About Small Living Spaces
Whether you're living in a college dorm or studio apartment, or even if you're simply looking to downsize your current home, you can easily transform small living spaces so that they feel anything but tiny. Although living in a small space is not for everyone, the benefits of close-quarter living are plenty. Likewise, you don't have to be cramped to do so. Unlike sprawling homesteads, studio apartments are generally within the heart of the city, situating occupants within close proximity to the bustle of downtown life. For those more accustomed to suburbia or rural life, small homes are often more budget and eco-friendly, saving homeowners money on upkeep while reducing their reliance on natural resources. Does this Spark an idea?
Simplicity
During a weakened economy, more people hold to the belief of "less is more." Although the average house size in the United States is approximately 2,500 square feet, there's a warming trend amongst those who wish to return to a simpler way of life. After all, big spaces require more time, effort and money, luxuries that many people can no longer afford. Luckily, there's a surge of businesses experienced in small-home construction. Jay Shafer, a designer who specializes in sustainable architecture and urban planning, is regarded as the authority on small-home design. He began the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company to meet the growing demand for small living spaces, and he offers floor plans ranging from 65 to 837 square feet. Consequently, Jay lives in an 89 square foot home that he designed himself.
Reclaiming
If your average-sized home makes a Tumbleweed Tiny House seems like a child's play fort, however, but you're still feeling claustrophobic in your current surroundings, focus on reclaiming your space. Most people have too much stuff, whether it's outdated clothing hanging in the closet or a collection of knick-knacks gathering dust on a bookshelf. One of the easiest, as well as least expensive, methods to creating extra room within small living spaces is to purge unnecessary items. Take a close look at every item in your home. If you haven't used it within the last year, get rid of it. And if you simply cannot get rid of it, consider packing it up and renting a storage unit.
Functionality
Aside from eliminating the things you don't really need, considering functionality is another important factor when creating room in small living spaces. Most people have heard the old adage, "a place for everything, and everything in its place," but not many people truly live by it. But if you keep that saying in mind when considering organize your small space, you'll see you have a lot more room than you think.
When possible, choose multi-functional furniture. Futons are an obvious space-saver, especially for the dorm or studio-apartment dweller where separate living quarters is not an option. Consider over-the-door shelves in the bathroom for storing towels and toiletries, and hang plastic shoe organizers over a child's bedroom door to keep track of small toys and art supplies. Store bulky sweaters and jackets in plastic storage containers under the bed if closet space is an issue. Likewise, install hooks by your front door where your family can hang their coats, bags and backpacks.
Because small living spaces are prone to ground clutter, focus on utilizing otherwise wasted wall space to get things off the floor. Many televisions can be easily mounted to a wall, clearing up the floor and creating the illusion of space. Similarly, books and magazines can be stored in wall-mounted racks beside couches and chairs. In the kitchen, where cupboard and counter space is prime real estate, install an under-the-range microwave and hang coffee mugs on hooks drilled to the underside of cupboards. In the bedroom, build a loft-type bed with a space for a desk below. If you have little room for a washer and dryer, purchase a combo unit that stacks one on top of the other.
Design
In small living spaces, lighting is everything; dark rooms just feel smaller. If possible, consider installing large windows and skylights to allow for as much natural light as possible to penetrate each room. Similarly, partitioned rooms make small living spaces feel more confined. Create a larger living space by knocking out shared walls. Of course, seek the advice of a contractor before undertaking such major changes.
Misconceptions
One of the biggest misconceptions of small living spaces is that plain white walls and sparse furnishings will make rooms seem bigger. When considering paint, you shouldn't hesitate to use color, muted or bold, if you can utilize it smartly. For example, you can create the illusion of separate areas within a studio apartment by painting each wall a different color. Or, you can paint just one wall a very dark color to create a sense of depth. Similarly, don't limit your furniture selections to bar stools and bean bag chairs simply to save space. Choose functional pieces appropriately fitted to the room's size; just be careful not to go overboard on furniture.
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