Trying to fit everything you need in a small space while making it look chic presents a significant challenge, but that’s what makes small space design so fun: you have no choice but to tap into your inner design resourcefulness to come up with clever solutions.
Designing small spaces is a central topic for designers.
“Small space design is a recurring topic for all designers – making the most of what you have never goes out of style. When we think of small space design, what we are actually doing is actually much more fundamental- we are prioritizing what truly matters and editing anything superfluous,” says Ann Squires Ferguson of Western Interior Design Group.
When we look at residential spaces, that means designing for the life you live, not necessarily the life you want, or perhaps more precisely, the life you want others to think that you already have.
“This means understanding that as much as you love having a guest room, knowing that you would use a private office on a daily basis versus having overnight guests a few times a year,” says Squires Ferguson.
Editing ‘Marie Kondo style’ can make your small space feel larger and function better because your movements aren’t being hampered by extraneous belongings.
These common sense, small space design ideas from Ann Squires Ferguson will help to make your space feel larger while maintaining style.
Activity based
Think of activities, rather than rooms, when laying out your space. Activities overlap, morph and share. Rooms are rigid. The activity of meditation can share with the activities of yoga, reading with your kids, snuggling the dog and painting that masterpiece.
Choose pieces that do double or triple duty
The convertible ottoman / table, or ladder / stool. The sofa bed is a classic for a reason!
Supplement small living spaces with storage
Cycle your summer and winter wardrobes out of your storage unit in Tupperware totes on a biannual basis.
Hang it!
The upper portions of our walls are dramatically underused. Think of high hooks for clothing, high shelves for books and momentos, and an art rail around the perimeter of your space to allow multiple pieces to be displayed simultaneously. Hang your desk.
Use reflective materials
Think glossy kitchen tiles and mirrors that will make your space feel larger, lighter, and airier.
Neutrals
Neutral; calm, and even-toned shades trick the eye into thinking they’re more spacious than they are.
Open Storage
Open shelving is a lovely way to honour and showcase your possessions while storing them.
