In even the smallest of houses, there are more spaces than you think. But knowing how to make the most of these places – especially the ones that are shaped a little awkwardly – can be difficult. By thinking outside the box and being innovative with your available living space, you can create new spots for storage, new places for design, and can optimise even the most inconvenient of spaces in your home:
The eaves
Often one of the most underused spaces in a home with an attic, the eaves are a great place to store things you don’t have any room for downstairs. Depending on the shape of your attic room, the eaves make a perfect storage facility for everything from toys and memorabilia, to towels and linens. For homeowners that use their attic space as a bedroom, having a wardrobe for the eaves is also a simple way to give yourself more floor space, and keep your shoes and clothes organised out of sight.
Under the stairs
Did you know? The space under the stairs is called a “spandrel,” simply translating to the triangular space underneath a set of stairs without another flight immediately under. And it’s really easy to optimise this space if you know how. Whether it’s storing your books, hiding your appliances, creating a seating booth, or even adding a tiny extra bedroom a-la Harry Potter, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the space under your stairs.
Alcoves
Maximising your alcoves is another easy way to take advantage of any awkward spaces in your property. Alcoves are a particularly good place to try new design features, like a cocktail cabinet, or even a library; a common use of alcoves is to display your favourite books and magazines, as well as photos and artwork. For those who are still working from home, alcoves also lend themselves to a compact workspace for those without a separate office.
Loft space
Your loft and attic space is easily one of the most versatile places in your house. Depending on your budget, you can easily optimise this area by creating a living room, a working and gaming station, or even an in-house gym. Put simply, a loft conversion is a clever way to turn your previously unused space, into an extra floor for you and your family. Better still, a well-designed attic room is a great alternative to an extension and will typically increase the value of your property, as well.
By being creative with your awkward spaces and seeing them as potential opportunities rather than something to fear, it’s easy to optimise your home and create more storage, experiment with new design features, and even increase the value of your home.
