Technically at this time of year it is spring in the UK but right now we have the strange combination of blossom on the trees and snow on the ground, but that’s the UK weather for you. Nevertheless, this is typically the time of year when we are thinking of spring cleaning our homes and getting it all in order to enjoy it once the weather is warmer. It may not be a very exciting task but if we do it now we can them relax in the sunshine (or that’s the theory anyway).

While we are emptying cupboards and moving furniture to have a really good clean is also the perfect time to sort out our belongings and decide what we really need to keep, because, let’s face it, we all have far too much clutter in our homes. The only time this isn’t true is possibly when you move into your first home. Then you probably don’t have enough stuff but, trust me, it won’t take long to start filling up those empty spaces. But what if this year instead of just spring cleaning and throwing out or giving away to charity the odd item, we were to really think about a more radical approach and try to take a more minimalist view of our living spaces. Would it improve our living environment and would it make us happier?

It is a bit of a strange word – minimalism – it conjures up an image of doing without or somehow depriving ourselves of comfort but minimalist homes don’t lack comfort they simply lack clutter so perhaps the word is mis-leading. A real, comfortable living space can still be “minimalist”; it will simply contain only those possessions you know to be useful or beautiful (to paraphrase William Morris). And if items are useful but not beautiful then there will be plenty of storage space to hide them away. Better still, the items you choose to have on display, whether they are works of art, ornaments or family photos can be better appreciated because they are not hidden by a jumble of other items. For this reason it is, in fact, easier for a minimalist home to reflect your character and personality because it is allowed to shine through.

And for those of you living in period or character houses, these are just as well suited to a minimalist lifestyle as a contemporary space. In fact, the architectural details of many period homes are hidden by the sheer amount of clutter many people have so these beautiful details can be highlighted by a minimalist approach to living.

And back to that chore of spring-cleaning, it is actually much easier to keep your home clean when the surfaces are clear and uncluttered with possessions and where there is plenty of storage space for everything. But if you really can’t bear to part with all of your belongings in one go try this test: put the bulk of your possessions in a self-storage container for 6 months and you will probably find that you don’t actually need them in your home!

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There are some key benefits to creating a minimalist home such as achieving a more attractive and calmer living environment. But is it possible to turn an ordinary home into a minimalist one?

There are some secrets to minimalist living but once you know them they are easy to follow. The key to a minimalist home is clearing away clutter – this includes all that stuff that you don’t really need and rarely use as well as frequently used items that simply look untidy. So minimalism is not about simply de-cluttering and throwing away, recycling or donating to charity all those unnecessary possessions that we all seem to accumulate. It is also about being able to store away everyday items that we do use regularly in a way that makes them easily accessible when we need them but out of sight when we don’t. There are some great Instagram accounts about minimalism if you need inspiration on just how to do this.

But before considering what minimalism is, let’s think about why you would even want to embrace minimalism in your home. What are the advantages to the individual and the family? Can a minimalist home really work with young children and provide a stimulating environment for them to grow up in?

The 3 Advantages of Minimalism in the Home

1. Your home will look more attractive – imagine the clear uncluttered surfaces with everything neatly stored away until it is needed. No more tripping over children’s toys littering the floor. No more shelves full of ornaments you neither like nor want. Just elegant statement pieces of furniture that are shown off to their best because they are surrounded by clear spaces – room to move and room to relax.
2. Your home will be easier to keep clean – it is so much easier to dust and hoover if the floors and other surfaces are free from too many objects. You won’t have to move items on shelves and surfaces before you can clean them so cleaning the home will be a much quicker task.
3. Home life will be calmer – it is much less stressful when it is easy to find everything you need and in a minimalist home everything is neatly stored away in it’s own allotted space so is always easy to find. No more rushing around looking for a particular item only to find it under piles of papers and children will always know where to find their favourite toy or book.

So these are the advantages of a minimalist home but how can you turn an ordinary home into a minimalist one?

The first step is to de-clutter, whilst minimalism is about more than simply de-cluttering, this is still an important phase because once you have de-cluttered your home you will have a better idea of how much new storage space will be required to house all your essential items.

Then you will need to create the additional enclosed storage – for a truly minimal look this should be as unobtrusive as possible – simple cupboards painted the same colour as the walls (neutral, of course) so they blend in – and should make use of existing alcoves and niches to avoid encroaching on a room’s floor space. An essential part of minimalist living is keeping the floor clear of any unnecessary items.

Always over-estimate how much storage you think you will need – one of the biggest factors in the failure of a minimalist home is not actually having the storage space to easily keep those belongings out of sight.

Next, consider whether you really need all of the furniture that your rooms contain. Clearly there are certain essential furniture items that every room needs: chairs, tables, sofas, beds, wardrobes etc but there are also many that you can live without. But there are also some things a minimalist would never have in the bedroom. But a minimalist home should still be comfortable so ensure there is enough seating for the family and guests. There’s little point your guests admiring your sleek, minimal home if there is nowhere comfortable for them to sit down.

Just because you are aiming for a minimalist home does not mean that you can’t have books, magazines, CDs and DVDs in your living space but they will need plenty of storage space behind doors and out of sight wherever possible. Shelves of books and DVDs are dust magnets that not only look cluttered but are difficult to keep clean and dust-free.

