To keep a house spick and span needs a basement, a loft, loads of cupboards… But you only have a 1 bedroom flat! With a bit of organisation, a few tips and tricks and then a good sort through of everything, you can turn your small flat around.
Optimise all space
Storage and wall shelving
Got 50m² maximum? No problem: get yourself some storage solutions that can go up on the walls, shelving and things to hang your belongings on: pegs, hooks, wires hanging from the ceiling, magnets, etc.
Door frames can also be a great place to make the most of. Any shelves you install there will improve the hallway. Can the ceiling height can be reduced by ten centimetres? Some DIY advice, or consulting an expert, will help you in this area to safely create an attractive look.
Under the stairs
The space under the stairs can often be exploited for storage. Depending on what they’re like, store bulky items here (vacuum cleaners, suitcases) or put up some small hanging shelves to hold your books, a sliding shoe storage unit, etc.
Furniture, cases, containers: choose wisely!
Practical and multifunctional
A modular sofa, a bench that turns into a table, a stool that conceals a storage box, a Murphy bed…the list of modular furniture is endless and imaginative. So be smart! Transform your dining table into a study desk, get yourself a low stepladder that you can sit on; use your storage boxes as a bench, etc.
By opting for furniture with sliding doors, you can enjoy the impression of having more space without actually increasing the m2. Actually, within the category of self-assembly furniture, shelves are adjustable: configure them according to what you need to store there.
Compactor storage cases for bedding, linen, etc.
Winter clothes, bedding, spare quilts: even if you’re not the King or Queen of shopping, bedding etc. quickly piles up, taking up significant space in a small studio apartment. Vacuum storage bags slide in easily under the bed or on top of a wardrobe. Simple vacuum bags or large ones with cases: choose the ones that best fit the content and space they’re destined for.
Boxes of all kinds
When carefully chosen, boxes can also be used as a stool (larger ones) or as ornaments (the nicer ones). Adhesive containers come in handy for storing everything that quickly clutters up your table: stationary, newspapers, keys…
Room by room
Bedroom: time to choose
In a small space you have to make a choice: either you make space by having a loft-bed or fold-away bed, or you keep your king-size at all costs (understandable). In this case, you have to choose. Get rid of your 4m long built-in wardrobe and store your belongings in a chest of drawers or rectangular cases. In the latter case, a small flexible clothes rail for more delicate items will nicely complement the layout of your room. Meanwhile, under a loft bed you can create a cosy corner, with magazines and pouffes…
The bathroom: make the most of the shower
An intimate place that can quickly get cluttered with half filled bottles and small utensils, the bathroom is the ideal room on which to unleash your creativity. The shower can be made the most of, to store moisture resistant items on walls or corner shelves. Small pieces of furniture or stick-on shelves go a long way to decluttering the sink. There are many version available on the market. Choose these according to the type of items that need stored: beauty products, bottles of perfumes, shampoos, etc. As for stick-on hooks, these will let you hang up not only gloves and towels, but also jewellery, hairbrushes, your make-up bag, etc.
The kitchen: smart storage
“Kitchen”? Hell… You mean the kitchenette. Indeed, it seems silly to even try to create more space… Are you sure? Consider, for example, drawer dividers and cupboard organisers, to keep keep your utensils neat and tidy and maximise your space. In addition—just like the bathroom—take advantage of wall storage, suction cups or stick-ons: these let you clear surfaces, no matter how small. Use a folding table with storage, folded away against the wall. For wine lovers, get yourself a mini wine rack. Small ones can be easily built in.
Lastly, to optimise your 1 bedroom home, there’s no need to call an interior designer. Just go for smart storage, combine useful and attractive pieces using a few decor tips, and voila!