JOIN USThose living in smaller homes always have the anxiety about how they will live comfortably in the available space. Fortunately, with a few simple ideas, one can transform the humble abode into something which looks spacious and livable, without it looking crammed. While the available space cannot be increased, with some imagination, the residents can make it an easy and comfortable place to carry on their daily routine without any problems.
Reinventing your space
These innovations are easy on the purse and could be implemented without any major structural changes. A few ideas that provide simplicity as well as functionality could be easily tried. So, here are a few to help you get started:
As the kitchen is the room where a lot of time is spent, it should ideally allow safe and easy movement. The equipments should be carefully placed in such a way that they do not hinder movement and are easily
accessible. A built-in space provided for the refrigerator would free space in the front. Kitchen cupboards could be utilised to keep vessels and food items at a convenient place that is within easy reach.
Normally, the LPG cylinders can be kept outside or it can go under the kitchen shelf, where a spare cylinder could also be placed. Moveable trays under the kitchen shelf are helpful in keeping various items needed for daily use within easy reach. A kitchen worktable with a polished granite top, can work as a working area and double up as a dining table, if required. Foldable cutlery could be easily kept in a container.
If you are to keep your TV in a living room, it would be a good idea to keep the flat panel TV screen or a TV set on a wall mounting. That would provide better
viewing and with remote controls, they would be easy to operate too. A sofa-cum-bed would provide the place to sit and act as a bed when needed, especially if there are guests. A box-type sofa has space for storing bed linen, blankets and so on.
As for cots, why not consider bunk beds for your children? Kids quite like the idea. And if you do have space beneath the cots, it could be used to store items that are needed frequently. But do make it a point to clean the space regularly.
It is usual to provide loft space and place for cupboards during construction, which are space-saving ideas. Cupboards can be built into these spaces; they look elegant with laminate finish and are easily accessible too. The loft space could be utilised to store items that are needed infrequently. It is better to cover the loft space with shutters to avoid dust and make it look better. A foldable ladder can be placed at a convenient place or under the cots — any place where they can be put to use readily when needed.
Those with staircase inside their homes can utilise the available space under it in several ways. Shoe racks, book shelf, storage space and drawers can be fitted, thereby utilising the available space in a novel manner. Similarly, corner spaces can serve as space for keeping curios and readily-needed items such as magazines, remote controls, and so on.
Foldable tables do not occupy much space and can be set up easily. A foldable frame can also be used for drying clothes.
It is amazing what simple, innovative ideas can do to transform available space in several ways that are functional yet aesthetically appealing. It doesn’t always take fancy add-ons and an interior designer to transform a small space. You just have to think out of the box!