How to make the best use
of an ultra-small space.
Savvy landlords always
invest in either studios or one bedroom apartments in those areas popular with
city workers and professionals. There is always demand for smaller flats in the
most popular areas in London. Even the smallest studio can generate a return.
Here are some ideas for maximising space in the tiniest of flats!
1. Make every square
inch work. The bed can take up one corner but why not hoist the bed onto a deck
and make use of the space underneath? You could place a desk and chair
underneath for a study area or use that space for storage. Alternately, install
a bunk bed so that friends or family will have a bed too when they visit!
Better yet, consider a retractable bed that disappears during the day.
2. Storage. In the
kitchen area, ensure there is storage for pots and pans, glasses and cutlery.
Overhead cupboards should be reachable by short people too. If there is only
room for one cupboard in the flat, ensure that inside the space is divided for
hanging coats and drawers for socks, underwear, pullovers etc plus a shoe rack
as well.
3. Bathroom- if space is
limited in the kitchen area, you may have to consider sacrificing the bathtub
for a shower cubicle instead and using the saved space to install the washing
machine/dryer combination. Install a bigger sink which can double up for
washing laundry by hand if need be.
4. Think minimalist-
every single item in the studio should have a practical value and should double
up if required. In other words, shelving contains hidden storage. Dining chairs
can be folded away or are comfortable enough to be used as sitting room chairs
as well. Do not overcrowd the walls or shelves with too many paintings or
trinkets- these crowd the small space and make it seem even smaller.
5. Define areas. Create pathways from one defined area
to the next. In other words, the living area should appear separate to the
sleeping area or dining area. This method of separating and defining opens up
the space and makes it functional. For example, place a two-seater sofa with a
small tables on either side in the ‘living’ area. This will take up less space
than two separate armchairs, for example. Similarly, the dining ‘area’ can be a
small table and two chairs but with a cleared pathway between the living and
eating space.
6. Colour. Paler shades
of paint make a space seem bigger and brighter than it actually is. Do not use
darker matte shades which can be overwhelming and claustrophobic in tiny rooms.
Do not even think about black, red or purple (believe me, I’ve seen it all).
The same applies for bathroom and kitchen areas- choose appliances and fittings
in white every time, and which has the added benefit of being cheaper as well.
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