As a society, living large has been embraced as a measure of success. One of the things we are always pressured by is the subtle coercion of BIG. Big houses, big cars, big everything. There’s a lot to lament about big. It’s costly, it’s wasteful, it’s demanding. Every square inch of that bigness needs to be maintained and financed. But today, with space being limited and rents sky-rocketing, a niche of truly tiny residences have started to gain favour too. Micro-apartments or studios are fast becoming a popular option for young professionals willing to forego square footage for a coveted neighbourhood.
The average square foot size of an American studio is anything between 500 and 699 square feet while a one bedroom apartment is between 700 and 900 sq foot. Opting for a small apartment no longer is just a matter of cutting purchase or rental costs. In fact smaller dwellings can be less expensive to heat, cool, maintain, furnish, insure etc.
But if you’re considering this option, you’ll need to be creative about how to utilize every square inch for living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to live without comfort and luxury. Multipurpose and space-saving furniture can transform tiny spaces into functional and comfortable areas. The info graphic below provides some simple tips on maximising space utilisation
First, forego most of your possessions (or put them in storage). For instance, for families with kids, you can donate their toys to charities or buy a dual purpose stuffed animal storage cum table where they can keep them.
Second, think of pieces that are multi-functional and not bulky. Moveable and foldable furniture minimize waste space when not in use. For instance, foldable desks and cabinets can easily disappear into walls or bigger cabinets.
Third, use storage walls, Compartments hidden in the wall increase and eliminate wasted floor space. Also use a sofa with storage space underneath cushions.
Fourth, make the most of cosy quarters with custom built-ins. Forgo freestanding furniture and try innovative storage solutions that can be built into walls or bed frames. Opt for movable walls. They not only eliminate clutter but also discreetly store furniture when not in use.
Fifth, the storage ottoman is one of the easiest fixes for adding more seating and storage. For example, use two affordable, faux-suede numbers on casters in the living room which could easily move around to provide extra guest seating while storing all kinds of odds-and-ends inside. In other words, one generous-sized ottoman can function as a seat, a footrest, a coffee table and a storage container.
Sixth, use space serving tables that increase usable surface. For example, stackable stools increase vertical storage. In fact some tables can even expand up to six times their original size.
Seven, open wall shelving enables the use of space from floor to ceiling. It also creates a sense of airiness in a small room.
Via: serenitylivingstores.com
