Making the most of a small living space

FALLBROOK – Smaller homes are making their way back into vogue. Whether busy professionals want less to care for or Baby Boomers are ready to downsize, there are now builders and decorating experts specializing in connecting with consumers who want to go small. The small house movement advocates for living simply in small homes, emitting a clean environment.

Although living in a small house is not for everyone, many people prefer small-space living to living in larger, more spacious homes, apartments, or condominiums. For those looking to make the most of their small living spaces, there are ways to make such living arrangements feel larger.

Light is a friend

Establish adequate lighting in a room that includes at least three working lights. Varied light sources from different angles will eliminate dark corners and shadows that can make a space feel smaller. Lighting also can draw the eye to a desired area and distract attention from a room's flaws.

Make use of vertical space

Homes where space is at a premium may have limited storage areas. An often-overlooked storage option is vertical space. Space above doors, shelving, and areas above cabinetry are ideal places to store items. Use hooks on walls to keep belongings off the floor.

Choose light-colored paint

One decorating tip is to choose lighter hues for both home furnishings and wall colors. This does not have to be limited to white (unless a landlord restriction applies).

Pale colors help reflect light and can make the room seem larger than it really is. Using a dark color on the flooring can make other lighter shades really pop in contrast.

Conceal the clutter

If unable to keep personal belongings to the utmost minimum in a home, experiment with clever ways to keep items out of sight.

Furniture that serves dual purposes can help with this task. Storage ottomans will conceal small toys or linens and also provide seating options in a room when guests come over.

A dresser can be used as a dining room buffet piece, and the numerous drawers can hold knickknacks or silverware.

Furniture with built-in, hidden storage is well worth the investment when living spaces are limited.

Create dual-purpose rooms

A lack of space means getting creative with the space at hand. A nook in a bedroom can be devoted to a miniature home office.

A laundry room could also contain a crafting center.

Garages have long served as catch-all spaces in homes. Apart from storage, they can be subdivided for home gyms or even a small media center where occupants can watch a ballgame or movie.

Hang mirrors to "expand" rooms

Mirrors can trick the eye into believing there is more space in a room. Mirrors melt away room borders and can accelerate the flow of light. Hanging them throughout a home can make spaces seem larger.

Think about built-in furniture

Traditional furniture may not be practical for small spaces and can waste a lot of room. Custom-built furniture is often the way to go to maximize the area available. Employ a little do-it-yourself initiative as well, customizing items for the perfect fit.

Consult with a designer

For those who are having problems figuring out how to make a small space work effectively, consider a consultation with an interior designer or a contractor for some ideas.