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Your first home will always have a special place in your heart, but let’s be honest, that’s probably all the space there is. Small rooms, small cupboards, dual living spaces – there isn’t much space to spread out. However, that doesn’t mean you have to accept this and squeeze in; there are clever ways to make your “small but stylish” home, work for you.
“Small-space living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or style,” explains Bronwyn Ragavan, brand manager for Personal Touch. “Whether you’re in your first bachelor pad, a cozy studio, or even a university dorm room, clever organisation and intentional design can make your home feel spacious, stylish, and stress-free.”
Ragavan, suggests the following eight hacks for giving your small home a little more space:
- Think vertically and go up. Install floating shelves, use tall bookshelves, and choose stable storage options. Over-the-door organisers, wall-mounted hooks, and even hanging plants make the most of your vertical space while adding personality.
- Choose furniture that can be used for more than one job. A bed frame with storage drawers (or one with space underneath for storage drawers), a coffee table that lifts for a dining table or work desk, or an ottoman to store blankets and other items. There are many different and clever furniture designs that can help make your small space seem bigger.
- Mirrors create space. The illusion of depth can instantly make a room feel larger. If positioned opposite a window, this can double the natural light and open the space.
- Small living means NO clutter. Keep surfaces clear and organise by category. Donate or sell anything you don’t use regularly. Use under-bed storage boxes and vacuum bags to store out-of-season clothing and bedding. Small space living naturally encourages minimalism. Choose quality over quantity and invest in pieces that bring both joy and function. The less cluttered your environment, the more peaceful and breathable it feels.
- Even in a studio, you can create defined areas. Use rugs, shelving units, or curtains to separate your sleeping area from your workspace or living zone. Giving each section a clear purpose makes the space feel larger and more functional.
- Stick to light, neutral tones to make your apartment feel airy and open. Soft whites, pastels, and warm greys reflect light and visually expand the room. Add pops of colour through art, cushions, or plants.
- When purchasing everyday items for your home such as cleaning products, and cutlery and crockery – don’t overdo it. Look for smaller options that can fit in your home without crowding it. Personal Touch’s Washing Powder Sheets come in an A5, 90g box, and includes 18 washes without taking up too much space. Perfect for any tiny cupboard.
- Use every hidden nook: the top of the fridge, the space behind doors, or even inside your headboard. Baskets, clear bins, and label makers are lifesavers when it comes to keeping small spaces neat and accessible.
Apartment living is all about maximising space while maintaining your personal style. With a few smart tweaks and creative hacks, your small space can feel like a luxurious retreat. After all, it’s not about how much space you have, it’s about what you do with it.