As Gen Zers are coming into their own, whether they stay put or move to another state, they need a place to live. A lot of them have reached the adulthood milestone of renting an apartment. Putting it together to become a home is a different story, though. Whether they’re living with roommates or starting a family, decorating a home can be an intimidating endeavor, especially if you’re contending with a smaller living space. However, there are ways to strategically choose furnishings, décor and more to make the most of the space at hand. If you’re a Gen Zer thinking about how to make the most of your home space, here’s a list of tips helping you to do so below:
1. Declutter Your Belongings
When you’re working with a smaller space, you should go through your belongings. This will help you maximize your space for what you truly use and need. To help you in this process, you could consider letting an item go if you haven’t used it in over a year. If clothing or other items you’re considering letting go are still in good shape, you can donate them to local charities or thrift stores. As for the items that can’t be reused, make a toss pile and discard them once you finished going through your belongings.
2. Pick a Light Color Scheme
If you’re renting, you have limited choices in terms of the color of your walls, but you have control over the color scheme of your furnishings. Stick to light colors which create the illusion of airy space. White, beige and other neutrals achieve this by reflecting light and making a room look larger.
3. Experiment With Multi-Purpose Furniture
When space isn’t on your side, you want to make the most of it. Multi-purpose furniture can be a game-changer as one piece can help you in multiple ways. For instance, a sofa bed can be a great addition to a living room providing the typical seating space and also serving as a bed if you have guests over or are using it yourself as a sleeping area. Moreover, ottomans can also work double duty, providing a seating spot that doubles as a storage space too. They’re the perfect spot to keep blankets and magazines. A coffee table with storage can also work in a similar way – the storage area underneath is great for keeping a remote control and other items neatly tucked away.
4. Use a Rolling Cart
A rolling cart is a versatile item that can help you in many ways. You can use it as a serving station when you have guests over. When the party is over, you can tuck it in a closet if you don’t use it regularly. Moreover, you can use it as a toiletry storage space in the bathroom. This type of furniture can also serve as a nightstand that also doubles as a storage space for your phone, books and more.
5. Embrace Storage and Organizing Solutions
Living in a smaller home means you’re about to challenge your creativity in terms of using every nook and cranny. Go for bins and baskets to help you organize your belongings. They’re helpful when tackling organization in every room. Not only will you be making the best of the space you’re working with, but you’ll also be able to find your belongings more easily.
It’s also true, however, that as much as you’d work towards keeping a small space organized, it can be challenging to fit all your belongings without creating a cluttered home. To avoid cramming your things in your home, you can turn to self-storage as a convenient and now widespread service. Seasonal items, such as decorations, clothing and outdoor gear can sit in a storage unit until you’re ready to use them again. This way, you can keep these items safely away while your home stays breezy and uncluttered.
6. Separate Space by Activity
In a small home, you might use the space various ways. Your living room could serve as a dining room, relaxation space and even home office. To create a separation for these activities, you could use rugs to separate areas. You could even add a bookshelf to separate the workspace from the rest of the living room. This way, you get to better define your home office and the general living room area.
7. Make the Most of Vertical Space
Turning to vertical space is a smart way to organize your home. Floating shelves are a welcome addition in almost every room. In a living room, they can serve as a spot to keep books, decorations and more. In the kitchen, they are great for storing kitchen essentials such as cookware, utensils and spices. Shelves can also work wonders to add that coveted wall space for your belongings. This way, you free up a lot of floor space and keep your home more organized and breezy in the process.
8. Mount Your TV
To further maximize the use of your living space, mount your TV on the wall. Taking the entertainment corner off the floor will not only save space, but also provide a modern look. You can use the floor space for other pieces of furniture that can’t take up wall space.
9. Let Mirrors Make Your Space More Spacious
Another way to make your space look bigger is to add a larger mirror on a wall close to a window. They typically reflect light and can make a room look more spacious while inviting natural light in. Larger mirrors tend to expand the illusion of more space. You can add a mirror to your entryway, living room, bedroom and kitchen to enhance the look of your living space.
10. Opt for Larger Decorations
Decorations add a personal touch to any home. As for a small home, avoid adding too many décor pieces as the space might look cluttered as a result. Instead, opt for a larger painting or another oversized décor choice. To help you get a clearer idea on size, the frame should occupy two thirds or more of the wall.
Putting together a living space is a process that takes you on a journey of creativity and challenges, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll end up having a cozy space where you’ll love spending time, whether you jump on the multi-functional furniture bandwagon or you enjoy organizing your home using vertical space. All things considered, making the most of your home space is a matter of marrying functionality and coziness with a dash of inspiration thrown in.
