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Making the most of the space you have
My kitchen is small. Really small. In fact, you can barely get two people in there working together. That got me to thinking about small spaces and how to make the most of the space you have. Every home has at least one room that we wish were just a bit larger. And if you live in an apartment like me …. Well, that just might be every room in the place!
Apartment living has definite advantages: maintenance and landscaping is taken care of, a rec room available for large gatherings, playground for the kids, convenient to shopping and schools, etc. The list goes on and on. But there are some real disadvantages, as well. Rooms in apartments tend to be smaller, as do closets; little or no extra storage space; you're not allowed to paint the walls or trim; limited out door spaces, like patios or yards. Having lived in apartments for almost 18 years, I have learned a few tricks to make the most of my available space. And since most places have some restrictions on decorating, I've picked up a few tips on that as well. So, let's talk about big ideas to make your small space seem larger.
First, let's discuss the biggest challenge of living in a small space - storage, or the lack of it.
Most places being built today have larger closets and some have even included outdoor storage to their plans. But there are still plenty that don't (and I'm willing to bet that is where most of us live). Before you can begin to figure out how and where to store things, you have to wade through your sea of belongings. A daunting task, I know, but one that will make the rest of the job a whole lot easier. I know what you are thinking. This is supposed to be about storage and not about organization! Actually, the two go hand in hand. When storage is at a premium, you have to be organized. If you aren't, the clutter will take over and you will never find room for it all.
Only you can decided what stays and what goes. Should you come across an item you are unsure about, set it aside in a box to go thru later. If, in 6 months, you find that you haven't used it, it's probably safe to say that you don't need it anymore. I find it helpful to have a few boxes on hand when going through stuff: one for trash, one for charity/donation; and one for things I actually need to store. There are a few basic guidelines that I follow and you can use the same criteria for sorting though things: 1. If you haven't used it or needed it in over a year - toss it 2. If you don't really love it - toss it 3. If it is broken or has missing parts - toss it I won't get into any more detail than that, but you get the general idea.
Now, as far as actual storage goes, you have to learn to be creative in a small space (which if you are like me, can be quite a challenge). So, I am going to take you one idea at a time through different options. Most of these can be used in more than one room and usually are. And I'll try to give you specific examples as I can to help those who need a more concrete picture.
Tables - Everyone needs them and uses them. And there are quite a few ways to get a table out of items normally used for other things, while giving yourself some much needed storage space. A great way to provide this is by using benches, chests, filing cabinets and trunks as tables. All of these can be easily painted and decorated to match your décor, or you can throw a simple tablecloth over them. Trunks make great coffee tables. Topped with a piece of glass or a scrap of fabric, they have lots of room inside to store just about anything. Decorated filing cabinets have lots of uses besides somewhere to put your paperwork. They can be painted any color you want or left the way they are. Painted, they make fun nightstands, while giving you a place to put your books and other things. Or use as end tables. Put two together, top with a piece of wood, cover with a table cloth and now you have a table with a place to store extra kitchen stuff! I have one that my husband keeps his computer stuff in. Benches and bench seats are great for use as additional seating (just top with a cushion) and also serve as a place to put toys, linens or out-of-season clothes. Throw some pegs on the wall above and now you have a place to hang coats, keep umbrellas and to put other outdoor gear near a door.
Book cases, armoires and shelving units are almost a must in small living areas and are probably the most common items used. With or without doors, all of these are excellent ways to increase storage. I actually have an old armoire in my living room. After adding some stackable drawers to the clothes hanging side, I now have an attractive extra pantry! (OK, maybe it's not really attractive, but it is very functional and with the doors you can't see the mess!). Consider putting small bookcases or dressers inside a closet to create an instant closet organizer. Shelves on walls give you a place to put pictures and knick-knacks; placed in a closet, they give you more space for clothing. But you can also place them strategically to use for your stereo and CD's, toys, spices, etc. wherever you need just a little extra space.
Baskets can be both beautiful and functional. Use them in the bathroom to store towels, soaps and other bath items. Baskets keep items conveniently in one place, off the counter, and they look nice. Hang them from the ceiling in the corner to free up even more space. If you have hidden nooks in the kitchen, hanging baskets are an ideal way to store potholders and kitchen towels or fruits and vegetables. I have a decorative basket on my kitchen counter that I use to hold bread, buns, tortillas and such. Use baskets in the bedroom or living room for books and magazines. Consider a big standing basket with a lid as a laundry hamper or even a place to keep toys. Small ones on a desk are ideal for pens, paper clips and other office supplies. This doesn't even touch on using them as decoration. The possibilities are endless.
Consider using old kitchen cabinets, which you can find at salvage yards and dumps. Cleaned up, they make great end tables while providing a lot of space. They can be painted, stained and decorated just about any way you want. This is wonderful idea for adding storage and can be used in just about any room. I find these great places to put those bulky blankets and comforters, just remove the center shelves. These cabinets can also be set on a base (to give them height), wheels attached, put a top on them and now you have a kitchen island! Neat idea, huh? (Saw that one on TV.)
As you can see, there are lots of ideas for storing things if you use you imagination and creativity. By seeing things a little differently, you can make you small space seem more spacious.
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson is a moderator and community leader at www.BabyUniversity.com and lives in Texas with her husband and two children. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics, with her main focuses being home improvement & decorating, saving money, being a SAHM and general home care. Currently she is the Co-Editor of the At Home with Baby University Newsletter. Feel free to contact her at bspagnola@ev1.net with any comments.
About the Author
Brenda Spagnola-Wilson is a SAHM who lives in Texas with her husband and two children. A published freelance writer, her topics most often focus on home improvement & decorating, living a frugal lifestyle, being a SAHM, general home care and day-to-day life. Currently she is a moderator and community leader at www.BabyUniversity.com and the Co-Editor of the At Home with Baby University Newsletter. Feel free to contact her at bspagnola@ev1.net with any comments, questions or suggestions.