Living areas in confined spaces are always a challenge for homeowners whether you’re preparing your property for sale or have just moved in and trying to create the perfect nest.
Everyone loves the idea of a palatial, open-plan living area but sometimes the prevailing styles of home in our neighborhood, or your budget, just don’t allow that luxury.
Don’t be despondent: I have seen many remarkable transformations of living areas despite being challenged by the lack of space and along the way, I’ve made note of the tips and tricks that owners have used.
Here are some techniques and ideas that might be suitable for your home.
- Let there be light. Let as much light in as possible into your living room, including the use of skylights. Replace drapes with blinds that roll up above the windows.
- Avoid supersizing. Oversized couches and coffee tables, even giant flat-screen TVs, will shrink the impression of space you’re trying to create. Choose furniture that is sized to fit the room.
- Declutter – Make sure all the items in your living area have a purpose or pack them away. Remove anything that does not contribute to your enjoyment of the space.
- Hide and seek – Invest in concealed storage areas, as this will dramatically reduce the stress of trying to keep a perfect home while living a normal life. I’ve seen one owner build a small mezzanine area that provided storage space underneath it. Bespoke, built-in cabinetry is another great approach.
- Shelf life – Open shelving is a popular style. Always use floating shelves, rather than fixing big brackets to the walls. Don’t clutter the shelving. A nice balance of books, photographs and ornaments gives a room a homely feel.
- Pack it away – If your living area can handle a coffee table, then perhaps you might consider using a trunk instead. It will give you another storage option. Buy one that’s not too big or too high. A choice that sits at the height of the sofa or lower, would be best.
- TV technique – Hanging a TV on a wall is a common approach, but surrounding it with open shelving and even cabinetry will enhance the space. Built-in shelving can give you up to 40% more storage than free-standing cabinets.
- Hide cables – In tight spaces, electric cables must be kept out of sight. Cabinets around your TV will give you an opportunity to do this. Wire in your TV and entertainment boxes so their cables are hidden behind the wall.
- Be neutral – With color, you should stay away from anything too bold, especially if you’re preparing your home for sale. Buyers are often put off by risqué colors. A neutral tone will help shelving recede into the background. For example, white shelving against a bright red wall will look busy and reduce the impression of space.
- Nook strategy – Many smaller living areas have nooks or alcoves that can be a nuisance. Actually, this is a great opportunity to use them for a specific purpose. You might make yours a reading area, installing a dedicated chair and reading light. An alternative could be creating a small play area for the kids.