When you live in a small apartment, townhouse or house, finding extra space can be challenging. But there are quite a few ways of creating additional room without spending too much money.
By simply taking a careful look at the layout and incorporating a few clever space saving methods, you could have more than enough elbowroom. Here’s how…
1. Replacing conventional doors with sliding doors is a reasonably simple and affordable way to add on a bit of extra space. In fact, you could increase the space by as much as one metre.
Homeowners can find a selection of hollow-core and laminated doors and hardware at a local Builders Warehouse.
2. Where you need to divide up an open plan room or section off particular zones, rather than use large, bulky room dividers or partitions, consider using a low height shelf unit that incorporates storage.
A smaller unit will still provide the means to close off an area but will be less intrusive and still allow light to flow through.
3. Another option to consider is to remove your doors entirely. Once the door has been removed you could create an open archway or walkthrough, which visually enlarges the area and allows more effective use of the floor space.
4. When privacy is more important and a floor-to-ceiling closure is necessary, glass-panelled frames provide the same amount of privacy as brick walls or partition walling, but have less visual impact.
5. Take a closer look at the design and layout of the floor plan. Sometimes you may be surprised at how areas you thought were wasted space could be put to practical use. Storage shelves or cupboards under a staircase are a prime example of this.
6. Transform a small, underutilised balcony by adding some shelves at one end and storage seating at the other. You could have a quiet retreat right outside your home or a small home office to work from.
7. Speaking of a small home office, a small cubby hole, alcove or landing can be vamped up to provide a small study or place to work. Once again, shelving on the wall takes care of all the storage needs and allows for a small desk to work on.
8. Compact kitchens tend to feel cramped and closed in. Using the walls for storage is the ideal way to add extra storage without impeding on floor space.
9. Open shelves are fine if you are a bit of a neat freak, but closed cabinets provide a neat and tidy way to pack things away if you don’t want prying guest eyes.
10. If you’re handy with power tools, making your own built-ins is a great way for saving on valuable floor space. Built-in seating and shelving takes up far less space than conventional furniture and leaves more room for comfort.
11. Compact bathrooms are difficult to work with, especially if you don’t want to go to the expense of ripping out and moving everything. Home improvement stores offer a selection of sanitaryware that is specifically designed for small bathrooms.
Install a couple of narrow shelves and a long mirror and you’ll have a space that appears visually larger than it actually is.
12. If a tiny bathroom doesn’t have space for a much-needed shower, consider fitting a shower panel to the side of the bath and installing a shower extension. That way you have the luxury of bathing and showering without any added expense.
It’s all about evaluating the existing layout and seeing where a few minor changes can be made. A little creativity and imagination can go a long way towards adding more space to your small abode.
SOURCE: www.home-dzine.co.za