Choose any ornaments or other decorations very carefully – you want to introduce something of your character into the room otherwise it would be a completely bland space but, at the same time, it is very easy to overdo it with ornaments, family photos etc. The perfect decorations for a minimalist room are paintings hung on the walls – they add colour and something of your own style without cluttering any surfaces, and maybe a modern vase or a structural houseplant. Plants in particular can add to the sense of calm in a minimalist room.

Stick to neutral colours for the walls and as many of the storage cupboards and drawers as possible, and avoid patterns on any fabrics, floor covering or soft furnishings as even the simplest pattern can create a feeling of clutter in a room. If you can’t live without curtains (which might not be practical in a cold climate) then choose a plain, and preferably neutral, colour, but in warmer climates simple blinds are preferable or if you don’t need privacy then no window dressings at all.

And a final reminder about storage space – it is essential that there is ample storage space and that there are designated, and easily accessible, places for all items that you will need to retrieve on a regular basis. That includes enough drawers and wardrobe space so clothes can be stored easily. Putting some serious thought into your storage will help you to maintain the minimalist look that you have worked hard to achieve in your home. In fact the right storage can be a viable alternative to extending your home or even having to move to a larger home. Many people prefer to simply get organised and remain in a smaller home that is easier and cheaper to maintain – there’s even a trend for tiny homes, but I have to wonder if that is through genuine choice.

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Many people have an impression of a minimalist home as a mostly white, bland space with very little furniture and a not very welcoming feel. But a truly minimal home can also be comfortable and reflect something of the owner’s character with carefully selected statement decorations. Minimalist living is not about removing comfort and personality from a space but about injecting a calm, stress-free atmosphere by removing all clutter and storing the majority of necessary items out of sight.

As with all styles of decorating and living, there are different levels of minimalism that work for different people but every minimal home will have some of these common elements:

Clear surfaces – the majority of visible flat surfaces will be clear of any items. There may be a few open bookcases and the kitchen surfaces may contain a few items that are impractical to store away such as the kettle and toaster, but, in general, even the most frequently used items will have an allotted storage space inside a cupboard or drawer.

Simple Furniture – rooms will only contain essential furniture and it will all be of a simple, elegant design, without any fancy decorative touches. Soft furnishings will be in neutral, or pale, muted colours and there will be no patterns in sight.

Simple Window Treatments – a minimal room may have curtains but they will be a plain feature of the room (no tie-backs, pelmets or fancy rails) but more often the windows will be unadorned or have just a simple blind for privacy.

Plain Neutral or Muted Colours – one of the ways of creating the calm atmosphere of a minimalist room is to use neutral and soft, muted colours only starting with plain walls and contemporary tile flooring or a classic wooden floor. This will not create a bland or cold room if combined with some textural elements in the furniture. There will be a distinct absence of any patterns however subtle.

Personal Touches – it is important for a home to reflect something of the character of the owner and no one would wish to live in a completely impersonal space so a few carefully chosen items will be on display; maybe an elegant Scandinavian vase on the window ledge or a simply framed family photo on the coffee table.

Decoration – good paintings often play an important part in the design of a minimalist space; they enable colour, texture and vibrancy to be added to a room without encroaching on the physical space. They also reflect the personality of the owner and bring character to the room to prevent it from seeming too bland.

Abundant storage space – this is the most essential element in any minimalist home, without which a minimal lifestyle would be impossible. The storage space should be abundant but also well organised with a defined space for every item that needs to be stored away.

To many of us moving to a new house it may seem like an impossible ideal to live in a minimalist home but it is possible to start to move towards that calmer and more serene way of living by taking one step at a time. Start by de-cluttering and creating plenty of storage cupboards and drawers. Attempt to make the easiest rooms minimal first – those that already have the least amount of furniture and clutter and discard all but the most essential pieces of furniture. Next, redecorate in neutral colours and you are already nearly there.

The act of redecorating a room will involve removing almost everything from the room so it is then simply a matter of resisting the temptation to put everything back again. Review every item again, even if you think you have already discarded everything possible there is always the opportunity to remove even more stuff. Try to ensure that all flat surfaces are completely clear and store away the essential items you have kept in their pre-allocated space in the storage cupboards. It is vital that a minimalist home has plenty of good, well-organised storage space from which items are easily accessible.

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Not to worry, there are plenty of other ways you can create more space in your homes with a few ‘thinking outside the box’ tactics. In many cases it isn’t a case of adding space with extensions, but utilising the space you do have more effectively, so it in turn works better for you.

Storage, Storage and more Storage

First things first, let’s take a look at storage solutions. It seems that storage is high on the agenda for most homes and something we can never have enough of. Over a lifetime, we accumulate possessions and sometimes it’s a struggle to throw things away with the justification that “this gadget will definitely come in handy one day” or “these jeans will be back in fashion in ten years’ time”. It’s this sentimental thought process and not wanting to waste anything that can cause cupboards, drawers and even rooms to be full to the brim with unused items.

Of course, this isn’t the case with every household, as many people aren’t prone to keeping everything, but they still genuinely suffer from a lack of storage space. However, there are numerous ways you can keep all your items stored away neatly and in an organised fashion to utilise the space more.

