits because they diffuse a yellow glow that distorts your perception of space. Add multiple lighting sources, including lamps, pendants or sconces that emit warm white light that will have a space-enhancing effect when it bounces off bright surfaces.
And when it comes to saving money on your electricity bills, LED lights are more energy-efficient and long-lasting.
+ Importantly, keep your expectations in check. You’re in a small space so don’t expect big and bold elements that are designed to entertain. If you’re in a two-bedroom apartment, for instance, you can’t effectively have 12 people over for dinner, so work to your strengths and book a restaurant when the numbers are big.
making room
Sometimes it’s the least-obvious details in our homes that take up the most room. But with careful consideration and clever planning, you can reclaim this wasted space.
+ Doors take up almost a full square metre when opened, and in a petite apartment this is precious real estate. On the other hand, sliding doors don’t take up any floor space, which can make a small bathroom more user-friendly. It may not always be possible to install a cavity slider for the door, but a barn-style sliding door that runs along tracks can be retrofitted easily.
+ A big square coffee table placed smack bang in the middle of a living room with limited space can impede movement and visual flow and quickly clog up the room. Instead, a side table (or even a fabric caddy for your sofa if you’re working with the smallest of living spaces) can do the same job as a sprawling coffee table.
+ The laundry is typically the smallest room in the house, and the inclusion of a washer and dryer quickly uses up any free floor space. Swapping those appliances for a washer/dryer combo can save about half a square metre. Install it under a bench or in cabinetry to utilise unused space – just leave room to vent the dryer.
+ Introducing an oversized decorative item or two will trick your eye into thinking there’s more space because its long lines will allow your gaze to move around the room. Start with a rug that takes up lots of floor space and commands the zone, or a piece of art that stretches across the wall.