Small space living – 5 things I've learned

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Living in a small space is an education. I've been living in the same compact apartment for close to fifteen years – the longest I've lived anywhere – and it's taught me how to see possibilities in limitations. What once felt constricting is now an open-ended journey, but it didn't happen overnight. Here are five things I've learned about making the most of the space I have.

Every inch matters

There's a virtue in considering the full scope of your terrain. Overlooked corners can be put to good use. A piece of furniture can do double duty, like my magazine holder that moonlights as a side table:

Before choosing the larger pieces for my space, I carefully measured the major zones. What surprised me was that, contrary to what I anticipated, there was enough room for fairly substantial furniture – it just needed to be planned out in a calculated way. Consider the lowly tape measure your secret weapon in fully occupying your turf.

Less is liberating

As an avid collector of vintage objects, I'm often faced with the dilemma of where to put something I've just acquired. If it sits around too long without finding a home, it's time for me to consider other options.

Letting go of something beautiful can feel stressful – but I've learned that the feeling changes as soon as the object is gone. Just recently, I passed along an antique task lamp to a friend, and his delight at the gift was far more rewarding than hanging on to it. Objects come and go, birds that settle for a moment, then fly off. There's a joy in accepting that.

Surfaces are galleries

Limited space doesn't mean boring decor. If you consider every horizontal and vertical surface as infinitely changeable, your home is as dynamic as an art gallery. There are the surfaces you're given, including window ledges and even radiators...

Then there are the surfaces you create, by adding a coffee table, book case, wall-mounted shelf. Each one is an opportunity for self expression. Curate selections of things you find meaningful, change them often, and your home becomes a living portrait of what moves you.

Backstage is essential

Disneyland is known for its elaborate backstage where the mechanics of dream fulfillment are hidden from public view. A small space needs a backstage too, where you can whisk items away and have them disappear for a while, keeping the visible areas of your home fresh and cohesive. Drawers, cupboards, and closets are all tailor-made for hiding what needs to be out of sight.

I'm a lover of colourful objects and they work best in sparing amounts, so you'll find my backstage packed with bright things waiting for their moment of glory. Deciding what needs to be seen and what needs a break can be strangely satisfying.

Seasons are cues

New season, new look! At turning points in the year, small changes can enlarge your home. Some tricks I rely on are switching up the bedding and bringing in seasonal flowers. You can also consider your lighting scheme, adding some candles or portable LED lights in the darker months. Think of it as a change in wardrobe to suit the occasion.

Over the course of a year, you'll discover you've lived in many more rooms than you thought possible.

Over to you

Got a tip for small space living? Let us know in the Comments section below!

Thank you for reading.