Small space interiors. Yes, I know – we’ve been here before. We’re urban-dwelling millennials, we graduated into an appalling job market, we likely (if begrudgingly) receive financial help from our parents and yes, our rented apartments are quite small. We might find ourselves being able to escape to comparably sprawling countryside piles at the kind offer from friends’ families, but we are well aware of the price we pay to maintain a base in the big smoke.
Equally, we all know the trauma of furnishing. Many of us have faced the woe of ordering a sofa that then won’t go up the stairs of our apartment block; of wardrobes that don’t fit quite as well into that space we had in mind; of squeezing the living space’s coffee table into the same room as the kitchen’s dining table. Speaking of tables, extendable ones are our best friends, for when we choose to forgo personal space to host a dinner party. Even more of a treat is a bedroom that still has floor space after the bed has been moved in – which, FYI, would preferably have built in drawers, to save you worrying about getting a chest of them in there too.
And still, despite these setbacks, we persevere. There are plenty of upsides to small spaces – for one, they are cosy, which is actually more difficult to achieve with high ceilings and square-footage big enough to starfish on. You never have to worry about a lost wifi connection, regardless of where in the abode your router sits. Parties always seem more like a party, purely because the room always feels full. You save money, too, as there is never a corner that needs a table, or a room that needs a rug. Though some might dislike the close quarters, often having your housemates or significant other so close by is a comfort; the city can be lonely at times. It’s nice to know you’re never more than around a corner from some company (even if your housemates might prefer it if you were just slightly less needy. Perhaps.)
If you do feel the need to find some space though, there are some magic methods. Interior trickery can work wonders for finding light, opening up a room or helping you to feel just that little bit less claustrophobic. I have a few tips of my own that have worked wonders – an up-lighting lamp, for example, makes a dark corner feel much bigger. Tidiness – thought a boring one – is also key. Even just clearing away our washing up or sorting our piles of magazines on the table work wonders for creating space. I’m also a big fan of re-organisation. So often people take their rented furnishings as they come, but often a little movement can change the entire feel of a room. Of course, I am no expert. Top top up my own knowledge, I spoke to Ben Hanley, West Elm London’s Home Stylist, to find out exactly how to make space.
“First of all,” he begins, “making furniture work for your space is key. “Think carefully before adding a new piece into a room. It’s important to ask certain questions; does it serve a purpose? Is it multi-functional? For a small space, it’s always wise to make sure every piece you add in has a storage element to it or works to give your room more space.” See what I mean about extendable tables and beds with drawers?
“Secondly,” he continues, “never underestimate the power of a mirror. Large mirrors and reflective surfaces help give the illusion that the room is bigger than it is. Although they don’t add physical space, it will make the room feel more open, which is ideal in smaller spaces.” I can vouch for this – we have a mirror in our teeny hallway, and it certainly does have the desired effect.
“Finally, don’t over clutter,” he instructs me. “If you fill the room with great storage, don’t ruin open surfaces by filling them with paraphernalia. Pick out a few belongings that are must-haves in the space and use them as a starting block for decorating the rest of the room. Be as ruthless as possible – it will be worth it!” Tidiness – told you so.