Built-in Storage Solutions

Whilst built-in wardrobes and cupboards aren’t a new phenomenon, the modern designs we see now are far better equipped to coping with multi-functional storage. They are not only a great way to deal with a storage issue, but also can add value to your home and use space more effectively too.

The great thing about built-in storage solutions, is they can be closed units fitted with swing or sliding doors, open style shelving or a combination of the two, so you can fully incorporate your storage into the room. The versatility of built-in storage units allow you to create an area to meet your exact requirements and to make use of even the smallest or oddest shaped spaces. For example, if you have a recess in your home under the stairs, in your lounge or bedroom that doesn’t get used properly, why not create a bespoke shelving unit or cupboard so you can actually use the entire space for stashing away shoes, toys, books or anything you like.

If you’re looking for larger storage solutions, it can be a great idea to opt for a built-in unit that spans across a whole wall or certainly a large part of it in bigger rooms. This maximises the amount of storage space you’ll get with the unit, but at the same time creates continuity, with the unit becoming a focal feature rather than a randomly placed freestanding block of storage. Fitting mirrored doors will also make the room feel bigger and lighter, which is particularly important in smaller spaces.

Modern built-in storage also provides numerous ideas for storing items in your unit too, from compartmentalised drawers for smaller items to hanging hooks and with some designs, you can even create a built-in working desk or dressing table, which makes them perfect for home offices, vanity units or kid’s bedrooms.

Tidy your drawers

Whilst we’re on the subject of keeping things organised, even if you don’t have built-in storage solutions, you can still make a difference to those overflowing drawers in your kitchen, bedroom, lounge or bathroom.

Drawers are a great place for tidying away small items, such as stationary, jewellery, paperwork, takeaway menus and pretty much anything that you want to keep, but don’t want on show. However, in many cases things get chucked in a draw and soon get lost, but you can create simple, organised drawer storage solutions by creating your own draw tidy using small boxes or trays and clipping them together. With a myriad of different sized compartments, everything will be neatly in its place and you’ll find more space for storing additional items as the space is used more effectively.

Brilliant Boxes and Baskets

Other great ways to add additional storage solutions into your home is investing in some good quality boxes or baskets. Storage boxes, along with baskets, are versatile and practical. They come in all sorts of designs – clear plastic, painted wicker, printed cardboard, vintage wood – and a whole host of different shapes and sizes too. This means that you can get really creative with using boxes and baskets as storage solutions in your home. Add baskets to shelving or cupboards, so you can easily store more things on the shelves in the baskets, but they’ll be nice and neatly stowed away in a stylish way, with all items out of view. Or invest in a dual purpose footstool or coffee table that has hidden storage inside.

Also, don’t forget about the amount of dead space underneath large furniture, such as beds and sofas. Make use of that wasted space and choose some shallow boxes on wheels that can easily be pulled out and put away for those items that you don’t necessarily need access to every day. This could be rotating your summer/winter wardrobe, DVD’s, books…the possibilities are endless and so are the sizes of storage solutions available – so you’ll certainly find something to suit.

Easy kitchens

Another area in many homes that suffer from storage shortages is the kitchen. It’s a place where you need easy access to ingredients, dishes and pans; and whilst a complete kitchen extension or remodel may not be an option, you can make a few tweaks to maximise the space usage to make getting to everything nice and easy. And don’t forget there are decorating and design elements that can make a space feel larger even if it is not, such as light colours on the walls or large white porcelain tiles on the floor that reflect the light back into the room.

Innovative kitchen storage solutions, include pull out cupboards and shelves, rotating corner cupboard shelving and cupboard and drawer organisers that make life so much easier. These clever storage solutions can be added to most existing kitchen units, so you can adapt keep your spices organised with pull out wire drawers, or get to those hard to reach bowls at the back of the corner cupboard.

Another great way to utilise space in cupboards and drawers is with Tupperware and plastic boxes with lids. They not only help to keep ingredients fresher for longer, but stacking tubs and boxes will use more space in your cupboards so you can fit more in, plus they make finding items easier too.

Hang It or Shelve It

A key to getting more space in your home is to create additional floor and counter space. Of course, furniture takes up the large majority of floor space, but you’d be surprised at how much of your space is taken up unnecessarily with clutter. This is where getting items up off the floor and onto the walls can make all the difference.

Incorporating hooks and hanging areas can have a dramatic effect. It doesn’t matter whether it’s hanging your jewellery on hooks on the wall next to your dressing table, rather than taking up valuable space in a drawer, having extra hanging space for coats, scarves and hats or incorporating a hanging area for kitchen utensils or pots and pans that currently take up space on the worktop or in cupboards.

Shelving units can also allow items currently taking up valuable floor space to be stored effectively. It works incredibly well in well used areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, where you have a number of items that sit on the floor or worktops. With some stylish shelving or even a closed wall unit, you can get items such as cleaning products, spare loo rolls, cooking utensils and spices up off the floors and counters and in their own allocated space.

Decluttering = Space

Whilst creating additional space with clever storage solutions is great, it doesn’t always solve the problem of clutter, as you can simply be transporting stuff from one area to another and simply putting it out of sight and out of mind.

This is why if you are looking to create more space in your home, it’s also a good idea to have a good old-fashioned clear out. No one is saying you should get rid of everything, but taking a more objective and realistic approach to your belongings can help to create additional space.

