Overcome space limitations with creative and practical ideas

By Tharmini Kenas tharmini@thestar.com.my

SMALL living space is fast becoming a trend among urban residential developments. For those who are used to lots of elbow room, the lack of space may be frustrating. Urbanite millennials, however, have a different mindset and seem to make do with the reality of limited space.

City dwellers have to make the best out of their situation. Small space does not have to be congested and messy, as much as it does not have to be limiting. All it takes is just a few tweaks to maximise space and wave goodbye to stressful living. Spaces that are thoughtfully planned will be of great benefit. The terms ‘limited space’ and ‘small space’ will be meaningless once you know how to work the space.

These five easy tricks to maximise your living area will make any given space comfortable.

• Play with colour but keep it light

Colours are crucial to set the tone of the space. For small areas, try to keep it light. Colours such as white, beige, light blue and light grey will make the limited space look airy and roomy. Neutral and bright colours are known to bring in light while dark colours seem to close in on occupants.

• Use foldables wherever possible

Foldable furniture is the way to go if you have limited space. Apart from saving space, foldable furniture offers functionality. Once done, fold them away and use the space for other purposes. For example, the work-table and chair need not be left out in the open at all times. These items will only be used when needed and, hence, can be foldables.

• Hunt for multipurpose furniture

Having one piece of furniture for a specific function will only limit your space. Using multiple-purpose furniture will reduce the number of items within your space. For instance, opt for a table that can serve as a desk and a dining table; a coffee table that doubles up as a storage container; and a deep sofa that can be transformed into a bed. The ideas are endless when it comes to multi-functional furniture.

• Hide your bed when not in use

Yes, hide your bed to maximise your living space. A single or double bed will take up most of the space in a small unit. You cannot possibly get rid of your bed, neither can you give up space for it. The best option is to hide your bed. Use a pullout bed that can be hidden underneath a platform, convert your couch into a bed, suspend your bed from the ceiling or retract it from the wall. These
are some ways in which you can end up with considerable space in your hands.

• Go big with storage baskets

Storage baskets of the right size and placed correctly will reduce clutter at your place and provide you with some needed space. You will be surprised how much space you can unearth by keeping away clothes, books and general items. A spring-cleaning session and a few baskets are what you need to create space.