COMPACT LIFE
Ingenuity and intelligence are the two prerequisites for comfortable living in a compact space. Rising property rates have led to ‘packaged’ living spaces, which in turn has made housewives and designers think of ‘out-of-the-box’ solutions, so as ‘not’ to compromise on comfort and luxury . Certainly, the constraints imposed by lack of space can be overcome with clever design and a thoughtful approach.
Creative solutions, such as introducing horizontality to your décor, can make smaller spaces appear larger, creating an illusion of expansiveness and vastness. The use of horizontal blinds in cabinets, closets and openings can be a way of introducing horizontality and so can the introduction of low-height furniture, with a clean linear geometry.
Introducing levels into your design scheme and consequently creating gaps between spaces could be another method of tricking the eye. Thus, spaces can be cleverly designed, without the unnecessary introduction of walls. Another time-tested method is to allow the outside to blend in with the inside and to let abundant natural light pour into living spaces with the use of large transparent openings. Thinking minimalist and doing away with redundant clutter won’t do any harm either.
Painting and lighting are among the most cost-effective means of opening up a compact space. Using neutral colors like whites, beiges, and pastels on the walls along with contrasting dark floors can bring the necessary lightness, making the area look more spacious. This, coupled with plenty of natural light coming in, can really add to the quality of natural light. Adding lamps and visual tricks like mirrors can also make the room appear larger.
CHOOSE FLEXIBILITY AND VERSATILITY
Convertible multipurpose furniture allows the desired flexibility that compact spaces seek. From the all-too-common ‘futon’ that is a bed at night and a sofa by day to lesser-known coffee tables that open up to full-fledged benches, today’s market is awash with products that scream ‘multi-purpose’ loudly. high. Furniture brands like IKEA have the perfect furniture you are looking for for a smaller living space. The overhead cabinets and pull-out drawers installed under the bed frames work seamlessly and blend naturally into a clean, minimalist design. Benches can be ideal for smaller seating areas and drawers can be conveniently installed using the space below them. The use of bunk beds in the children’s room can increase the available space and create space for play areas and reading corners.
Simpler things like the dual use of a stool as a nightstand or a storage ottoman as a coffee table can make small but productive contributions. Another good example is accommodating your wine storage unit under your coffee table.
ORGANIZED SOLUTIONS
‘Cassette stairs’ are the next big thing that allow the use of empty and unused space under the stairs. For ultra-compact spaces, one can take inspiration from a bunk bed, the difference is that instead of the lower bedrooms, try accommodating a small sleeping area with a portable ottoman. Therefore, you can use these levels in a completely new and innovative way.
Moving beds are another thing to consider. They come with a self-supporting structure that makes getting on and off easy and practical. Once the bed is not in use, you can raise it to the ceiling and the space below can be converted into a living room, library, or whatever use you like. And for those who really go ‘out of the box’, there are beds that disappear into the walls and dining tables that fold neatly into the wall and form a classic work of art.
If a staircase is required, consider using a spiral staircase as it can help you create multiple levels while taking up the least amount of space.
MAKE THE MOST OF WHAT IS AVAILABLE
The key to living in a compact space is to use every square inch to its full potential. Consider buying furniture and storage that isn’t oddly shaped. Pointed edges or even circular shapes need more space and are difficult to stack next to a wall unused. Simple geometries such as squares and rectangles can be perfectly placed in a smaller space and are therefore perfect for use in such spaces. Also, try to go for furniture that looks light and airy, as something heavy can become too overwhelming in a compact home.
BE SELECTIVE AND INVEST IN WHAT ‘FITS’
As you pick up household items, have a smart and selective eye. As hard as it may be to resist alluring temptations, try to buy things that last longer and are flexible enough to adapt to your changing lifestyle over the years. Some very good examples of this are a range of children’s furniture available today. There are these stylish cribs that convert to adult seats once the child has grown. If you explore a little more, you will come across high chairs that convert into a proper desk and chair, thus growing and adapting to your child’s needs.
To summarize, it can be said that living in a compact space does not necessarily mean living in claustrophobic conditions. All it means is that with a little thought and smart design, you can make a smaller space a very comfortable place to stay. Not forgetting that compact, cluttered spaces encourage snuggling up with loved ones.