Knowing exactly what you have and where it’s stored will mean you can house your belongings in a more structured and organised way. Sorting through items and categorising them in terms of the frequency of their use, will make sure that the items you need most frequently are easily accessible, whereas things that are used once, maybe twice a year aren’t taking up valuable front row space.

If you’re worried about things going to waste, why not donate to charity shops or friends, as well as sell good conditioned items on classified websites. That bit of extra money could go towards a built in storage unit!

Consider Your Home Layout

It’s amazing that when you live somewhere, you soon become accustomed to the layout of the furniture; and what in many cases was a temporary layout, remains that way for years, despite the fact it may not actually use the space particularly well.

Where you position your furniture, as well as the size and style can play a significant role in how big or small your home feels and the amount of space that is utilised. Choosing the right position, size and style of furniture appropriate for your home can make all the difference to the amount of space you have to live in.

For example, a huge, chunky dining room table that seats 8 people, will swamp a dining room that’s really only designed to fit a table of 4-6 people. In this instance, you may want to consider downsizing to a smaller table that also has the option to expand for more seating as and when you need it. Also, think about the positioning of furniture, do you have your sofa in front of the bay window in your living room? Have you considered how much space behind the sofa is wasted? Moving the sofa against a wall, can open up the room and allow you to use the recessed area more effectively, whether it’s incorporating additional chairs, a coffee table or storage.

When you’re planning the layout of any room, be it your living room, bedroom, bathroom or kitchen, it’s important to think about the purpose of the room and how you spend your time in there, as well as factoring in walkways. These fundamental elements of planning will make sure you create an area that fits your requirements and isn’t a pain to manoeuvre around.

Where you can, position large furniture such as chairs, beds and sofas flush against the wall, as putting them at an angle will waste space. The same goes for freestanding shelving units, dressers, wardrobes and drawers. Also pay close attention that none of these furniture items are impeding access or walkways as this can make a room feel smaller and less accessible. You want to be able to easily come in and out of a room, as well as walk through it without having to negotiate a lot of furniture on the way.

Avoid Overcrowding

Also be sure that when you’re positioning your furniture that you aren’t overcrowding the room. Sometimes, less is more for creating a well-laid out room that looks spacious and comfortable, so if space is premium in your home, be as minimalistic as you can. Focus on the essential furniture you need in a room first, such as seating, entertainment and storage, then move onto less essential items.

The same rules apply for the size of your furniture. It’s all about choosing furniture that matches the size of your rooms. Unless you have lots of space, avoid large and chunky furniture designs, as these will simply take over small spaces and eat into valuable living space.

As you can see, there are plenty of options for making better use of existing space in your home without the cost of extending. Whether you incorporate clever storage solutions, declutter or reinvest in new furniture pieces, by making some small changes in your home, you can have a really big impact on the space you’re left to work with.

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Can you make your spaces bigger?

Firstly, it is important to consider if you can extend any of the existing rooms within the house in a cost effective way. By simply converting a garage in to a usable room, or adding a toilet downstairs this can make a big difference to the amount of storage space available and the level of comfort for everyone. If there is a large room, adding a small ‘en suite’ can take the pressure off the ‘family bathroom’ and it means that there won’t be a queue in the morning with everyone getting ready at a similar time to leave for work or school. If the new en-suite can be position close to the existing bathroom then that can keep costs down. There are also plenty of good, cheap bathroom fittings available online and a range of inexpensive porcelain tiles – and you won’t need many for an en-suite so it’s an affordable project.

The entrance

Another option is to perhaps add a porch and incorporate a cloak room or storage solution for coats and shoes. Remember that the entrance to the house is the first thing everyone sees when they arrive, so having an area that is clutter free, and where items such as shoes and clothing have a place to be stored is crucial. It may be that the number of people in your house is doubling, so by creating a porch area or cupboard to store the outdoor clothing it will keep everything kept out of sight.

Storage solutions for the living areas

Whether you are updating your existing living area or creating an extra space, the amount of storage available needs to factor in everyone in the house. If it is a house with younger children, they will need their homely comforts and toys to hand to make them feel welcome and keep them entertained. Whether you have older teenagers or younger children coming together, extra sofas or seating is a must. Everyone needs to be able to feel comfortable as this will be an area that is most commonly used and where everyone can come together to relax.

What to use an extra room for?

If you have the luxury of being able to convert a garage in to an extra room, it is crucial to consider everyone when allocating what this space will be used for. By using cube storage solutions, or bookshelves along a wall, you can significantly increase the amount of storage available to everyone involved. It also allows for things to be kept neat and tidy, making the home feel less cluttered. Whilst the majority of items can be stored in other rooms, everyone needs their homely comforts in the room that they will spend the most time.

Cube storage solutions

Cube storage is an ideal storage solution in living spaces. Not only can you purchase colour coordinated boxes to create a colour scheme for your room, these boxes can also hold a lot of items. Each child (or adult!) could be allocated their own box(es) or space to store their things, making everyone feel that their items are just as valued as everyone else’s. Bookcases are also a good choice too as it allows you to store a range of items; CDs. DVDs, or books will all look right at home in one of these. Certain shelves can also be reserved for those all-important family photos showing happy times together.

