6 Smart Swaps to Make the Most of a Small Space
By replacing just one thing in a compact room, you can make all the difference to how the space looks and functions
When it comes to small spaces, designers have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves – some quite simple; others surprising. Often, by switching just one element of a room, they can alter the look and efficiency of the space quite dramatically. Check out these schemes to find out how a simple swap can make a difference.
Create a raised edge in place of an overhang
Keep a small cookspace streamlined by avoiding any unnecessary additions. Rather than incorporate an overhang on this worktop, the designers have stolen a clever idea from commercial kitchens.
The worktop has been moulded at the front to create a raised lip to catch potential drips from oils and other liquids. This means the surface can sit neatly flush with the units and not encroach on the rest of the space.
Take a tour of this small kitchen packed with functionality and style.
Keep a small cookspace streamlined by avoiding any unnecessary additions. Rather than incorporate an overhang on this worktop, the designers have stolen a clever idea from commercial kitchens.
The worktop has been moulded at the front to create a raised lip to catch potential drips from oils and other liquids. This means the surface can sit neatly flush with the units and not encroach on the rest of the space.
Take a tour of this small kitchen packed with functionality and style.
Switch a bulky breakfast bar for a slimline alternative
The kitchen area in this studio flat is mini, but the designers haven’t scrimped on a seating area. However, rather than building a peninsula unit that incorporates base cupboards, they’ve kept the bar area rather more streamlined.
A neat shelf is attached to the wall, and continues to the floor to make a space-efficient ledge under which a couple of bar stools can be tucked.
Browse products for every room in the Houzz Shop.
The kitchen area in this studio flat is mini, but the designers haven’t scrimped on a seating area. However, rather than building a peninsula unit that incorporates base cupboards, they’ve kept the bar area rather more streamlined.
A neat shelf is attached to the wall, and continues to the floor to make a space-efficient ledge under which a couple of bar stools can be tucked.
Browse products for every room in the Houzz Shop.
Replace small storage with a wall unit
The open-plan living space in this small flat consists of a kitchen, dining zone and seating area, each cleverly laid out to fit into an angled floorplan.
In such a tight area, the designers might have been tempted to keep furniture small to make it feel more spacious. Instead, they’ve filled the wall with this bespoke display unit, as a smaller bookcase might have felt untidy.
It also helps to define the living area and give the space some character.
Take a look around this small new-build apartment with a clever redesign.
The open-plan living space in this small flat consists of a kitchen, dining zone and seating area, each cleverly laid out to fit into an angled floorplan.
In such a tight area, the designers might have been tempted to keep furniture small to make it feel more spacious. Instead, they’ve filled the wall with this bespoke display unit, as a smaller bookcase might have felt untidy.
It also helps to define the living area and give the space some character.
Take a look around this small new-build apartment with a clever redesign.
Swap small bedsides for high shelves
There’s plenty of storage in this compact bedroom thanks to the designer’s clever use of the back wall.
Two bedside drawer units weren’t quite enough, so a framework of extra shelving has been constructed up and over the bed. There’s even a wider ledge at the top, where the owner has the option to put those things they don’t need as often.
Looking for an interior designer? Find one in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
There’s plenty of storage in this compact bedroom thanks to the designer’s clever use of the back wall.
Two bedside drawer units weren’t quite enough, so a framework of extra shelving has been constructed up and over the bed. There’s even a wider ledge at the top, where the owner has the option to put those things they don’t need as often.
Looking for an interior designer? Find one in your area in the Houzz Professionals Directory.
Exchange a square shower for a space-saving shape
In this bathroom, a large square shower would have been too bulky, so the designers might have opted for a small enclosure.
Instead, they’ve gone for an angled design, which doesn’t take up valuable floor space near the loo and basin, but still allows the shower area to be generous.
Tell us…
Have you chosen an alternative idea for your small space and made a difference to how it looks? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments section.
In this bathroom, a large square shower would have been too bulky, so the designers might have opted for a small enclosure.
Instead, they’ve gone for an angled design, which doesn’t take up valuable floor space near the loo and basin, but still allows the shower area to be generous.
Tell us…
Have you chosen an alternative idea for your small space and made a difference to how it looks? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments section.
This tiny kitchen is located in what used to be the cloakroom, so the space was quite tight.
The designer could have added work surfaces to both sides of the room, but that would have meant foregoing storage space. Instead, he’s built a run of floor-to-ceiling cabinets on one side with space for an integrated oven and fridge-freezer.
The plentiful storage keeps clutter off the worktops, and the minimal, white design helps to open up the space.
See more of this small London flat cleverly redesigned for modern living.