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10 tips for getting the most out of your tiny space


10 tips for getting the most out of your tiny space

Moveable wall dividers, like in the model suite at Urban Capital's Central Phase 2, are a smart way to separate rooms,

Photograph by: Handout photo , Urban Capital

Micro apartments and living small may not be gaining traction, but those of us who've bought into it still face challenges fitting into our homes.

"Living small does not mean that you are not living well," notes Domicile's David Chick, but it does require some thought and planning.

Whether that planning starts in the design stage, or must be tackled once you're moved in, "you need to think about how you live and how the space will work with your lifestyle," says decorator Kristi Blok of Kiki Interiors. "Storage isn't the only concern."

Here are 10 ways to make the most of your space, whatever its size.

1. Multi-purpose

It's a given that in a small space, things must do at least double duty. A dresser might also be your TV stand, while a den might become a spare bedroom. Having furniture that transforms from one thing to another is one of the best ways to get maximum value with a minimal footprint.

2. Think vertically

This is one of the easiest ways to create more space. Whether it's shelving stretched over doors and up to the ceiling or loft-like beds that are elevated, so you can use the space under them, thinking up is definitely the way to go.

"Going vertical will create so much more space than you ever thought you'd have," says Blok. It's also a smart way to draw the eye upward to create the illusion of volume.

3. Storage options

If closet space is at a premium, there are other ways to accommodate your stuff. Choose furniture pieces that can double as storage.

Even something as simple as wrapping your sofa in bookcases can make a great use of space, providing end tables, shelving, display areas and a defined space all in one shot.

Also look for space helpers that pack a lot of punch in a very small footprint.

The key is to use every inch to maximize storage, says designer Tanya Collins, like banquette seating with under-seat drawer storage. "It's not only useful as a spot to take off your shoes in a mud room, but the storage underneath can be useful for recycling boxes, boot storage or sports equipment."

4. Hide and seek

Concealed beds, whether in a wall or elsewhere, are a great way a room can serve two purposes: bedroom by night; living space by day. Other clever hidden solutions include a 130-by 85-centimetre hanging picture frame by Austria's Ivy Design that folds down into a dining table (about $2,500 through ivydesign.at).

By day, it's a piece of art, but at supper time, it flips down from the wall and becomes a table.

5. By design

A small space with high ceilings will always feel larger, as will a room or home that is designed with maximizing the available space in mind.

"It is critical to keep the kitchen and cooking area and appliances to an efficient minimum," says Chick. He recommends using smaller appliances and ditching the microwave if you can. "Try to open up as much space as possible for living and relaxing."

Pot drawers are more efficient in the kitchen, so include as many as you can, says Blok. They're also a great alternative when there's no room for a pantry.

Movable walls are another option, as are pocket doors and creating sight lines to expand the space. Urban Capital makes use of sliding walls to separate living and sleeping areas in its Hideaway condo building in Ottawa.

Another condo in the city, The Azure, features a single bathroom that is both powder room and master ensuite through a clever layout that can separate the toilet and vanity from the shower and walk-in closet.

6. Looks are everything

If there's less in a room to stop your eye, the space will seem larger. Clear glass or acrylic furniture lets you see through them, minimizing visual clutter and keeping a room airy. Mirrors are also great for giving the illusion of more space.

"A well-positioned mirror can act like a window to visually increase space and also throw light into a room," says designer Linda Nolan.

Other ways to trick the eye include hanging curtains from floor to ceiling or using stripes so the room feels tall and installing hidden door hardware, which helps cabinets to disappear.

7. Visual continuity

Stick to the same colour palette for your walls and furnishings; it helps fool your eye into thinking a room is more spacious. Along with that, keep your flooring consistent; the more you chop up a space with changes, the smaller it will feel. "Keep things light and bright; stay away from the 'man cave' look," says Nolan. Warm colours appear to make a wall advance, while cool colours recede, she adds.

Scale is important, too, she says. "The size and scale of the furniture has to be proportionate to the size of the room."

Also, use all the same storage containers, like Mason jars with labels or matching boxes, to keep open shelves tidy, says Collins.

8. Create zones

Particularly helpful in open-plan condos where the main living space serves several functions. Using subtle signals to denote each area's purpose helps you understand the room. Using an area rug, for instance, can mark the living room without the hindrance of walls.

Another option is to use a room divider. A partition creates the illusion of separate rooms and gives you a little break within your home, says Lam.

9. Declutter

This is good for any space, but particularly key when your space is small.

"Small spaces only look more hectic with items piled on top of each other. Avoid clutter to minimize stress and make your place seem more organized," says Lam.

It's an excellent opportunity to look at one's stuff and determine if you really need it all, says Chick.

10. Embrace your space

Just because a space is small or awkward doesn't mean it has to be non-functional, says Lam. A nook under the stairs can become the perfect reading spot or a great place for a mini-office. And make the most of your walls, adds Blok.

"Empty walls are valuable real estate ... and they can be used for much more than a place to display framed art," she says. From hanging pots or a peg board for display-worthy gadgets in your kitchen to arranging your jewelry as a work of art by hanging it on your bedroom wall, there are many options.

And don't forget about the basement, if you have one, says Matthew Sachs, general manager of Urbandale. "Smaller lots lead to homes with smaller footprints, which makes it more important to have comfortable and usable basements. Too often basements are suitable only for storage. If you make the basement livable, that really increases your usable interior space.

Small space solutions


Photograph by: Handout photo, Urban Capital

Small space solutions
Small space solutions
Small space solutions
Small space solutions

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