Small Space, Big Ideas
June 11, 2015
The average “urban” apartment is 982 square feet. Legally, some cities require a minimum size. In Paris it’s 29.52 square feet…we aren’t kidding. So, when living in a smaller space than a single family home, how do you get the most out of less space?
What’s Not Needed in the Apartment?
So, ask yourself this: “Would I want to save it in a fire?” This seems extreme but it’s actually very useful when deciding what to keep and what to dump. All those books on the book shelf? Really? Do you need that bookshelf? Are you dying to read “War and Peace”? What are the five things, other than your pet and wallet and keys, that you would want to quickly grab? Streamline first. This doesn’t mean getting rid of everything and living like a monk. But it does mean thinking hard about shoes you haven’t worn in 5 years.
Let in the Light
Light opens spaces. Not litteraly, but to your perception. Why do you need heavy curtains? You don’t. Or, have them during winter, change during summer. Regardless, having more light in the apartment helps and adding lights or lamps makes the space “seem” bigger.
Clear Pathways
Consider your body circulation. If a path is blocked, your body doesn’t do well. If your room is cluttered with furniture, you feel cramped. Think Feng Shui. Clear walk spaces within the apartment. You might have too much furniture! Even if you did have 20 friends over for a party, they all don’t need a place to sit. Make room for Twister! In the bedroom, what if you had a bed that hid your clothes underneath? Bye-Bye dresser!
Be Artsy!
You don’t need to be a Christie’s art buyer but having art on the wall adds dimension and creates space, just like adding light to the apartment. There are plenty of these kitsch stores around that sell prints of fancy art that will have your friends admiring your taste, not knowing you spent $5 on the Van Gogh. (They will, but they won’t say anything).
Make Your Apartment Vertical
Think about the wall space and go up. Yes, we told you to get rid of books you won’t read, but that doesn’t mean not having shelving that can hold plenty of things and keep them off the floor. Vertical storage is an easy way to create space. Again, only keep things you really, really, really want.
So…what say you? Do you have ideas or have you made some great hacks to your apartment space than turns it into a larger than life living space?