Utilizing Your Space

“Utilizing Your Space”

Whether you live in a mansion or a shoe box, there’s always a way to use the space to its fullest potential.

So first off you need to decide what the space is being used for – kitchen, living room, study, bedroom, storage, crafts, the list goes on. If it’s a multi-use space make sure you define which uses clearly as there will be a clever way to incorporate each of these uses into the space without letting any of them take over.

With larger spaces it is definitely easier to create a multi-use room but as rent prices soar, some of us need to be clever about the use of space.

The fundamentals for any small space are as follows:

1. Remember that a tiny room doesn’t have to hold only tiny furniture:

Sometimes with a small space, people avoid large furniture thinking it will dominate the room. Not true. One large couch can often be better than a small sofa and chair set.

2. Combine & Purge:

Don’t purchase any organizing supplies until you know precisely what needs to be stored. You can then cleverly save money on these items as you’ll know exactly what you need.

3. Use mirrors & glass to create reflections & bounce light around:

Making a small space seem grand depends on maximizing light. You can do that with a glass coffee table, rather than a wood or opaque one. You can do it by tucking mirrors into corners, and by hanging art in glass frames, which create reflections. Stay away from things that absorb the light.

4. Ensure that window coverings don’t cut off light when they’re open:

Hang curtains so that when they’re open, the entire pane is clear; open curtains should fall beside the window and not obscure any of it. Don’t hang curtains inside the window frame. Consider hanging curtains from the ceiling, rather than from the top of the window, which will add height (and some drama) to the space. Make sure you also get the length right too. A well-tailored set of curtains are an investment.

5. Think Vertically:

Whether you’re hanging art or shelves, or placing furniture, don’t let vertical space go to waste. Using it is practical, and it also draws the eye up, making a space feel more expansive than it actually is.

6. Clever Arrangements:

Make sure your furniture is arranged so that is uses the space properly and then think storage…in the living room, one of the busiest rooms in the house, you have things like televisions and cables, books, ornaments etc. Make sure everything has a place to live and in that place it lives!! This goes hand in hand with de-cluttering.

7. De-Clutter:

If it doesn’t have a place to live then in the charity bin it goes. Keep on top of paper work. This is one area where disorganization can get out of hand quickly. Think little and often.

8. Think Seasonal:

This about ways to change your space according to the seasons; small touches such as throws and blankets for winter (cozy), and fans and flowers for summer (fresh and clean). You don’t need big blankets all over the place in the throws of summer so make sure you store them away and have them out only when needed.

Frill & Whisper’s specialises in providing creative decorating ideas for homes. Browse our collection and get decorating while organising and de-cluttering your space.