Less Is More: How to Maximize Small-Space Living

Many residents of Coronado live in small spaces, such as back houses, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), apartments, or vintage cottages. Utilizing space effectively in these smaller environments maximizes functionality and improves comfort, aesthetics, and personal well-being.

As someone navigating the challenges of living in a studio apartment, I understand the hurdles that come with small-space living. Although it took some time to adjust after living in a much larger space for many years, I can confidently say that finding comfort and ease in a small space is not only achievable but also quite simple! For those navigating small-space living, here are five tips to effectively utilize your space:

Invest in Multi-Purpose Furniture: Look for pieces that serve more than one purpose, such as a sofa bed, a coffee table with storage, a dining table that can extend, and anything that is able to fold up when not in use. This helps maximize functionality without crowding the space.

Maximize Wall Space: Utilize wall-mounted shelves, tall bookshelves, and hooks to take advantage of vertical storage. This keeps the floor clear and makes the room feel less cluttered.

Declutter Regularly: Keep only the items you use and love. Regularly assess your belongings and donate or discard things you no longer need. This helps create a more open and clean space. I personally go through my entire closet, pantry, and kitchenware once or twice a year and donate anything I haven’t used in the last 6-12 months.

Use Light Colors and Mirrors: Opt for light-colored paint and furniture to make your space feel larger and more inviting. Bring in more personality through pops of color with accessories like art, pillows, throw blankets, or lamps. Adding mirrors can also create the illusion of depth and reflect light. In my studio, I have placed a large mirror that guests can see right as they walk into the living area; it reflects light directly from windows, creating the illusion of a much larger and brighter space.

Create Defined Zones: I like to use rugs and intentional furniture arrangements to define different areas within my space. If you have a studio, decorative room dividers are also a great way to add color and texture while defining separate areas of your space (such as an “office” or “reading nook”). This can help the space feel more organized and purposeful.