Just the "Right" Size...by Deb Gurley

With planning, small spaces can often allow for greater creativity in storage and function

As the holiday decorations are put away, stores turn our attention to storage and organization.

“A place for everything and everything in its place” has been organizational experts’ mantra for several years now. Some people believe you need a large house in order to have the space to be well organized, but that simply isn’t true.

The tiny house movement has increased dramatically in recent years, as people discover having a smaller home can mean less time spent on upkeep and maintenance and more time spent on living. Small doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style. With planning, small spaces can often allow for greater creativity in storage and function, while establishing a sleek interior. For example, an unused closet can be converted to a home office or craft center. Look for areas where you could have built-ins added, open shelving or obtain multi-functional furniture helping optimize storage without sacrificing design.

When pondering how to create a big space in a small home, imagination is key. Try to see beyond the existing, to find the possible. Which walls are load bearing and which can be removed to create a more open floor plan? Is there additional exterior space that you could create to be an extension of the home? How does the lighting, color scheme and artwork enhance your space?

The following steps can help you to create the space you want.

1. Establish your goals. What do you want to do with the space? If the kitchen has a limited number of cabinets, see if

there is a way to add a pantry cabinet or is there a closet that can be converted to allow both storage and a pantry. In bedrooms re-imagine a closet design by changing shelves and clothes bars to allow more clothes to be stored on bars of differing heights or in drawers.

2. Measure the space carefully. It is essential to a good plan. Consider doors and openings. Straight doors instead of bi-fold provide more space and could allow door shelving to be added. Don’t forget to look up. Too often we only concentrate directly in front of us, leaving higher spaces unused.

3. Do research. The internet is a great place to research for ideas to help get the creative juices flowing.

4. Draw out the plan to maximize the space and meet your goals. Review and tweak the plan to ensure the plan is workable. Pay attention to make sure items are visible and reachable.

5. Determine if the plan is DIY or if you need to hire a professional. Here again, the internet can be useful. There are many videos out there on DIY projects and a host of professionals willing to assist you.

6. Execute plan.

Now go forth and enjoy your small space that lives big!