One of the questions we get asked at GAFF all the time is this: how can we live large in a small space? Making the most of a tiny apartment or a narrow townhouse is one of our greatest pleasures, it’s even more satisfying than having a big open space to fill because you have to be smart and super economical in your thinking, while at the same time ensuring your house doesn’t look like one chaotic pantry.
Obviously, Pinterest is the apartment owner’s mecca, with so many nifty ideas shared by those who’ve come up with the idea themselves. And if you’ve been at a loss as to how to maximise your space, there are probably so many things that haven’t occurred to you; we’re still consistently surprised by what small home-owners manage to achieve. You might live in a tiny shoe box but the key is, clichéd though it may sound, is to think outside that box.
We’ll bring you a full DIY space-saving series in the not so distant future, but for now, let’s take a look at the nifty (but most importantly, nice looking) products that help you live large in your humble abode.
This ottoman from Meadows & Byrne is your interiors 3-in-1. Use the inside or storing your magazines, throws etc, use the top as a coffee table – a cheapo tray will keep your stuff from falling off – and save you the cost of a table, and when you’re ready to snuggle up, use it as a rest for your feet. Best of all, you can move it around to suit.
We love this mid century style floating desk from Urban Outfitters; more floor space when you need it and a neat home office.
Mugs and plates take up far too much space in a press and they can look really nice on display. You never need more than about 4 mugs on the go too. Make use of your wall space and free up your limited presses for things you want to keep out of sight. This one’s called Gamleby and it’s €60 from IKEA.
A clothes rack is always a great space-saving option, provided you can keep it organised. This one from Urban Outfitters is particularly nice to look at and the added shelving means you get more bang for your buck. And it’s on wheel so you can move it around and take it with you when you move on. Perfect!
This Brimnes headboard from IKEA is the space saver’s dream. It has built in shelves meaning you don’t actually need bedside tables, it fits quite a lot in them on either side, you can store stuff underneath it AND the depth of the unit gives you a handy surface behind your head for lamps, more books, and whatever you keep by your bed.
If space is limited, move away from the traditional idea of a living room; you don’t necessarily need side tables and coffee tables. Clever creations like this one, spotted on Pinterest, is not only smart but pretty slick looking too.
Floor lamps can take up a hell of a lot of space, but they still add so much atmosphere and warmth to your GAFF. Thankfully, Marks & Spencer have realised that we don’t want to compromise on either style or space, and so have come across with this gorgeous floor lamp that has in built shelving. The perfect home for your miniature succulents, or – if this lamp lives in your bedroom – your jewellery boxes.
Well we can’t do without doors, but we can make better use of them than just keeping drafts (or children) out. This over-the-door tiered shelving rack is perfect for bathrooms. They have it styled with decorative bits and bobs here but you could get very economical with some jam jars and make-up brushes, tooth brushes etc. The bathroom is your oyster.
Got a storage idea that isn’t ugly to share? Please do get in touch either on social @GaffInteriors or by email, on @gaffinteriors@gmail.com.
Caroline Foran