Essential Planning Steps for a Successful Home Downsize

Trimming down your living quarters doesn’t mean you have to compromise on aesthetics or well-being. With a few inspired solutions, you can transform a more compact space into a gorgeous and practical retreat.

Add Hidden Storage

A bedroom with a bed that provides hidden storage.
A bedroom with a bed that provides hidden storage.

Look for decor that has hidden storage to keep clutter away. My bed has drawers built in which are great for stowing away clothes I don’t use often.

Reimagine Forgotten Areas

A creative way to use space under the stairs for a small library.
A creative way to use space under the stairs for a small library.

Be creative using spaces such as under the stairs or in open spaces. I changed the area under my stairs into a small library with built-in shelves.

Make a Cozy Spot

A cozy area perfect for chilling out.
A cozy area perfect for chilling out.

Change a small corner into a cozy spot using a comfy chair and great lighting. In my apartment, a corner near the window became my favorite spot for a morning drink.

Get Creative Using Dividers

A divider that separates spaces while adding style.
A divider that separates spaces while adding style.

Use dividers to create private spaces in open areas. I used a shelf as a divider between my living space and work area, adding function and style.

Embrace Multi-Purpose Decor

A modern space with multi-functional decor to increase available space.
A modern space with multi-functional decor to increase available space.

Search for decor that pulls double duty, like a convertible couch or a kitchen table that includes storage. I use a “Pouf-It” in my apartment as a coffee table and for storing items, which gives me extra space for my favorite blankets.

Put In a Wall Bed

A bedroom with a wall bed that makes the most of the space.
A bedroom with a wall bed that makes the most of the space.

A wall bed can free up space when you don’t need it. I love how mine folds up into a cabinet, giving me more room for activities.

Think High

A well-organized kitchen with vertical storage options.
A well-organized kitchen with vertical storage options.

Use your walls for extra storage using shelves and racks. I put in floating shelves in my kitchen. These not only look great but they keep my counters free from clutter.

Invest in Storable Decor

A dining space that makes the most of the available space with storable decor.
A dining space that makes the most of the available space with storable decor.

Storable decor is awesome for small spaces. It gives you options when you need them. My storable table stows away easily when I don’t need it, freeing up walking space.

Make Distinct Areas

An open-plan space with marked living and working areas.
An open-plan space with marked living and working areas.

Use rugs and decor arrangement to mark out different areas in an open space. In my apartment, a big rug separates my living space from my work area, so each feels unique.

Be a Minimalist

A minimalist living space showing simplicity and function.
A minimalist living space showing simplicity and function.

Concentrate on only keeping what you need and love. This creates a peaceful space. Reducing my items helped me see the beauty in simplicity and function.

Use Door Space

A bathroom with a door organizer to make the most of storage.
A bathroom with a door organizer to make the most of storage.

Put organizers on the backs of doors for extra storage. I use one on my bathroom door for toiletries, which frees up cabinet space.

Use Hue to Fool the Eye

A small bedroom with a deep blue accent wall that adds dimension.
A small bedroom with a deep blue accent wall that adds dimension.

Use high-contrast hues to add depth to small spaces. I painted a wall in my bedroom deep blue, which added a surprising sense of dimension.

Go Minimalist

A minimalist room with well-chosen decor.
A minimalist room with well-chosen decor.

Keep decor simple so you don’t take over the space. I cut back my decorations to a few items that spark joy but don’t cause clutter.

Use Bright Hues

A small room that appears larger using bright-colored walls.
A small room that appears larger using bright-colored walls.

Bright hues can cause a smaller space to appear larger and more open. I painted my walls soft white. It improved the whole feel of my apartment.

Let In Light

A bright living room that lets in light.
A bright living room that lets in light.

Letting in light can cause any space to feel larger and more inviting. I picked sheer weaves in my living room to let the light shine in.

Use Mirrors to Bounce Light

A hallway that appears larger using a well-placed mirror.
A hallway that appears larger using a well-placed mirror.

Mirrors can cause a space to look larger by reflecting light. I put up a big mirror in my hallway, and it now looks twice as big.

Reduce What You Have

A kitchen that is free from clutter and only contains essentials.
A kitchen that is free from clutter and only contains essentials.

Start by clearing out one area at a time, concentrating on what you really need and love. I realized letting go of kitchen tools I don’t use felt great!

Diana Morales
Posts created 3382

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