Whether it’s an extra bedroom, a bigger kitchen or another cupboard, most of us think our homes could do with a little more breathing room.
In Bermuda, where renovations aren’t always practical and moving isn’t always affordable, making the most of every square foot can make a surprising difference.
The good news is that creating more space often has less to do with buying a bigger home than using the one you already have more cleverly.
Ikea, the multinational home furnishing brand famous for designing and selling ready-to-assemble furniture, suggests looking upwards.
Using walls for storage can open up the space dramatically, particularly in kitchens and other compact rooms.
Cupboards themselves can often hold more than you think. Shelf risers create a second level for plates, mugs or pantry items, while stackable containers make better use of the full height of a shelf. In deeper cupboards, pull-out baskets can also make items stored at the back easier to reach.
Floating shelves, pegboards and wall hooks can all free up cupboards while keeping everyday items within easy reach. Tall bookcases and shelving units also make use of space that often goes unnoticed.
The furniture itself should also work harder.
Better Homes & Gardens magazine recommends choosing pieces that serve more than one purpose. A storage ottoman, for example, provides somewhere to sit while concealing belongings inside, while coffee tables with hidden compartments provide extra storage without taking up additional floor space.
Beds can also provide valuable storage. Built-in drawers are one option. Good Housekeeping magazine recommends using the space beneath a bed for things that are not needed every day — bulky bedding, out-of-season clothes, luggage and less frequently worn shoes.
Boxes on wheels make belongings easier to retrieve, while vacuum storage bags can reduce the amount of room taken up by bulky items.
Other unused spaces are worth considering too.
Better Homes & Gardens suggests attaching organisers to the inside of closet doors to hold smaller items. The tops of wardrobes can accommodate luggage or things used only occasionally, while hooks can turn otherwise empty walls or the backs of doors into useful storage.
Apartment Therapy, a home decor and lifestyle website that teaches readers how to organise and beautify their homes, suggests looking for storage that disappears when not in use. A wall-mounted drying rack, for example, can fold flat against the wall rather than permanently occupying valuable floor space.
Hooks near the front door can provide a home for keys, bags and coats, while drawer dividers can bring order to kitchens, bathrooms and desks. Good Housekeeping recommends baskets to make better use of awkward spaces, including the area beneath a bathroom sink.
Better Homes & Gardens recommends regularly removing things that are no longer used, while Good Housekeepingalso puts decluttering at the heart of organising a small space.
A cupboard full of gadgets that haven’t been used in years or clothes that no longer fit takes up valuable room, no matter how neatly everything is organised.
The aim isn’t necessarily to fill every available corner with storage. Leaving some surfaces clear and avoiding too much furniture can also make a small room feel less crowded.
