Make More of Less
When it comes to apartment living, it’s not how much space you have but how well you use it. For many people, the benefits of living in an urban area outweigh the inconveniences of residing in a minuscule 400-square-foot apartment. While a tiny footprint can be challenging, there are plenty of ways to make it work—and work well.
Armoire Antidote
Think your place is too small for a home office? Think again. Beautiful and functional, an armoire-turned-home-office may be just the thing to remedy your spatial dilemma.
On the Double
If apartment space is at a premium, make your furniture serve double duty. Place a wooden chest or bench at the foot of your bed and use it to store clothing and blankets, or provide extra seating.
Look Up
When there’s no more room to spread out, spread up. Make the most of your apartment’s wall space by hanging shelves as high as 18 inches below the ceiling in any room.
Stay in the Clear
Besides giving your apartment a clean, modern appearance, clear acrylic, or Lucite, furniture takes up less visual space than traditional wood pieces.
On the Ledge
If your bathroom is feeling cramped, you can create extra storage space by mounting a shallow ledge near your sink. Use it to hold lotions, face wash, toothbrushes, and other items you use daily; store the rest of your toiletries in decorative baskets or out of sight.
Keep It Light
Light colors don't necessarily mean pastels, but they do mean the illusion of a larger room. Painting your walls in a shade anywhere from a pristine white to a sunny yellow is an easy fix that makes any room seem airier and more open.
Hang It!
Mirror Illusions
Borrow a trick from the world of magic by placing a large decorative mirror behind a sofa or bed. The mirror not only frames the furniture, it instantly creates the illusion of a much larger space.
Divide and Conquer
Beyond just holding books, magazines, and artwork, a strategically placed bookcase can act as a room divider that helps define a space. Two rooms for the price of one!
Embrace the Light
Even a small room will appear large when flooded with natural light. If you have few windows, consider installing blinds or shades that will soften rather than block the light. Also, avoid large pieces of furniture that can prevent light from filtering through the space.
For More...
If you're interested in more on storage solutions, consider:
Get Organized: 20 Clever Ideas for Repurposed Storage
Top 10 Clutter Hotspots-- and Quick Tips for Tackling Them
15 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big
Martha Stewart
Don't Miss!
If you have the money to hire a handyman for every household woe, go ahead. But if you want to hang on to your cash and exercise some self-sufficiency, check out these clever products that solve a million and one little problems around the house. Go now!
