Consider the potential of every centimetre of space in your home and you’ll not only transform your abode from an under-utilised property to an ultra-efficient one, your well-ordered home will appeal to possible buyers who are looking for a calm and organised place they can move straight into. Here’s some useful hints and tips for making those awkward areas in your home work harder.
Firstly, storage in every room is key to creating a calm home that flows well. Buyers are often put off by cluttered homes that feel busy and chaotic, so finding a place for everything should be your mantra. A great solution for small spaces is custom-built bench seating that can provide bucket-loads of storage space underneath. Whether it’s a window bench, a bench in an alcove or a booth-style bench in a dining area, ensure the hidden storage can be accessed easily via a lift up lid or by baskets tucked neatly underneath. Similarly, recessed shelves that are inset into walls – think neat shower wall storage – are also a great way of adding extra storage space in tight areas.
It’s possible to give the illusion of more space, and in turn attract more buyers, thanks to some clever styling and decorating tricks. Flooding a room with natural light will always make it feel larger, so keep window treatments minimal to bring the outdoors in, and stick to neutral wall colours that reflect the sunlight. Mirrors are also great at reflecting light and bouncing it around the room, making a small space feel double its tiny size.
Raising a ceiling might seem a like a large job but the results will be, literally, far-reaching. Likewise, stealing space from an under-utilised cupboard, or moving a wall back 1m into a hallway or guest bedroom can completely transform a tiny room.
Decor plays a huge part in creating a calm and ordered home. A home can be full of accessories or treasures yet it can still feel relaxed and spacious thanks to cohesive room schemes that flow seamlessly from room to room. If you stick to neutral wall colours, you can bring interest with pops of bright hues and cosy tactile textures in accessories, such as cushions, vases, rugs and lighting.
Keep narrow hallways free from furniture to emphasise the room available, and add space enhancing features like a striped runner, to elongate a slim passageway. Similarly, in compact laundry rooms, stick to a sleek and streamlined look to make it feel bigger. Consider building the washing machine into a purpose built cupboard or maybe fitting a door across it to keep the room clutter-free.
Another visual trick to consider is the use of lines in a small space. Vertical lines on the wall, such as stripy wallpaper of V joint lining boards, will make the space feel taller, while bold horizontal bands make it feel wider.
