If you feel that you would benefit from a little extra living space, you’re not alone. Of course, the simplest way to gain more space is to move into a bigger property. Unfortunately, this is also the costliest option!
The good news is that if you dream of a roomier home, but a move isn’t currently on the cards, there are other, more budget-friendly ways to accomplish your goal. The key here is to optimize the space you already have. That’s right, for a modest investment (and with a little DIY know-how and determination) you can make even the most cramped abode appear infinitely more capacious.
If you’re looking for inspiration, here are 10 of our favourite ways to create the illusion of a sprawling home …
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Purge your Home of Unwanted Clutter
Do you want to fully realize the potential of your current digs? Then it’s time to de-clutter. If you want to see results, filling a couple of bin bags won’t cut it. You need to explore every corner of your home and bag up anything and everything that’s broken, worthless, or no longer in use.
And, if you happen to stumble upon any hidden treasures or collectibles, these can be sold online for a tidy profit! For all the rest, hire a 12-yard skip and forget about the hassle of endless trips to the recycling center.
Depending on the size of your home and how long it’s been since your last big clearout, you may be able to accomplish this in a single day, or it may take several. Regardless of the timescale, we think you’ll agree that the results speak for themselves.
The Answer’s in the Mirror
Did you know that a few well-placed mirrors can make your home look larger? Not only that, they can make rooms appear lighter. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a home surrounded by scenic views, take advantage of this, by placing mirrors near your windows. Now you can appreciate the beauty of nature – and the perception of bigger, brighter rooms.
Rearrange your Furniture
The chances are, your current furniture layout isn’t making the best possible use of the available space. Move your bookcase, dining table, and cabinets around a little and you may be surprised by how different – and indeed, spacious your home now looks.
Add Staircase Storage
If your home features a staircase, you should make full use of its storage potential. Consider adding an under-stairs storage closet or a set of shelves to neatly stow your shoes, books, coats, umbrellas, files – and just about every other item that would otherwise clutter your home.
Box Clever
If your wardrobe is full to capacity and your favorite clothes hang in every corner of your bedroom, there are ways to make space, even if you’re not prepared to downsize your fashion collection. Simply investing in a few storage boxes for your clothes and shoes could make a world of difference.
Rest Easy with a Space-saving Headboard
Bedside tables can take up a lot of space, especially in smaller bedrooms. Consider investing in a headboard with inbuilt storage space to keep your usual bedside essentials. Ditch the bedside tables and you’ll be left with reams of extra space, without sacrificing storage.
A Twist on the Bunk Bed to Save Space
You know what else takes up lots of room? Beds! But, what if we told you investing in the right bed could help you save more of that space you’re craving? Offering a clever twist on the ‘bunk bed’ concept, today’s space-saving beds offer somewhere to sleep up top and a desk or storage area at floor level.
Repurpose Your Rooms
We often set up rooms for specific purposes, but remember, our lives change with time. For instance, if 15 years ago, you created a playroom for your kids who are now uni-bound, there’s no reason why that room can’t be repurposed as a home office or perhaps a more grown-up games room.
Upgrade Your Ironing Board
Traditional ironing boards can be heavy, cumbersome and take up rather a lot of space when not in use. Why not switch to a simple ironing mat – or if you can’t give up the board, upgrade to a model that’s built into the wall, so it can be folded away with ease.
Hide the Wiring
In many homes, wherever there’s a TV, there’s a mass of unsightly cables trailing along behind! Why not break with tradition and mount your TV to the wall? And, in order to conceal your cables, all you need to do is to drill two holes in the drywall to run them through. These can be discreetly placed behind the bracket where your TV is mounted. Now you have more living space and no longer need to worry about tripping over those tangled wires!
Ready to Start Making Space?
We hope you enjoyed our article and now have plenty of ideas for how to make the most out of your living space. Try just a few of the projects on our list and we’re confident your home will feel more spacious – and luxurious. No matter what you decide, we wish you the best of luck with your home improvement endeavors.