Creating a second space with a television will accommodate different tastes in programs and channels. If this is possible, it could be that this extra space is also where children’s toys are stored, or a home office is created. By having an additional living area, it means that if anyone is feeling the need for a bit of personal space or quiet, that this can be achieved easily. After a busy day at work or school, having the physical environment that promotes calm and peace can help to relieve stress.

The bedrooms

When two families come together, it may be the case that people who have previously had their own room now have to share. Whilst this can cause conflict, it is possible for everyone to have their own space, even within the confines of one room. In the case of children, beds that contain storage solutions within them are ideal. Cabin beds, or beds with shelving and a desk underneath mean that each child would get their own area to sleep, store their items, and study. A room can also be blocked off in to two distinct areas by using curtains or drapes. A more practical way to partition a room is to use the cube storage previously mentioned and the great thing about this type of shelving is that not only can they totally separate two areas within a room, the boxes provide extra storage solutions for toys, clothing or other personal items. As many shops stock this type of storage, it can be bought in whichever size needed to create two discrete spaces within one room.

Decoration considerations

Decorating can also be a way of distinguish different areas. It could be that the room is painted one colour but items such as wall stickers or pictures unique to each person in the room are used to create a more personal, comfortable environment. On the other hand, the room could be painted in two contrasting colours to create two very distinct (and equal!) spaces. Whichever you choose, it is important that each child is made to feel like they have their own space and create a homely environment for them.

It’s not just the kids that should be considered

As two adults come together, storage and space can also be an issue for them. Even though it is the adults who have made the decision to bring two families together in to one space, the adults too, need their bedroom to feel comfortable and inviting for them. An honest, open discussion is needed beforehand for preferences of colour and choice of storage solution. In the case of a woman moving in to a man’s home, or indeed a new home, the woman may have a preference for having a dressing table, or certain types of storage for their clothes. This will need to be factored in to the space available as these can be quite large!

Clothing storage solutions

Floor to ceiling sliding wardrobes are an ideal way to create lots of space and storage, but the space behind the door can also be adapted to suit the individual. For example, one person may prefer to have more drawers and less hanging space. This can be accommodated by buying drawer inserts for the wardrobe, and reducing the hanging rail space. Because these can be personalised it means that each person will have the correct type of storage for their items.

The bathroom

A bathroom is normally quite a fixed room in terms of the plumbing and the positioning of the suite and his can rarely be easily moved around. However, extending the bathroom or creating an extra space could be hugely beneficial. This is one room that everyone needs to have access to regularly, and quite often at a similar time of day (morning and evenings). If you can enlarge the space or create another one it would be advisable to do so. If you do not have the luxury of doing this, the space can be used creatively to ensure everyone has access to what they need quickly, reducing the amount of time they spend in there.

Bathroom storage solutions

One example of this is a mirror that is also a cupboard above the sink. If items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and other daily essentials are stored here they can be quickly accessed by all. A cupboard under the sink is another ideal storage option to keep cleaning products, toilet rolls and even small towels to hand but keep them out of sight and make the bathroom clutter free. High shelving is an excellent way of storing towels as it keeps them to hand, and keeps the bathroom feeling like a wider, open space. Within the shower or bath, having enough storage for everyone’s hair and body products is an essential and there are shower shelves on the market that would be perfect for this. Everyone has their own preferences and creating enough space for everyone to have their own products will reduce the amount of time spent hunting for things!

The kitchen

Kitchen with Breakfast Bar and Dinning Table

Unless you have the luxury of putting in a whole new kitchen, this is another room that is totally fixed in terms of layout. In this area, it is important to ensure that there is enough cutlery and crockery to accommodate the growing family. Where 6 plates may have been enough for 2 or 3 people, it could be that more need to be purchased to allow everyone to have access to these without having to constantly wash up! If there is a breakfast bar or seating area, it is essential to consider how many more chairs or seats are needed so that everyone can sit down to eat. Whilst a breakfast bar may not accommodate everyone due to its size, having a dining table where everyone can come together for meals is a great way to bring people closer and share special moments of the day. In addition to this, there are many inserts for cupboards that provide storage solutions for many different kitchen items – after all, there will likely be a few extra items coming in to the house to cater for individual tastes.

Considering all spaces available

Looking at all the different areas within the house that could be adapted for a growing family is an ideal way to create extra space. It is a matter of looking what is available and consider how it can be used in a different way. Using the existing cupboard space, such as those under the stairs (if you have some!) or airing cupboards more efficiently, can create the much needed storage space that is needed for all the extra items that will be brought in to the home. The option of outdoor storage is also not to be forgotten. An outdoor shed is a great way to store items that won’t be affected by changes in weather.

Using attic or basement space can also add more room for everyone coming together. It can be a simple DIY job, such as boarding out the loft space which will allow items that are not needed regularly to be kept safe and sound, without cluttering up the existing space. Quite often people have sentimental items that they wish to keep, however don’t need to have access to on a daily basis. The attic is a perfect place to store these items. The attic can even be used to create a whole extra room or space. A basement can be an excellent area to place an extra freezer or fridge to store the additional food. If the plumbing is in place washing machines and dryers can be moved to basement areas creating extra living space in your kitchen areas.

