The Style Files
My thoughts on design, writing and entrepreneurship.
Photo credit (background): www.pexels.com
Photo credit (background): www.pexels.com
Small spaces can be very charming. Photo credit: www.pexels.com With space at a premium, it's important to know how to design for smaller quarters. People want their houses or apartments to feel pleasant yet practical. Here are some tips for making the most of a small space! 1. Get rid of extras First things first: you've got to get rid of your garbage. It's a lousy job but somebody's got to do it! Think of it as your first step to freedom. No one likes rearranging their shoe rack or trying on every pair of pants from the past ten years but believe me, editing is EVERYTHING. You'll be surprised what you have and be happy to part with lots of it! Time to go through everything! Photo credit: www.pexels.com 2. Invest in the right furniture Have you noticed that furniture you had as a kid was a lot sturdier and heavier than what's on the market now? Part of that is due to our mobile lives where ease and speed are paramount. If you want your space to be even more accommodating, consider options that can be easily folded and tucked away. Examples: Murphy beds, foldable drying racks, wall-mounted folding desks and inflatable mattresses for guests. Wall-mounted folding desks are perfect for small spaces! Photo credit: www.urbanoutfitters.com 3. Buy small whenever possible Even though Americans insist people go big or go home, sometimes it's really not the size that counts. A miniature steamer or half-size ironing board will save you space and still get the job done. What apartment dweller needs an industrial vacuum, anyway? Always shop with your space in mind. 4. Give up your Costco membership That's right, I said it. Too far? Now that you've decided to lead a life with a smaller footprint, it's time to give up your bulk-buying ways. Maybe do a final run for sentimental value or to stock up on a few things you know you'll need (and have room for). For anything else, a pack of 6 will suffice. When in doubt, go for fewer than 100. Photo credit: www.pexels.com 5. Think like a line cook Anyone who's worked in the restaurant industry knows that industrial kitchens can be small spaces. Efficiency is key! Using your space wisely means keeping everything in its place and having frequently-used items within reach. Avoid multiples, visually cluttered counter tops and sloppy cupboards and make your main tools instantly accessible. Your kitchen doesn't need to be this fancy to use smart strategies. Photo credit: www.pexels.com 6. Go digital If you haven't started by now, you're a little behind. Why not use Covid time to update your records? Go through old paperwork, convert important documents to a digital format and shred the rest. Some of your books need to go, too, tbh. Time for an upgrade! You got this. Photo credit: www.pexels.com 7. Don't give up on plants! Just because you live in a small space doesn't mean you can't have greenery in your life! Especially in a city, houseplants or herbs can add a touch of nature you might not have outside your window. There are lots of plants that are suitable for windowsills or radiators and others that stay small or grow slowly. Remember, the idea is to make small spaces inspired and beautiful! 8. Adopt a rainforest strategy Think of it this way: rainforests grow in four horizontal layers. (Can you tell I wasn't a science student?) You might not have enough space to fit in more than two or three but adding shelving or stackable containers can dramatically boost closet space. There's often room to hang clothes, house shoes underneath and stack some jewelry boxes up above. By the end, you'll have created your own personalized ecosystem! Take nature's lead for a smart closet strategy! Photo credit: science4fun.info/rainforest/ 9. Say goodbye to family heirlooms or single-use gadgets I know you love your grandma and family heirlooms are near and dear to your heart. Still, think about saving one and gifting the rest. If you live in a studio, there's no way you need a waffle iron, food dehydrator or other single-use space hogs so clear out some kitchen space ASAP. Photo credit: www.reviewed.com 10. Do a seasonal refresh If you want to waste less time in the morning getting ready for work, it's a good idea to reorganize your closet every season anyway. Even if it's just a matter of swapping out beach gear for fall coats, you'll have what you actually need right in front of you. Keeping an eye on what you have means your clothing will be less likely to overwhelm you or waste valuable space for no reason. It's a win-win! This closet needs a refresh... and some more colors! Photo credit: www.pexels.com There's a lot you can do to rethink a room. As captain of the ship, what you think and do is what matters most when it comes to your own living or working space! These ideas are by no means exhaustive and can be expanded on or adjusted based on your own personal preferences.
Can you think of any other tips for tiny living? Do you have any pictures to showcase how you tackle the problem? Feel free to leave a comment down below to let me know what you think. See you next time!
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AuthorHi, my name is Martha Oschwald and I'm a content writer focused on design. This page is meant to give you a taste of my writing style and latest musings. Archives
April 2022
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