The Ultimate Guide to Designing a Functional Small Space

Small spaces can feel like a bit of a nightmare when you’re struggling for ideas on what to do with them. It often requires some creative thinking to strike that perfect balance between underutilised and over cluttered. From weird corners in oddly shaped rooms to a small kitchen in need of ideas, all little spaces deserve a chance. These tips offer some inspo on how to kit out even the smallest nooks in your home and make them fully functional.

UNDERSTAND THE LIMITATIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES 

When you’re working with limited space, you need to be as economical as possible with what you’ve got. It helps to understand the limitations you’re faced with and recognise the opportunities when they present themselves. For example, incorporating too much stuff will just make things feel too cluttered. There’s a fine line between cosy and chaotic, so embrace the opportunity to go minimalist. Another limitation comes in the form of colour choices- light shades are ideal because they give the impression of space and openness. Dark hues make the room feel small and hemmed in.

STRATEGISE THE LAYOUT TO OPTIMISE FUNCTIONALITY AND FLOW

When it comes to small house design and layout, your focus should be on how the space functions and flows. Break up your room or space into zones and assign each one a function or purpose. If you’re organising a small kitchen, map out an area for prep, one for cooking and another for washing up. If it’s a bedroom with a home working setup, consider how the bed is best suited for the darkest corner, while the desk should be in the lightest spot. It’s also important to leave space between items where you can afford to. Avoid crowding out furniture to make your space flow.

EXPLORE SPACE-SAVING FURNITURE SOLUTIONS 

Think carefully about your small space furniture, both in terms of the design and its practicality. Heavy, chunky styles are a no-go; space-saving furniture needs to be sleek and lightweight. Anything that’s raised on narrow legs will give the impression of space; being able to see the floor running underneath a piece might not actually give you more space, but it creates the illusion which is half the battle when it comes to interior design for small houses. Try to find multi-functional furniture like foot-stools or coffee tables that double up as storage. Alternatively, furniture that folds away when it’s not being used, like drop leaf table, is also a practical solution.

UTILISE CREATIVE ROOM DIVIDERS

You might find it easier to create distinct areas within your space by physically separating them. If you want a more organic option, a vertical planter can function as a divider while also adding to the décor. It could be something as simple as a curtain, which helps to save space when you’re not using it. If you want something functional, a cube unit will break up the space while giving you some additional storage.

MAKE THE MOST OF VERTICAL SPACE 

Don’t limit yourself to just the floor when you style your spaces. Vertical storage is the ideal way to make the most of space in your room that would otherwise go to waste. Wall-mounted shelves and cabinets won’t take up any of your valuable floor space, while tall floor-to-ceiling units create a sense of extra height in the room.

DESIGN TRICKS AND TECHNIQUES TO MAKE A SPACE SHINE 

Integrating mirrors and other reflective surfaces is one of the simplest and most effective ways to create the illusion of space in small room, making the space feel larger and brighter. Being clever with your paint can also help you create a sense of space- painting the walls and the ceiling the same shade can help the room feel taller because it helps them blend together.

We’ve included a link to our interior design podcast below, which includes some small space solutions for rental homes featuring https://www.loft.co.uk/