Forget pricey storage units or time-consuming home additions. If you have too much stuff and not enough space, it’s time to get creative! Interior design is the art of utilizing every square foot of space to create a comfortable area that’s also convenient and clutter-free. What better way to do that than to seek clever ways to save space? There are many practical interior design solutions you can try out before shelling out your hard-earned cash on extra square footage.
1. Recessed Shelving
Why have your shelves stick out and take up valuable space when they could be inside the walls? Recessed shelves not only make your room look cleaner, but they also give you a lot of great extra storage space. Start taking advantage of all the wasted space inside the walls! Installing recessed shelves is easier than you think, and it makes a great DIY project.
2. Multipurpose Furniture
Make the most out of everything you own. Instead of just having a couch, why don’t you have a couch and a bed rolled into one? Get a futon or a pull-out couch along with an ottoman that has storage space. Instead of having your bed house dust bunnies or monsters, why don’t you add drawers or storage bins underneath? Get as creative as you want. We’ve seen dining tables disguised as pool tables and wine racks built into coffee tables.
3. Wall Beds
A wall bed – usually called a Murphy bed – is a very practical solution when it comes to saving space. You can fold your bed up into the wall when you’re not using it and utilize the space for other purposes. At nighttime, you can clear the space and fold the bed back down on the floor.
4. Underfloor Heating
With underfloor heating, you don’t have to worry about bulky radiators, unsightly pipes, or huge furnaces taking up valuable space in your home. Underfloor heating is a practical system where heated pipes are installed under the floors. Controllable radiant heat keeps the floors warm throughout the house. The best part about underfloor heating is that you can arrange your furniture any way you want without having to worry about blocking any heat!
5. Closet Offices
Who said you had to reserve a corner or an entire room for an office? You can easily stick your desk into a closet and place your printer and other supplies on the shelves. You can even hide your computer from intruders simply by sliding the closet doors shut.
6. Staircase Drawers
Not only are staircase drawers ridiculously practical, they also serve as a great conversation starter. Make the most out of the wasted space by installing a drawer under each step. You can use them to store a wide array of items, including shoes, winter accessories, or books.
7. Spiral Staircases
You’d be surprised at how much wasted space lies underneath a traditional staircase. Not only do spiral staircases take up a fraction of floor and wall space compared to traditional ones, they’re also very eye-pleasing.
8. Pull-Out Kitchen Cabinets
Pull-out kitchen cabinets allow you to utilize every last square inch of your kitchen. Instead of placing your dishes, spices, or pantry items in a cupboard, you can put them deep into your cabinets where you can roll them out easily.
9. Front Projectors
Why have a giant TV and a bulky TV stand if you could use a small front projector? Simply mount a front projector on the ceiling and watch your favorite movies and TV shows projected on a wall.
10. Skylights
If your home has skylights instead of regular windows, you’ll have a lot more valuable wall space to put your furniture, paintings, and shelves. It’s a win-win situation, because you’ll still get a lot of light, if not more.
