Living in a small space can be a challenge. Finding a place for everything you need is a constant struggle. Luckily, there are tons of great ideas and products available that may help you if you're in cramped quarters.
Not long ago I popped in to a shop called For Space Sake on Grant Avenue (behind the Superstore at Grant and Kenaston) to check out small space solutions and products. The shop is brimming with great things that may just be what you're looking for in your small place. The design team can also help you by popping in for a consult. From closet organization to storage solutions they've got a lot to offer. Items like wicker baskets that are designed to sit securely on a stairway (I've also seen these at Wicker World), sleek, free-standing toilet tissue holders, suction cup items for the bathroom (to alleviate shelf clutter) and mounted coat hook systems that retract when not in use are all daily items that can make a big difference in a small abode.
Great ideas
Keeping as much free floor space as possible will make your small place feel bigger. Think up. A taller, slimmer dresser is going to take up much less floor space than a low wide one; as would a book shelf or storage cabinet with the same design. A flat-screen television mounted on the wall will take up much less space than a traditional television on a floor stand. Traditional items like night stands beside the bed or end tables flanking the sofa are definite space eaters. Opt for floating shelves that will still provide needed surface space while leaving the floor space clutter free. Floor and table lamps could be replaced with hanging lamps or wall sconces to free up floor space.
Furniture that works
As you can see in our feature photograph (courtesy of CIL Paints) low-profile furniture and clean lines make a space feel larger. There are additional hidden storage possibilities under the low-rise coffee table. An upholstered storage ottoman will provide additional seating and storage as well as acting as a coffee table when topped with a decorative tray. A skirted sofa and/or ottoman will provide hidden storage below for books or CDs. If you don't have room for a traditional dining table consider purchasing a coffee table that has a lift top. The table surface lifts up toward you when seated on the sofa. When opened the entire surface can be used as a dining surface, a games table or work area. The lid tucks away when you're done. These coffee tables usually offer hidden storage as well. In a small bedroom a loft bed will offer valuable storage space beneath it for a dresser or desk.
Other great ideas
Place low bookcases against the back of your sofa to act as open storage and a sofa table. If you have a fairly wide hallway you can line it with bookshelves. Install glass shelves across deep-set windows to hold small plants and herbs pots. If you can, carve out shallow space between studs. In a small bathroom a built-in cubby like this can house daily essentials. Simply install shelves and a cabinet door to keep those essentials out of sight. (You may even find a ready-made medicine cabinet that would fit into this cubby.) Ready-made bathroom cabinets are available at many home renovations and supply stores. If you have a traditional toilet with tank in the bathroom then there should be room above the toilet for such a cabinet. Install a low-profile towel rack or a robe hook on the back of the bathroom door. A tall, decorative toilet tissue canister can house additional rolls which would otherwise eat up shelf space in a closet.
Tame the clutter
Clutter can make a small space seem even smaller. Keep tabletops and countertops as free of 'stuff' as possible. Choose monochromatic colour schemes to keep the décor feeling open and continuous. Our feature living room has a soft colour palette that makes the room feel light and airy. Large patterns in wallpaper or upholstery can make the space feel busy. Visual clutter can be just as bothersome. A fridge covered with magnets, notes and photos can make a kitchen look messy. Instead, install cord board, chalk board and/or a magnetic panel on the inside of cupboard doors. This way the items will be easy to get to but will out of sight.
Finding additional storage
Storage is a problem in any size home. We have a lot of 'stuff' to house and not enough house for our stuff. Look for additional storage space to help you keep your space in order. Shoes are sometimes a problem. Under-bed storage containers are a good solution for this dilemma. The shoes that I wear most often are lined up on the edge of each step of the stairway leading to the loft. If your stairway is wide enough you can also store items like small bunches of books or stacks of CDs on the side of the stair as well. Just be sure you leave sufficient room so that you're not tripping on items on the stairway. The graduated wicker basket mentioned above can be used to house items in this manner as well. Closet organizing systems will help make the most of your small closet space. Take exact measurements so you can purchase a system that will give you optimum organization. If your cupboards have a covered bulkhead you may be able to remove it to gain additional cabinet top display space.
If you already use the bulkhead area for display I happened upon a household hint that may be helpful. The tops of kitchen cupboards get dusty and greasy and are difficult to clean. Layer the area with waxed paper. When it's time to clean the area you can simply remove the wax paper and toss it then replace it with a fresh layer for the next few months.
Enjoy your small space. A small castle is still a castle after all.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
