Five Big Ideas for Small Spaces
Urban dwelling is more than spending most of the day - and night - in the city. It is more than living, and cramming everything you own, in a small space. No. Urban dwelling is a lifestyle; an art form. You’d be surprised to know that there is hope in organising all of your stuff in a tight space. And we have five brilliant ideas to share with you to achieve this.
Idea #1: Maximise space with smart storage
We have preached the virtues of minimalism and functionality since day one. But we couldn’t think of a better example than what we have right here. What you are seeing is a 16 square meter home. You might think, “that’s too small!” And you would be correct. But it is in tight spaces where IKEA products work their magic.
Organize your wardrobe with the IKEA PLATSA. It has everything you need to sort your clothes with rails, compartments for socks and underwear. Then you can store winter garments on the top-most shelf because they are rarely used. Then you would have the space for everyday clothing without messing up the arrangement. Speaking of stacked storage, the SVARTA loft bed is ideal to free up floor space. Which means you can put a sofa for guests or a work table under it. With this loft bed you can have your cake and eat it, too.
Even in a tight space people have to eat. The SUNNERSTA mini kitchen enables you make your meals and clean up after yourself in an efficient fashion. You can have your kitchen essentials with wall shelves and the versatile IKEA SKADIS pegboard. Most people do not recognize the space under the table. We did! Every space should be accounted for in a space this tight. Pack away utensils, plates, or napkins inside the LENNART drawer unit. This will take the space under the table so you can just pull it out when you need something. Stealthy.
Heading out? The LIERSKOGEN will hand you everything, including a last glimpse of how you look, before leaving. Bye!
Idea #2: A Compact Home Filled with Collections
Everybody has a hobby. Some people collect stamps or train sets. Some love solving jigsaw puzzles and displaying them. Having a large collection and a limited space don’t really go hand in hand. Or so you thought.
A large collection requires storage that will both show them of and organise them at the same time. And when it comes to organising and displaying, the BILLY bookcase is a mainstay. Before we all run out of floor space, remember that we can use our walls for displaying stuff. Shelves like the IKEA EKBY/VALTER free up floor space and use the wall efficiently. It is quite sturdy, taking loads of up to 20 kilos.
Since shoes are also essential to life, even to collectors, the HEMNES shoe storage unit can house a few pairs without ever taking precious floor space for your treasured collectibles. Speaking of not taking floor space, the IKEA FABRIKOR glass door cabinet won’t take up too much space, either. And you have the added protection of glass for priceless items.
Though you have collections, you still have to eat. And these genius storage solutions will keep everything in a small place very organised. The OMAR steel shelving unit will hold all your kitchen essentials such as spices, eggs, and cookware. And if you have a collection of knives like Carola and Batman’s arch-nemesis, the Joker, The KUNGSFORS magnetic knife rack will keep your knives sorted. People who will see it will both be astounded and scared at the same time. The FLYTTA trolley will serve as a modular island and food transport should you require any.
Idea #3: A Cleverly Planned Small Urban Space
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you like to be always on your own or that you’re selfish. Sometimes it’s really what the budget allows. Which means that there will be times that friends and family will come over.
The PAX can be used to store your wardrobe items. It’s large enough to house your daily essentials. It also comes with trays to aid organisation. Small spaces mean intimate, too. Fill the room with photos with family, friends, and your old dog inside the RIBBA photo frame to add to the intimacy. And so you’re guests will be able to see them. Now, you will have something to talk about. However, drilling on the wall is a tiring exercise. One that can be avoided with the MOSSLANDA picture ledge. A single ledge can have two to three pictures at a time saving you both time and effort.
Aside from saving time and effort, we must also save space lest it gets too cramped for other people. The EKET wall cabinet will help save floor space. And you can have it in different colors to add attitude to your home. The ALSEDA stool can double as sort of a side table when there are no guests. And when there are, it’s a stool. Lastly, remember that no matter how small the space, a potted plant is a welcome touch to add a smidge of nature to your home.
Idea #4: Fresh Balcony Updates for Spring
Aside from the bathroom, the balcony can be a space to relax; somewhere we can meditate and ponder on things. And if we are going to do so, we need certain pieces to make it the peaceful shrine that we want it to be.
Firstly, a balcony shan’t be bare. The RUNNEN floor boards will make a wonderful platform. The ASKHOLMEN set is a wonderful place to sit in and have tea. Plus, it’s small enough not to take up the whole balcony. A display of plants and orchids is refreshing. Do that with the APPLARO bench with wall panel. The panel itself is equally attractive. SOCKER plant pots also help the cause. If it makes your fillings tender, then turning your balcony to a pseudo-greenhouse might just do the trick of de-stressing.
Another, more useful, purpose of the balcony is drying out your laundry. The IKEA MULIG clothes rack is tiny enough not to interfere with usable space while you hang your party dress to dry while sipping coffee. Oh, and for the ultimate minimalist, you can have a couple of FROSTA stools that will serve as both chairs and side table.
Idea #5: A New Life for One in a Small Apartment
It’s quite ironic that the fifth idea is actually for a new start. But let us face it. One of the hardest things to do in this life is to start all over again. But trust us when we say it, starting over is only hard at first. But the fruits that it will bring are quite rewarding.
Take Elisabetta for example. She lost 20 kilos. She had gone through a break-up. But step into her home and you won’t feel the things she’s been through. Her place is reverberating with peace and tranquility.
Let us start with the lighting. The MELODI pendant lamp emits just enough light for you to relax and enjoy supper. While the IKEA FRANKLIN folding chairs are sturdy and minimalist. They easily fold whenever they’re not in use. The KALLAX shelf and desk combination is an object lesson in being minimalist, functional, stylish, and subtle at all times. It is all the things you need to be to become content, peaceful. The IKEA KLACK is an attractive tray to carry tea, coffee, or snacks. Essential especially if, like Elisabetta, you host a supper group every now and then.
Add a layer of fuzziness in your home with the TEJN rug. You’ll feel instantly cozy just by looking at it. Let alone resting your feet on it. And what about the last word in organisation, you say? Well, the IKEA KALLAX has that covered. It always has. It doesn’t sell like pancakes for no reason.
You see, there is always hope. Even for tight spaces. Which bright idea did you like best?
