Most of us wish that our homes were larger, but due to budget constraints, building an addition or moving to a bigger place is not an easy option. There are, however, some excellent affordable small space solutions that can either physically increase your living space, or at least give an area the appearance of being bigger.

Think vertically: “Think tall and skinny, or floor-to-ceiling, for bookshelves, storage units and open shelving. Hang and suspend everything where possible. If you can see the floor, the area will appear larger.” Consider also that closed storage is the ideal option especially for those who are not very organised. Further Using the dead space underneath windows for installing bookshelves, drawers or cupboards is another solution.

Less is more: Furnishing small spaces requires restraint. Try to avoid using pieces just for show. Use only furniture that is necessary. Depending on the space, a sensible option is one roomy sofa and one special chair. Instead of coffee tables use side tables that can be pulled out when needed, that way, all the space in front of the sofa can be used for circulation.

Multi-purpose furniture: One of the most important basics in decorating a small space is to purchase furniture that does double or triple duty for storage. Apartments are well known for lacking in built-in amenities providing adequate storage. Purchasing multiple-purpose accessories and furniture allow options that give your living space character and flexibility.

There are many options available locally. Coffee tables that convert to tables, coffee tables and ottomans with underneath storage, and bedside drawers instead of a table. Stackable furniture such as the Obelisk Chairs by Dedon transform into a set of chairs and a small table, when not in use they can be stacked, hardly taking up any space.

Mirrors: One of the best solutions for making small bathrooms seem larger and brighter is the use of mirrors to reflect light around the room and give the impression of more space — this can also be achieved with mirrored tiles. Naturally this could apply to other rooms in the house.

Kitchen Concept with a Difference: Circle® Kitchen from Compact Concepts is one of those smart products which is ideal for small spaces. It’s a 1.8 square metres object which features all characteristics of a usual kitchen. The kitchen is fully circular, rotating a full 180 degrees, and incorporates everything from kitchen sink and dishes to microwave and dishwasher. The 360 degrees rotating shelves make pots, pans, glassware and so on easy to access. Circle® Kitchen has exactly the same amount of kitchen cupboard as any other middle-sized kitchen. This innovative high-tech compact kitchen concept is for commercial and residential use in cities.

The Circle® Kitchen was designed by Alfred Averbeck for Compact Concepts.

— Marjorie Allen

interiorsbydesign@cwjamaica.com