Bringing everyone together happily

As you can see, there are many factors that need to be considered when combining two families. The most important thing is to ensure that each person feels like that they have their own space and feels ‘at home’. By utilising storage solutions, or using the space more creatively, it can be easy to bring together two families in to one abode. Making sure that everyone’s thoughts and opinions are shared will help to create harmony and bring two families together easily. Giving everyone a sense of the new house becoming their home, is the ultimate goal. It can be difficult to come together in a home however it is easy to make everyone feel valued and welcome with forward planning. Whether it is extending the space, adapting the space, or creating extra storage, there are many options available.

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Living in a minimalist way can be incredibly liberating. With less ‘stuff’ in your life, you’ll find you spend less time cleaning and tidying, and are able to relax more frequently when you’re in your home. However, the concept of living with very little can be fairly daunting to many people, and often the popular misconceptions about what minimalist living is all about serves to put people off the idea entirely. If you are new to the concept and would like to understand better what it is all about, here are some of the most common questions answered to help you on the way.

• What is minimalist living all about?

The essence of minimalism is to get rid of the things you no longer use or need, giving you more room to enjoy the things you really love. It’s about living more simply and lightly, and shrugging off the obsession with having and needing too much.

• What are the benefits?

For a start, your home environment will be clutter-free and so be less stressful. There will be less cleaning and tidying to do, and if you are strict on not buying things unless you honestly need them, your bank account will start to look and feel different too. Think how much easier it will be to clean if you have clear surfaces to dust and clear floor tiles to mop.

• Isn’t is boring to have nothing in your life?

A popular misconception of minimalism is that you have to live in a white room with nothing but a chair, or even better a floor cushion, for comfort. This is not the case at all. Minimalists believe in clearing things from their lives that they no longer need, love, want or use. All the things that bring you joy or that you use frequently can stay, whether that is a painting, a programme on the TV or something else. It is not about being sterile and boring, but more about being streamlined.

• What do minimalists do with their time?

This is the beauty of minimalist living: you can do whatever you like! Imagine all the time you currently spend tidying up, cleaning, searching for lost possessions and generally feeling stressed. With a less cluttered lifestyle and a minimalist environment, you can enjoy more free time to be creative, to relax and to take up hobbies and interests.

• What rules do I need to follow to become a minimalist?

There are no hard and fast rules to minimalism, only guidelines. The essence is that you only keep the things you really, truly need each day, and clear away the rest to leave more room to breathe. It’s about breaking away from the consumerist lifestyles of our culture, and valuing the things that really matter to you. It’s about choosing quality over quantity, and about learning to live with less so that you have plenty of storage space for the things you truly value. It’s about being kinder to the planet and only taking as much as you need.

Minimalism is not for everyone, and very few people will take it to the extreme degrees which most people think is the norm for minimalists. The idea of minimal living can be adopted to a greater or lesser degree, and by taking the elements of the concept that you think will be useful to you.

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As we get older the amount of possessions we own seem to grow and storage space becomes a most sought after attribute in any home.How many times have you said to yourself that you just don’t have enough space in your home for all your things? As we grow and make a family, the amount of things everybody has just seems to be insurmountable. It can be tempting to just say you need to move but moving home is an unnecessary hassle just to be able to store all your valuable and sentimental possession. Making use of the available space you already have with DIY is easier than you may think.

When you look around your home, there will be many places of untapped potential that, with a little bit of DIY and creative thinking, you can turn into innovative and beautiful storage areas. So let’s take a look around the home and identify some of the areas in each room which could be turned into handy storage with some DIY and a touch of creativity.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one area of the home that most people feel they simply don’t have enough room. You need cupboards for food, pans, utensil, plates; the list goes on and on. Unless you have thousands to spend on a brand new kitchen with an array of fancy storage options, you may need to get creative to get the storage you want.

So let’s start under the sink. We all have a cupboard under the sink which is generally unused. Don’t waste any valuable space in the hunt for extra storage. Add an extra shelf in there to give yourself more options. Cupboard doors can be turned into extra storage with the addition on a space saver storage rack on the back of cupboard doors. Cleaning supplies, bin bags and any other smaller objects can be stored in these racks giving you extra shelf space.

Cupboard space and storage units are key in any kitchen and most people feel they just don’t have enough. It is relatively easy to implement your DIY skills to add extra cupboards in your kitchen if you need them. You can also add shelving above existing cupboards for pans and pots which you don’t use every day. Knife blocks and magnetic knife holders, which attach to the wall, are also both great ways to save drawer space. You may also want to consider a ceiling rack above any kitchen islands as a great place to hang pots, pans and utensils to save yourself valuable cupboard space.

Lounge

The lounge is where you and your family will spend much of your time relaxing and entertaining. Most people will have amassed a collection of sentimental and personal items by the time they come to own their own home which will take pride of place in the lounge. Extra display and storage options in this room are essential to create the relaxing environment which a lounge should be.

Shelving is the obvious first solution to storage options in the lounge. Even with limited DIY knowledge and skill, putting up shelving is relatively simple and gives you an extra option to display some of your prized possessions. Selecting furniture options for you lounge with extra storage space can also give you extra space to store belongings and also add you your overall décor. Coffee tables with drawers, small cabinets, sideboards and bureaus all give you added storage solutions whilst also give you the opportunity to create a stunning, elegant look to your lounge. You can also investigate the possibility of foot stools which open up to reveal storage on the inside.

