Everyone dreams of a spacious home where every item has its place, space isn’t a hurdle, and the dwelling echoes a sense of tranquility. Unfortunately, the reality for many is a continuous struggle with limited space. However, with the right interior design strategies and smart storage solutions, your abode can transform into an organized, functional, and welcoming space, irrespective of its size.
Understanding The Significance Of Space
First off, it’s essential to understand why we yearn for more space. The average Singaporean home, approximately 667 square feet (according to ST Property), might seem spacious compared to homes in other countries, but the challenge lies in efficiently managing the available space.
Why do we feel constricted in our homes? The answer lies in our inability to design interior spaces effectively. We often waste space, hoard unnecessary items, and lack effective storage solutions. The good news, however, is that a few simple tweaks can drastically improve the roominess of your home.
Project: 465A Yishun Ave 6
The Magic of Storage
Storage is a game-changer when it comes to maximizing living space. As per experts, at least 10% of your home’s total square footage should be dedicated to storage. Yet, many homes lack adequate storage systems. The benefits of storage are manifold, and often, people are surprised at how much more room they have once they organize their homes efficiently.
Benefits of Extra Storage Space
Relocating Items
Some rooms in your house might lack space for extra storage. Smart storage solutions in other rooms can compensate for this. Moreover, when you reorganize your home, you declutter surfaces. Without adequate storage, these items might end up cluttering tabletops again.
Easy Accessibility
A well-planned storage system allows every item in your home to have its own designated spot. This organization saves time and reduces frustration, making it easier to share spaces with others.
Moving Becomes Easier
Proper storage simplifies the moving process. If everything in your home is efficiently stored, packing and unpacking become less time-consuming, items are less likely to get damaged, and you might even save on moving costs by requiring a smaller van.
Seasonal Storage
For those who love to decorate their homes, travel frequently, or live in weather-changing regions, a significant portion of their storage space is often dedicated to seasonal items. Extra storage allows you to store these items without sacrificing space elsewhere in your home.
Efficient Work Space
For those working from home, a cluttered environment can hinder productivity. Extra storage allows you to create a workspace tailored to your needs, ensuring that your rooms and storage work in your favor, not against you.
Ease of Cleaning
When items are inefficiently stored, cleaning becomes a tedious task. If every item has a designated place, returning it becomes hassle-free, resulting in less clutter and easier cleaning.
Protection from Theft
The average house break-in lasts for less than 10 minutes. Storing items neatly in drawers could slow down burglars, potentially leading to them leaving with less or getting caught.
Saving Money
How often have you bought something only to realize you already own it? Or replaced an item you thought was lost, only to find it later? Proper storage reduces such instances, saving money in the long run.
Protection from Damage
Storing items off the floor can protect them from damage in case of flooding, while storing items in drawers or cupboards can safeguard them from fire damage.
Project: 423A Northshore Crescent
Practical Tips to Maximize Space
Apart from efficient storage, several other strategies can help you maximize your living space. This section will provide tips for the most commonly used areas of any home: the bathroom, the kitchen, the living room, and the bedroom.
Optimizing Living Room Space
The living room is often the centerpiece of a home, a place where family and friends gather for leisure and socializing. Here are some simple changes that can make a huge difference to your living room’s space.
Mount Your TV
By mounting your TV on the wall, you can free up a significant amount of floor space. Moving items off the floor and onto shelves or walls makes a room feel larger and more open.
Opt for Exposed-Leg Furniture
Exposed-leg furniture, popular in Scandinavian interior design, imparts a sense of spaciousness to a room. Consider furniture with exposed legs for your couch, coffee table, and dining table.
Choose Art Wisely
Artwork can make your home feel unique and break up empty wall spaces. However, you need to choose art that complements the room and adds to its spaciousness. Instead of numerous small frames, opt for a single large artwork that covers roughly two-thirds of one wall.
Neutral Color Palette
A neutral color palette offers several benefits – it’s timeless, easy to match, makes the room look larger and more relaxing, and is easier to clean. When designing your room, consider your color scheme carefully to ensure it complements existing items.
