How to Maximize Your Living Space
They say good things come in small packages. Well, there’s nothing small about 48’ cabin cruiser, and that would qualify as a good thing – would you agree?
Still, the meaning of the age-old phrase still holds up today, suggesting – and properly so – that bigger isn’t always better. (Note: Look at that! We used one cliché to define another. And now back to our blog.)
Take your smallish house for example. Let’s assume you love it and wouldn’t even consider moving. For you, it’s just the right size. Still, you feel a little confined regarding decorating possibilities and now you’re looking for inspiration. We’re confident you’ll find a few good ideas right here.
Reimagine what’s possible. You know those nooks, crannies, and awkward spaces? Think of creative ways to put them to good use. For example, the space underneath a stairwell can become extra storage, a reading nook, or a doggie hideout. The toe-kick area under kitchen cabinets can be turned into pullout drawers for storing cookie sheets, cutting boards, and so on.
Let the light in. If your home lacks natural light, enlarging existing windows or adding a skylight can help. If that’s not an option, use mirrors to bounce around what light you do have and layer task with ambient lighting to brighten up dark rooms.
Draw the eye up. Adding a tray ceiling with crown molding can exude a feeling of spaciousness. Run the same color from wall to ceiling to make the room feel even more expansive.
Install recessed lighting. Chandeliers, pendants, and table lamps can make a small space feel crowded. Instead, try recessed and track lighting to remove some of the visual clutter.
Opt for open concept. Consider removing a non-load bearing wall or two between the living room, dining room, and kitchen to evoke the feeling of a larger space. Use similar hues to tie the rooms together. Running the same flooring and paint color throughout can also make the space feel unified and airy.
Double duty. A pull-out sofa or futon can turn a home office into a guest bedroom when needed. A decorative screen can turn a small corner of the bedroom into a study or work area.
Head outdoors. Even the smallest outdoor space can be transformed into an oasis with small-scale or foldaway furniture, string lighting, and a cozy outdoor area rug.
The lighter the better. Choose lighter colors and weights in your redecorating. Refinished hardwood floors with a lighter stain and lighter colors on the walls can make a room appear twice as large as its actual dimensions.
And then there are cooling and heating considerations. Let’s say, for example, that adding air ducts to your home would be cost prohibitive. Does that mean you’re stuck with window or portable air conditioners? Not at all. Here at Correct Temp, we can design a ductless air system that gives you all the benefits of central air – no ducts required. Choose a system that provides cooling only or heating and cooling combined. Contact us today for more information and a free new system proposal.