If you have alcoves in your lounge, either side of a fire place for example, you have a fantastic opportunity to create some built in storage in this space. A little DIY skill and you can create built in shelves and cupboards within your alcoves which won’t intrude into the space within your lounge and blend in seamlessly within the room. If you have stairs in your lounge then you can also add built in storage cupboards in the space underneath them and create a functional and uniquely shaped cupboard.

If your lounge features an unused or closed off fireplace and chimney breast then this can be converted into an innovative storage option. Opening up the original fireplace and blocking off the chimney above can give you a sizeable space for a built in cupboard or area to place a cabinet, sideboard or shelves. This can be made a real feature in your lounge and give you a creative and unique storage option which make use of all available space.

Hallway

You may not have considered your hallway as a space which you can add storage too but it shouldn’t be ignored. The space under your stairs makes for an ideal built in cupboard area which can be as big or small as you would like. Here you can store big bulky items such as hoovers and also an area to keep shoes and coats so that they don’t clutter your hallway. If you have a boiler cupboard either in your upstairs or downstairs hallway, then this can be converted into a handy storage place for bedding and towels with a simple touch of DIY to add shelving in this area. The hallway is also a fantastic area to add large pieces of furniture such as dressers, bureaus and sideboards. These large pieces of furniture not only give you plenty of storage options but also create a huge impact on people when the entre your home.

Bedrooms

Your bedroom should be a place of peace, tranquillity and relaxation. The presence of clutter or mess can actually have a large negative impact on your sleep as an untidy atmosphere doesn’t lend itself to a restful night’s sleep. Storage space in the bedroom is vital so that you can keep order and calm in what is meant to be the most relaxing area of the home.

Of course the furniture in your bedroom will give you extra storage such as wardrobes and sets of drawers but you can also buy beds which offer storage options. Divan beds often have drawer underneath or you can opt for a bed which mattress rises to expose storage underneath. Built in wardrobes also offer a fantastic array of storage and design options to suit any taste. You can often customise the inside of your built in wardrobe with a simply touch of DIY to add shoe racks, drawers and accessory and jewellery storage. Built in wardrobes can be made to almost any shape and specification to fit any space. They are the ideal solution for uneven or sloped ceilings and smaller bedrooms.

A window seat adds a touch of elegance and old world charm to any bedroom and can also give you added storage options. A window seat is an easily constructed built in storage option which can be made with even the basic DIY knowledge. Situated within the space underneath a large or bay window, a window seat is an innovative use of unused space and the seat itself can be hinged to expose a large storage compartment underneath; ideal for bulky bedding and towels.

Bedrooms often have chimney breasts running through them and if your fireplace downstairs in unused or blocked then you can convert the chimney breast in the bedroom into a built in cupboard or storage space. By removing some of the brickwork and inserting wooden boards and supports, a small cupboard, wardrobe or set back shelving space can be created to make use of every space possible to create unique storage options.

Bathroom

We all use a number of products in the bathroom from shampoo and body wash to moisturiser and shaving gel. Nobody likes the look of clutter and all these products sitting on the side of the bath or sink starts to look unsightly. Storage solutions in the bathroom may seem tricky or thin on the ground but if you get a little creative, there are plenty of ways to add extra storage no matter how big or small your bathroom is.

The space under the bathroom sink is often neglected when it comes to storage solutions buts it is relatively easy and quick to create a storage area in this space. You can choose to create a cupboard or shelving unit which accommodate the base of the sink and works around it to give you an area which you can store bath or cleaning products out of sight and out of the way.

Cupboard can be fixed to the bathroom wall to give you a storage option which is versatile and useful. Cupboard doors can be modified to have rack on them too to extra options to store all your bathroom necessities. You can also create a simple cupboard or shelving unit to sit above the toilet for loo rolls and wipes to be stored, all it takes is some basic DIY knowhow.

Almost everywhere in the bathroom can be used to create storage options if you get a little creative. Even the space above the bathroom door can be used to add shelves to give you a place to put your bathroom items up and out of the way. Tiles can be removed from the walls and small alcoves created in the bathroom to give you built in storage for items such as shower and wash products. A little creative and innovative thinking can help you to look at the space in your bathroom in a different light and see potential to create unique storage solutions even if your bathroom is small and compact.

Loft

Your loft or attic may currently be used as a dumping ground for unused clothes, toys, keepsakes and the Christmas tree but with a little TLC and a touch of DIY, you can turn this space into more than just a place to throw bags and boxes full of knick-knacks.

Firstly, if your loft isn’t boarded out then this should be your first job. Putting in proper, stable flooring in your loft gives you the means to be able to walk around and use all of the space in your loft without fear of coming through the ceiling. Even if you only plan on using the space to put unused items out of the way, boarding the floor is essential so that you can make the most of the space in a safe manner.

Once your loft floor is boarded out you can then look at how exactly you wish to use the space. To make the most of the room you can add built in wardrobes and cupboards around the edges of the loft. As previously mentioned, built in wardrobes can be made to any specification so they can take into account for the sloped loft ceiling and give you a storage option which is tidy and organised. You then have the rest of the floor space to do as you wish; a work are or craft room are popular choices for loft spaces. You may even consider adding a Velux window and turning the space into an extra bedroom.

