Decorating and Storage solutions for Small Homes

Living Big in Small Spaces

For those of us that live in smaller homes, making the space work can be tricky, especially if you have a family. Let's face it, we are a society that collects "stuff" and it is hard to keep that "stuff" from taking over our homes. While storage is always an issue in tight spaces, there are also decorating tricks to make compact homes feel more comfortable. Between storage and good design, modest spaces can live large.

Build it in When Possible

Bookshelves
Take them all the way to ceiling when possible. Remember, most bookshelves need only be 8"-10" deep. They can also store a lot more than books.

Beds
Instant coziness, just add a built in bed. Great for tiny kids rooms!

Benches
They can fit in the tiniest of spaces and open from the top or front. So many thing can be tucked away here - shoes, hats, gloves, extra paper towels, the crockpot...

Under Stairs
Often wasted square footage, the area under stairs offers amazing storage possibilities: rolling shelves, lockers, pull out coat closet.

Think Vertically

Cabinets or Shelves in Space Above Doorways
Often only 10" deep, these shelves actually disappear from the sight line. This is a great way to create storage in small kitchen or bathroom as well.

Storage Baskets Above Cabinets
In small spaces, don't overlook one square inch, especially above your head. Tucking things away in baskets and boxes keeps everything looking tidy.

Steal the Inches Beside a Staircase
Speaking of inches, it only takes a small amount of space to store platters, magazines, cookbooks...

Eliminate Bulky/Large Scale Furniture 

Oversized furniture, especially upholstered pieces, have no place in a small room. Look for furniture that has clean lines (nothing over stuffed). Many companies now carry "apartment size" furniture.


Show off Your Floor Space
Being able to see under furniture gives a feeling of spaciousness - think legs, especially on upholstered pieces.

White Window Treatments

Be it curtains, shades, or blinds, white brightens, adds light, and increases space.

Furniture That Does Double Duty

Chest of Drawers as Bedside Tables
You need a table here anyway, why not make it one that also stores your socks and underwear.

Ottoman Under a Table
Extra seating when you need it hidden away under a console or coffee table. Extra storage for hats and gloves or a great place to rest your feet.


Benches
They don't have to be built in to be useful - storage and seating all in one.

Storage Side Tables
Baskets with lids, old luggage, storage barrels all make excellent side tables especially when paired with a chair with legs.

Storage Bed
With so many options on the market, these are a fabulous solution for off-season clothes and items that are not often used.

EDIT, EDIT, EDIT!

Let's face it none of these things will make any difference if the "stuff" continues to come in and nothing goes out. The KEY to living in any small space is to edit your belonging. As William Morris said, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.”