Ever felt like your home is bursting at the seams? Suddenly, your collection of mugs seems enormous, there’s no room for that new sofa, and don’t get me started on where to store the vacuum. But, before you start panicking about the complexities of home extensions or thinking about moving to the countryside (though who wouldn’t love the village life?), hang tight. I’ve got some corkers of ideas for adding space without getting your hands dirty with brick and mortar.
1. Declutter: Less Is More, Darling
You’ve heard it a bazillion times, but it’s true. A good ol’ declutter can make rooms appear larger. Those magazines from 2010? Chuck ’em. The lamp that’s never worked? Say bye-bye. Be ruthless, be brave, and you might just find your home’s lost space.
2. Lofty Heights
If you’re lucky enough to have a loft gathering dust and suitcases, consider converting it. Loft conversions can be a neat way to add an extra room. Voila! A new bedroom, study or whatever your heart fancies without building outwards.
3. A Chic Garden Room
Garden rooms used to be little more than a shed with a sofa in, but that is no longer the case. As you can see from the rooms at Modern Garden Rooms, garden sheds these days are very chic indeed, and will have no problem acting as a loveable additional room all year round. So, they are a great way to add space when you don’t want the hassle of an extension.
4. Under the Stairs: Not Just for Harry Potter
The space under most staircases is grossly underutilised. Think pull-out storage, a mini-library, or even a cosy nook to sit and ponder over your next holiday. It’s really easy to transform that dead space into something your family can use to their advantage.
5. Magic with Mirrors
Alright, so mirrors won’t technically ‘add’ space, but they’re brilliant at giving the illusion of a larger room. A well-placed mirror can reflect light, making a room appear airy and spacious.
6. Foldable & Multipurpose Furniture
Invest in furniture that’s a Jack of all trades. Beds with drawers, expandable tables, or sofas that double up as guest beds. It’s like magic – space appears out of nowhere!
7. Look Up!
Often, we forget the space above our heads when we really should not. Tall storage units, hanging pots in the kitchen, or vertical bookshelves can utilise those higher areas that usually remain barren, and your home will instantly feel more spacious even if you don’t get rid of a single thing.
8. Open Plan Living
Now, this might sound like a biggie, but knocking down a non-structural wall to combine two rooms can create an airy, spacious environment. Just remember, before you grab that sledgehammer, it might be wise to get advice from a pro.
9. Outdoor Storage Solutions
A well-designed storage bench in the garden or a sleek bike shed can free up loads of space indoors. Just make sure they’re waterproof!
10. Basement Beckons
If you’ve got a basement filled with cobwebs, it might be time to give it a facelift. Basements can become fabulous entertainment spaces, home gyms, or even wine cellars (cheers to that!).
Don’t want an extension? You really don’t have to build one to get more space!
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I would ove to convert the loft, but the angle of the roof makes it impractical
Mirrors really help to make a room look bigger and decluttering definitely does.
Everyone can declutter if they only realised what a huge difference they’d see if the pay did. Plus, it costs nothing
I do seem to gather clutter
Time for a big clear out
Thanks for your ideas
Very sensible suggestions! I’m still on No 1 and wondering why I have so much stuff that is boxed and not in use. Trying to keep the sentimental items and dispose of the rest.