The Space Age - Living Well in Small Spaces

Welcome to the small space ageCoffee tables in front of a sofa can take up precious
Compact living spaces are a boon for thecirculation space - stick to side tables or stools that
environment - lower carbon footprint and all that. But,can multi-function as extra seating and side
let's face it, small spaces are a hassle for those whotables.Other great furniture options for small spaces
like their clutter and a feeling of freedom. Modestare ottomans that double as storage boxes, coffee
luxury is all about doing the most with the space youtables that transform into dining tables, folding tables
have - so try these ideas on for size.that can be expanded when needed and coffee
Think on high.tables with storage underneath.
The window is the key to looking out at the worldMirror Mirror, make it big
from a small space, and most of us neglect the deadAdding more light and reflecting it around a room
space beneath a window - it could be used for areally does open up a space. Frosted glass doors
bookshelf or built-in cupboard.work to add a greater sense of space - and then
Most bookshelves, storage units and wardrobes areusing feature mirrors to bounce that light around
only 1.8 metres or so tall - leaving at least a gapingeven more can be a help. Glossy floor tiles or shiny
great storage possibility above them. The best longcabinetry are other mirror-like tricks to resort to if
term solution to living well in smaller space is to buildyou don't like mirrors.
everything in - maximise every centimetre of spaceLight right
by taking cabinetry to the ceiling and utilising the fullSmall white living rooms with lots of natural light can
width of the walls.be made to feel like a clinical waiting room if the
Open shelving is the cheapest way to build in extraartificial lighting doesn't complement it. Warm table
storage - and an artful eye can make it looklamps are an inviting lighting trick to make you feel
wondrous with vignettes of lovely collections orlike cocooning yourself.
books shelved in certain colour schemes and styles -Customising lighting for a small space is a great way
but the fact is that closed storage works better forto keep the floor area clear - think wall lights by the
most of us. Shoving the less attractive necessities ofbeds to save space on bedside tables or even lighting
life behind a closed door is way easier.the strip of wall behind a sofa in a living area.
Less really is more - so make furniture do doubleClutter Contol
duty.We all like our bits and pieces around us, but instead
The fact is that small spaces require greater restraintof trying to personalise your space with loads of
- you need to think twice before you bring morephotos, vases and ornaments - just have one large,
guff, stuff and clutter inside your front door. Thegorgeous collection in a well thought out display area.
best small spaces whittle their furnishing needs downIt will add visual impact and keep the room looking
to the bare, functional necessities. Maybe you onlyless cluttered.
need one sofa and a special chair rather than anAs for space-saving, don't forget to use the backs
entire lounge suite? And only four compact diningof doors for hooks or small baskets. And inside
chairs around a small table rather than the grandwardrobe doors is another great place to add hooks
antique formal dining suite?for belts and bags. And make like Carrie Bradshaw in
Raised sofas on small legs make the floor spacethe kitchen, and use your oven as extra storage
seem larger than a sofa that's upholstered all thespace. You might not want to put jumpers in it (like
way to the floor. And super-low sofas help a smallshe did) but you can store your baking trays and
room feel bigger - but could be harder to hauldishes in the oven.
yourself up out of after a long TV-watching session.