Tiny Living - 5 Ways to DIY your small space BIGGER!

Let’s face it: Tiny living, no matter how convenient and affordable it is, has a tendency to feel cramped. Not everyone is lucky enough to call a 2,000 sq. ft. dream loft their home (no matter how much MTV tries to suggest that this is reality).

So for the rest of us one bedroom budget hunters and studio city dwellers, the ability to maximize space is priceless. While your landlord would likely frown upon physically adding more square footage to your temporary home. Check out these 5 ways to maximize your existing space.

Light Colors

Darker shades have a tendency to shrink a space, especially if they’re on the walls. If you’re allowed to paint your walls, opt for lighter neutral colors like white, beige, light gray, or sage instead of heavy colors like navy or charcoal. Save the dramatic palette for your house! Consider these lighter colors for other aspects of your space as well, including furniture, bedspread, shower curtain, and window treatments. Bright light fixtures and natural light will also help expand your space.

Hidden Storage

Wherever possible, hide or trash the clutter. Store your DVDs in the closet, your small kitchen appliances in the pantry, say goodbye to things you won’t miss, and use furniture with drawers and cabinets. One of the more creative furniture pieces that uses space effectively is a lift-top coffee table, which is both a storage space for things like throw blankets as well as a convenient eating surface. Another is a storage bench, which doubles as seating and extra space for things like shoes. Simply keeping your everyday items hidden helps cut down on the “busy-ness” of your room and makes it appear larger.

Mirrors

While it’s best to cut down on other, bulkier wall décor, adding large decorative mirrors is an effective way to give the illusion that your room is bigger than it is. Consider placing mirrors opposite of windows, but don’t over-do it! A room full of mirrors can get real confusing, real fast.

Change Your Layout

A crucial part of enlarging a living space is having it as open as possible. Re-locate as much furniture as you can up against the wall, and make sure all walking pathways are clear. Nothing says cramped like having to squeeze your way past tables and ottomans. Open floor plans have been an increasingly popular trend over the past few years; there’s no reason small space dwellers can’t join in on the fun!

Get Creative

There are thousands of simple, DIY projects to be found online. With a few quid and a bit of your time, you can create an efficient small space that will leave your friends jealous. Working with a tiny bedroom? Install your own floating nightstands. Does your bathroom storage leave something to be desired? Build your own chic medicine cabinet. Online blueprints for simple, beginner projects are everywhere; you don’t have to be a master carpenter to turn your tiny space into a home that looks double the size!