The desire for a spacious, well-organised home is universal, but let’s face it, extra square meterage is a luxury not all of us have. MAREE PEARY of Style + Soul says that a smaller space doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or functionality. The home stylist shares cost-effective ways to maximise space in your home.
Floating shelves
They are easy to install, require minimal investment, and offer functional storage while adding aesthetic charm.
Floating shelves can be used in the kitchen for spices and such likes, in living spaces for books, vases, photo frames, candles etc and in the bedrooms for knick-knacks and keepsakes. Or in bathrooms to accommodate candles, soaps, facecloths, and other handy bit n pieces for easy access.
Multi-functional furniture
Investing in furniture that serves multiple purposes can be a game-changer. Think of sofa beds, coffee tables with storage compartments like drawers or shelves, or ottomans that can also serve as seating.
These pieces can quickly transform a room’s purpose without requiring additional storage space.
A hinged lid ottoman is very useful for storage of kid’s toys, magazines, even extra bedding. A chair and hinged lid ottoman in a nursery is not only comfortable and functional for feeding bubs, but provides a space for nappies, creams and other essentials to be right at hand.
Trunks and chest boxes also serve well as coffee tables while adding additional storage.
Many modern lounge suites now come with hydraulic arms that lift easily and provide excellent storage under the seating.
Wall hooks and pegboards
These simple tools can be used in any room to hang anything from coats, hats to pots and pans. They come in various styles and materials, so you can choose ones that suit your decor. Wall hooks are a gem for hanging kids school bags too.
I’ve used this second-hand ladder to style in a restaurant where counter space was at a premium. Looks super cool, doesn’t interfere with a busy takeaway area and adds the desired styling effect. Ladders can be used to hang plants too in a bathroom, porch or in a sunroom.
Vertical garden
If you’re a plant lover with limited floor space, or counter space, consider a vertical garden. Use a simple wooden ladder or floating shelves to arrange your potted plants upwards, creating a vibrant, living wall. This adds character to your home without sacrificing floor space.
Fair Trade macrame jute plant hangers are ideal too. Plus, they come from sustainable resources. Plants in your home will help boost moods, productivity, concentration, and creativity. They also purify the air, reduce stress and fatigue and absorb toxins, increasing humidity and producing oxygen. From a styling perspective, they really do add life to sterile spaces.
Baskets and boxes
Baskets and boxes offer a place to throw bits n’ pieces and can be easily arranged into a hall cupboard, under a bed, in the garage, laundry and even the entrance way for shoes.