Strategic Storage
Strategic storage can solve many of your home’s space issues. Installing storage in unused spaces like under the stairs or in oddly shaped rooms can significantly improve the functionality of your home.
Large Rugs
Rugs add dimension and visual interest to a room and can make it seem more spacious. Choose a rug that complements the room and is easy to clean.
Project: 147 Tampines Ave 5
Optimizing Kitchen Space
The kitchen is a space where many people spend a considerable amount of their time. Here are some tips to make your kitchen seem less cluttered and more spacious.
Utilize Open Wall Space
If you have empty wall space in your kitchen, think about how you can use it. Storing items on the wall rather than the countertop is more hygienic and visually appealing.
Install Magnetic Strips
In a small kitchen, magnetic strips, small hooks, and floating shelves can be a lifesaver. These tools provide alternative ways to store items, freeing up your cupboards and countertops.
Choose Light Colors
Bright rooms generally appear larger, so aim to make your rooms as bright as possible. Painting the walls with pale, soft colors can help achieve this effect.
Declutter Countertops
Cluttered countertops can make your kitchen look smaller. If you’ve followed the tips above and still struggle with clutter, consider storing items in other parts of the house or decluttering.
Project: 423A Northshore Crescent
Project: 147 Tampines Ave 5
Optimizing Bedroom Space
Even though we spend most of our bedroom time sleeping, a clean and well-organized room can improve sleep quality and relaxation. Here are some tips to maximize your bedroom space.
Multifunctional Furniture
Consider furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as a bed with built-in storage. This can help keep clutter levels to a minimum and save space.
Mini-Shelf
Swap your large nightstand for a floating shelf on the wall next to your bed. This saves floor space and allows you to keep only the essentials next to your bed.
Brighten the Room
A bright room can help you wake up feeling more refreshed. Consider swapping dark curtains for lighter ones, installing a mirror, and adding smaller lights and lamps to brighten up the space.
Clean the Closet
One of the best ways to maximize bedroom space is to clean your closet. If you find that your room is full of clothes that you no longer wear or don’t fit, consider organizing your closet and moving it out of the bedroom.
Light Window Treatments
If you want your bedroom to feel bigger, you may want to consider light and slim window treatments. Avoid dark, heavy-looking materials like velvet for your curtains.
Project: 419C Northshore Drive
Optimizing Bathroom Space
The bathroom, though small, serves several purposes. Here are a few tips to make your bathroom work better for you.
Use Over-the-Toilet Space
The wall above your toilet is often unused. Consider adding storage in this space. Just make sure the storage is high enough to prevent anyone from bumping their heads.
Free Up Floor Space
Freeing up floor space can make your bathroom look larger. Consider floating shelves as a way to utilize wall height for storage instead of having everything on the ground.
Add a Mirror
Adding a mirror can make a room look twice as big. Strategically position it to reflect light and give the illusion of depth.
Consider a Pocket Door
If your bathroom is small, consider a pocket door. These doors slide into the wall when opened, making them a great space-saving solution.
Tips for Staying True to Your Interior Design Style
As you work on implementing your chosen interior design style, here are some tips to help you stay true to your vision and create a cohesive, harmonious space:
Refer to Your Mood Board: Regularly consult your mood board to ensure your design choices align with your initial vision.
Stick to Your Keywords: Keep your chosen keywords in mind when making design decisions, and ask yourself if each choice aligns with your desired atmosphere and style.
Trust Your Instincts: Listen to your gut when making design choices. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and explore alternative options.
Be Open to Evolution: Remember that your design preferences and style may evolve over time. Be open to change and allow your home to grow and adapt along with you.
Conclusion
Living in spacious homes is a dream for many, but the reality often involves dealing with limited space. However, with the right interior design strategies and smart storage solutions, you can transform your abode into an organized, functional, and welcoming space. By implementing the tips shared in this guide, you can enjoy a home that feels spacious, despite its size. Now, it’s time to start transforming your space!
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our interior designer.
