Genius hacks to makeover a small living space

Getting creative with your fit-out is key to living comfortably in a small space. While it’s easy to look around a small apartment and decide it’s just too small for our needs, a few tweaks and tips can make all the difference.

Consider space-saving options like these:

• If you have one, you can use the underside of your staircase as a bookshelf, storage area, or even a tiny home office.
• Mount bike hooks on the wall and hang folding chairs from them to easily access extra seating when guests come over.
• Install a fold-away desk that only takes up space when in use.
• Similarly, a fold-away kitchen bench offers easy access to extra bench space in a small kitchen without taking up valuable space when it’s not in use.
• Sliding doors have a far smaller footprint than regular doors, so they’re an excellent option for wardrobes in small bedrooms.
• Make use of nooks! Floating corner shelves are a great way to store things off the floor.
• Pegboards in entryways and kitchens, as well as around desks, can help minimise clutter.

Another worthwhile option for small spaces is to invest in multi-use furniture. Consider options like:

• Ottomans or benches with built-in storage are ideal; add a sturdy wooden tray to turn them into a makeshift coffee table.
• Bed frames with built-in storage for linens or kids’ toys.
• A sofa bed makes having guests over effortless, even without a guest room.
• Nesting side tables or coffee tables are trendy and functional. Plenty of them include storage.

You’d be surprised how significantly design choices can impact the perceived size of a room. The right choices can transform a small space from feeling cramped and overwhelming to welcoming and relaxing.

Design and structure

Interior walls can make a space feel smaller. Consider removing some interior walls (if possible) and taking an open-plan approach. Use open shelves, room dividers, or rugs to visually separate areas like the kitchen, living room, and dining space.

Paint choice also makes a big difference to how a space is perceived. Painting just the far wall shortens a room optically, and dark paint on all walls and the ceiling makes it seem far smaller than it is. Lighter paint tones on the walls and ceiling have the opposite effect, visually opening the space and giving the illusion of roominess.

Custom-built furniture is an investment but can significantly enhance a space’s functionality. If your space is too small for conventional furniture, it’s a great option. Use our directory to find a local trusted cabinet maker who can design and build one-of-a-kind furniture specific to your space.

Decor and furniture

Blocky furniture can make a small space feel cramped. Visible legs on larger pieces, such as sofas, armchairs, and bed frames, create the illusion of more space and make it easier to place centrepieces like rugs.

There’s untapped potential right in front of you—the walls. Floating shelves and wall-mounted cabinets maximise your home’s vertical space, keeping the floor clear while providing plenty of storage.

A large, wall-mounted mirror will reflect light and make a room feel lighter, but only if it reflects a light source. To maximise this effect, place a mirror opposite a window. Glass has a similar impact, so consider this when choosing decor and furniture like dining tables and coffee tables or accessories like vases and artwork.

There are plenty of ways to make a small space look and feel bigger, but some common mistakes can also hamper your efforts without you even knowing you’re making them.

• Open shelving can easily overwhelm a small space and make it look cluttered. Opt for doors on shelves or use opaque storage baskets.
• Relying solely on overhead lighting can cast dark shadows and make a space feel flatter and smaller. Layered lighting lessens this effect, so choose standing lamps, desk lights, and under-cabinet lighting instead.
• Overfilling the space will make it look smaller, so remember to leave some open areas. Not every inch of the floor needs to be used!
• Heavy curtains that block light make a room feel smaller. If you need to block out light, choose curtains in a light shade or opt for blinds.
• Pushing all your furniture against the wall might feel like it’s saving you space, but leaving some negative space around a few pieces of furniture makes a room feel lighter and larger.

Last but not least, keeping your space tidy is paramount. A messy space feels smaller than a tidy one, so tidying and avoiding clutter is key.

Small spaces might feel more challenging to work with, but they have endless potential. Lean into your small home’s unique features to express yourself and create a cosy, welcoming home that feels truly yours. If you feel overwhelmed by your small space, consider hiring an experienced interior decorator to help you make decisions that maximise it.