Conservatory

The addition of a conservatory to your home can give you many extra storage options. The addition of a new room to your home could be just what you need to give you and your family the extra room you crave without needing to move house. While a conservatory may not be the ideal room for built in storage options due to the glass walls, it will give you extra space for items of furniture which will aid in your mission for extra storage in your home.

Get creative with DIY storage

If you need extra storage options in your home then all it takes is some creative thinking. DIY knowledge can help you save money by converting space into storage yourself and many of the tips and tricks mentioned here can be done easily yourself. Think outside of the box and get innovative in your storage solutions to create spaces and designs which suit your personality and your home.

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1. Clean as you go

Yes, it’s obvious; yes, it’s common-sense – but that’s because it really works. Keep a cordless vacuum cleaner – so vacuuming is absolutely effortless and doesn’t involve plugs and wires – and a portable ‘cleaning kit’ with sprays, polishes, dusters, cloths and wipes. Don’t leave anything out once it’s finished with. As you walk out of a room, or up the stairs, take stuff with you. Nipping to the bathroom or having a quick coffee? Wipe a surface. Put used crockery straight into the dishwasher. Train the family to do so too – no one should be allowed dinner/internet/to play until they’ve tidied up. It’ll soon become habit and nobody will even notice.

If you’re pushed for time, just clean the kitchen and bathroom. In those rooms, hygiene is a must, so prioritise. If your wall and floor tiles are clean and gleaming it’s easy to overlook the odd bit of clutter elsewhere. Let’s face it, your house is lived in! A quick polish everywhere else should suffice – the scent of polish gives the illusion of a clean house anyway.

2.Storage, storage, storage:

Everywhere. When everything has a place there’s no need for mess. Many stores specialise in storage solutions which you can customise or build up to fit your space and requirements but you could also choose to create your own to perfectly suit your rooms. Any odd spaces or alcoves are crying out for made-to-fit cupboards, shelves or other storage systems, but everyday furniture can offer storage space, too – cabinets with hooks and rails attached underneath; fireplaces with pigeonholes, tables with drawers… the list is almost endless.

3.Stack it up, but decoratively!

Are you a stacker? You know, someone who seems to collect stacks of… stuff. All sorts of stuff, all over everywhere. Catalogues, books, magazines, recipes and the like? Make a feature of them, again with useful storage. There are some really attractive and stylish office or kitchen storage systems which could actually make a lovely feature. Again, customise them or even make your own – fabric covered boxes and files, or prettily-lined baskets will keep the house neat-and-tidy as well as attractive.

4. Lose the clutter

Keep surfaces clear and the house will look cleaner (plus you won’t need to lift things in order to dust). Plants on windowsills and mantelpieces look fresh and clean and will prevent you from adding yet more clutter.

Now, treat yourself to a bunch of fresh flowers – really, they’ll help the house look clean and smell good, too!

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1. Let there be light

The first step to visually opening up a room is to make it feel airier and brighter, so avoid fussy window treatments such as over-long drapes, swags or pelmets and keep it simple – a blind is functional but unobtrusive and can be every bit as beautiful if it’s designed and fitted right. Blinds can be made-to-measure, ensuring a perfect fit whether wooden or your fabric choice. You can even buy kits and make them yourself.

2. Blend in the practical items

If your lounge doubles as an office or dining room, ensure that area and the furniture fit your room and that any equipment can be covered or shut away, as this will create more space than if everything is left out. Choose attractive files and an appropriate chair and try to blend in with your room – a completely different area can visually divide a room.

3. Declutter

Be ruthless with clutter. You can’t go wrong if you follow the mantra ‘a place for everything, and everything in its place’ and take William Morris’s advice to ‘have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful’. An easy way to achieve this is to invest in multi-tasking furniture: a coffee table with drawers or baskets, a storage footstool or a bench with a lifting seat for toys or books.

4. Use attractive storage methods

You don’t need to get rid of everything to create more space– an empty room isn’t just uncluttered, it can be characterless, stark and impersonal. Hone your craft or DIY skills and experiment with clever ways of displaying treasured items: box frames, floating shelves – even peg rails and plate racks in older properties.

5. Use colour wisely

Colour and décor play a major part in the illusion of space. Darker colours can be rather claustrophobic – deep blues particularly illustrate this. However, you don’t absolutely have shy away from colour altogether – you could use a deeper colour on a feature wall, stripes or a bold wallpaper. Lighter colours give the impression of space by making walls seem to recede, and with the trend for all things metallic, something that reflects the light will maximise that effect.

6. Play with your light sources

Consider lighting: lighter rooms seem larger, so ideally fit two or three light sources – floor, wall or table, and ceiling – to really brighten up the space while adding depth. Complete the feeling of light with mirrors which will appear to deepen the room whilst also reflecting more light around.

7. Consider Bespoke Built-ins

Make practical-yet-beautiful furniture to perfectly fit your space – shelves and cupboards in tricky alcoves, perhaps, or wall-to-wall open shelving for books. Being able to see the wall behind maintains that feeling of space whilst giving all the storage you can dream of.

Creating more space in your lounge may take a little work, but you’ll certainly benefit from a less cluttered, more relaxing environment.

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