MAXIMIZING SPACE

A couple of local experts talk about ways in which to make the most of your home’s square footage

While it used to be common for homebuyers to seek out larger and larger properties, the trend over the last decade has moved more toward minimalism. Gone are the days of seldom-used formal dining or sitting rooms and colossal master bedrooms. Rather, the current popularity of open-concept floor plans often means homeowners are content to have smaller, more efficiently designed homes and condos.

As this trend has progressed so, too, has the importance of optimizing how interior space is used. But without design experience, how can the average person go about tackling this challenge? The Gazette spoke with two experts about how to maximize the square footage of any home.

“Over the past several years, many homeowners have been purchasing homes with smaller square footage due to cost of living, fewer or no children, or just because they’re downsizing,” said Carmen Roy, interior design specialist.

“But if you have a large family and a few pets, or are big on entertaining, or perhaps you want to fill your nest with personal collectibles like art and books, it’s important to maximize the use of your space efficiently so that your home doesn’t look and feel cluttered.”

So what’s the best way to maximize the space in your home?

For starters, you need to truly understand your needs, habits and goals, now and in the near future.

“When planning a new space, think very carefully about your lifestyle and how it might change over the next 10 years,” said Lois Kaplan, professional organizer with Organized Success.

“Some people prefer large spaces for living while needing less for storage, and others prefer to have a little less living space and more storage. It’s important to know what definitely requires closed storage, what items you want out on display, and the minimum amount of living space you require.”

A good way to get started when planning out any new space, or overhauling an existing one, is to do a proper inventory of your belongings.

“Declutter any items you no longer need in each room, and then assess how much storage space you will need to store your items,” Roy said.

“The design trend is more toward minimalism, which often entails less cabinetry, open shelving, and open or clear spaces,” Kaplan said. “This leaves homeowners with the choice of truly getting rid of more, and keeping less — or keeping the daily needed items in the main spaces, but storing items used less often.”

Once the audit of your belongings has been done, choosing furniture that makes sense in your space is key.

“If you’re planning on purchasing new furniture for your home, I recommend having a floor plan made by a professional designer so you don’t end up buying oversized furniture that ends up taking up valuable space and makes your room look and feel cluttered,” Roy said. “It’s the biggest mistake homeowners make when purchasing furniture.”

When it comes to choosing new pieces, look beyond the esthetic appeal of every item, and examine how it can be used efficiently in your home.

There’s a wide selection of furniture on the market today that offers creative and practical storage solutions for every room. For instance, the humble ottoman can act as a storage compartment, side or coffee table, additional seating, or a footrest

“Choosing coffee and end tables with drawers, installing floating shelves on your wall space to store books, and using the empty space under your console by placing cube ottomans for extra seating are just a few ways to maximize your space,” Roy said. “You can also make one space serve a dual function; for example, by purchasing a sofa with a pullout bed for when company visits, or by custom building or purchasing a bookshelf that folds out into a desk combo to serve as both your office and family room.”

In addition to purging your unneeded belongings and strategically purchasing furniture, installing efficient storage systems in your home’s closets can have a huge impact on your storage capacity and facilitate your family’s ability to stay organized.

“There are many custom closet companies that will gladly give you a quote, or you can tackle the job yourself by purchasing closet storage solutions in retail and hardware stores,” Roy said. “Fall is a great time to organize your home, and storage solutions are available to suit all budgets.”

Kaplan emphasized the need to be creative when it comes to finding out what works for your home and family.

“With Pinterest and Houzz, people can get a lot of great ideas on creating amazing storage spaces that work and fit within their budget,” she said.

“There’s no limit, so use your imagination and create fantastic spaces and systems that allow you to enjoy your life.”