My Top 7 Small Space Design Tips
While working on Amazing Spaces and my own books, I have become increasingly aware of the small space design revolution currently underway.
As property becomes more expensive and resources more scarce, there are individuals who are cleverly making the most of every bit of space available to them by designing something really special. They have small room ideas which have allowed them to create truly amazing spaces. While working on my cool sheds, caravans and campervans, I was fortunate enough to discover individuals who had done just that. The Amazing Spaces series with George Clarke uncovered many other hidden gems and unexplored ideas which I also found truly inspiring.
So here are a few of the small space design tips I have collected along the way, which could help you if you have a similar project underway.
Multi-Functional Small Space
When possible, make sure everything in your space is multi-functional. There are pieces of furniture available today that allow you to incorporate what you need into one space saving area. Huge inspiration can be drawn from what this architect had done in his tiny flat in Hong Kong.
De-clutter
Get rid of the clutter, keep it clean and stay organised. Realise that if you haven’t used something in the last 12 months then you probably won’t ever use it. For everything you decide to keep, try to give everything a place it can go back to after you’ve used it.
Be clever with storage
This is when you can really grasp the idea of making things multi-functional. While I was working on Amazing Spaces I was privilege to see many brilliant ideas in action. One such idea was dreamed up by the owners of a small boat, when they made each step of their stairs into storage cupboards. Multi-functional genius!
Think how you use your space
Before you start making big plans, really think about how you use your space. If your budget is tight you need to think about where you spend most of your time and put money into designing those areas first.
Reflective surfaces help
Glass walls, storage cabinets, bannisters and other reflective surfaces can all help give an illusion of space when it’s limited. Mirrors can also help to magnify an area by adding light and a sense of space, and keep your chosen colour palette limited.
Focus on lighting
This plays a major role in creating the right atmosphere and the illusion of space. If done well it can become a piece of art itself, and something as simple and cheap as fairy lights can make an area homely and welcoming.
Focus on you
These are a few of my tips you can use when designing your small space, but remember to always focus on you, what you love and what inspires you. After all, this is your space, your design and your rules.
