Clever space solutions for tiny houses
By Cherie Barber
Tiny houses and small spaces require a large dose of ingenuity to bring out their best but fortunately there are a lot of excellent solutions on the market.
For studios, a bed that disappears into the wall when you don't need it is perfect. There are a lot of wall beds to choose from, so you won't have trouble finding a style and price that suits.
For small bedrooms, a loft-style bed with desk underneath means you have a multi-purpose work and sleeping zone that takes up only the footprint of a bed.
An extension table allows you to still have a dinner party for six people but live with something far more compact from day to day. A nest of side tables similarly allows for expansive entertaining.
The kitchen is a place you can really adapt to small spaces and maximise storage. Choose overhead cabinetry right to the ceiling or otherwise lots of shelving. Compact appliances such as a single dishdrawer are made for small kitchens.
And, of course, choose 600mm width cooktops, not 900mm. If you're OK with a single rather than double bowl for the sink, there's another 300mm or more of bench space you'll claw back. And a slimline pull-out pantry allows you to reach items right at the back.
The bathroom is hopefully big enough to store a Euro-style laundry: washing machine with overhead dryer, ideally built into a neat cupboard. And a sliding door means you don't need swing space for a conventional one.
Keep your colour palette light: light blues, greens, light greys and neutrals are all popular.
And, finally, never underestimate the power of lighting and mirrors to visually enlarge a space. Floor lamps, table lamps, overhead lighting, dimmers ... experiment with a combination that creates the best mood. And use mirrors to bounce around all that light!
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