One of the revelations of living in a small home is that choosing less square footage doesn't mean you necessarily have to make do with less, just that you need to be super smart about how you organise the space you do have. And, once you go into "storage genius" mode, it tends to have a ripple effect - many tiny homes end up with as much usable storage area as places with a larger footprint, thanks to the space-savvy residents. Here are a few small space storage secrets that will come in handy no matter the size of your home.
- A classic hideaway storage solution does double duty. Crisp, stylish storage ottomans hide away plenty and tuck neatly under a floating shelf for seating that is there when you need it and out of the way when you don't.
- Urban living often means two things: small spaces and bike-friendly commutes. An (admittedly adorable) mode of transportation can also serve as interior decoration, without taking up valuable floor real estate. When in doubt, hang it up!
- Think outside the linen cabinet. If your dedicated storage for towels and hairdryers is limited (or non-existent!), consider adding a piece of "furniture" with both open and closed storage. The 12-16 inches of floor space won't be missed in a room that usually only needs to accommodate one person at a time.
- Consider removing closet doors. A standard door (or even a folding style) can eat up lots of floor space. Using a curtain closure instead is streamlined and doesn't affect the ideal flow of the room.
- Embrace decorative storage opportunities. Books are awesomely attractive - with a little styling magic, a shelf or two worth of books can add some welcome visual interest to an unused fireplace.
- Think about the face of your hidden storage. A bed that hides away during the day behind a grand, nearly floor-to-ceiling mirror serves to decorate, visually expand and increase the natural light in a tiny home.
- Wall-hung storage can be both useful and decorative if you minimise the visual impact of the containers by having them blend in with the surroundings. A white-on-white wall organiser is a perfect example of the power of going monochromatic for open storage.
- Let your storage solution also help to define your space. A simple open shelving unit extended up to the ceiling and nearly wall-to-wall can create a truly separate-feeling bedroom in a studio.
- Two basic bookcases can form a "hidden" library headboard. Curtains soften the look, add colour, pattern and texture to the overall design, and can be closed for a more visually restful look.