Making the most of small spaces
As an artist and lover of many trades, there have been times I have found myself drowning in ‘stuff’.
Over the years I have developed a wonderful stash of supplies for myself and for my kiddos. Ranging from alcohol markers, colored pencils, watercolor, acrylic paints, oil paints, gouache, brushes and all of the different bells and whistles you need to work with these various mediums. That doesn’t even touch the craft bins I’ve grown for the boys and all of the little wood working tools I’ve picked up along the way.
What can I say…I love creation.
If there is a way for me to make something I will be the first in line. If I am wondering on Pinterest I am the person that thinks, "well I could do that”. I don’t think having things is bad, how could I, look at me! Yet, there is always another side where too many things can actually be overwhelming and stunt the opportunity of creativity. We are sold the idea that having more is better, but sometimes I think having more really just provides options, which can lead to a form of anxiety which more often than not leads to stagnation.
I am a huge believer in people being surrounded by things that truly bring them joy. This can become a much deeper conversation because you really have to know yourself in order to know what those things are and NOT get wrapped up in what everyone thinks they or you, need. If you love to bake, then yes, maybe you should have all the special little things that make the baking experience a totally elevated moment for you. I love thinking of things in this way, because it gives us a chance to let loose and just enjoy what we are doing. Therefore, enjoy our daily lives.
In some way I think we all have our thing, or if you can relate to me, things, that we love. Think makeup, skincare, clothes, crafting, the outdoors. We have to address the fact that hobbies often come with bits and bobs that then have to be managed within the household. When these things don’t get managed, on top of the other daily things we have, spaces can start to feel extremely overwhelming. This is the worst because it builds up friction which makes enjoying a space fully quite difficult.
When I lived with my parents I was pretty much tied to my bedroom which was small. I grew up in the first home they purchased as their “starter home” and we never left. In my early twenties when I moved out to another state I was still fairly tied to my room as I lived in a two bedroom apartment. Granted I lived with my best friend so I definitely had some pull on decorating and unleashing my creativity, but it wasn’t a place that had nooks for painting. The shared living area was all one open space. We made the most of it but this time was pretty nonexistant in terms of me really being creative on paper or in design outside of when we had first moved in and around the holidays.
From there I lived in a small Lake House, a wonderful time and experience still with my best friend, and then later to a two bedroom apartment and soon after that came my first son. Small spaces are often the growing pains of growing. You go where you can afford and if you’re trying to also be in a safe place you have to find the balance between cost and space. In ways it is a balancing act. I loved just about every place I have lived. With each new place it was a puzzle and I got to put the pieces together to figure out how to make a space of my own that complimented my family, my hobbies, and our life.
How to make the most out of a small space…
1. Shelving:
Don’t knock shelving until you’ve really done your homework, okay? There are so many different and unique ways you can incorporate shelving into your home. From slat walls, to vintage bins, built in book cases. The opportunities are endless! Not only will this provide extra storage, if done with intention it can also be a show stopping element to your home. Shelving will also give you the opportunity to put some things on display that might be shoved in a closet, and if its coming out of the closet that means more closet space!
2. The more organized the better
Organization is crucial to the functionality of any home but this couldn’t reign any truer than if you are living in a small space. I am a firm believer that anything that is owned should have a home. Coats, toys, supplies, you name it and it should have a place to be “put away.” Not only does this make engaging in the activities that require these things flawless, it also keeps the home tidy and allows you to track where things are at all times. There is nothing more taxing on the mind than trying to find or remember where something is. There are so many benefits I have found to staying organized like reduced stress and more space for play. This will require a little work upfront but any effort put in on the backend will be well worth it.
3. Transform your closets
There are many ways you can utilize your closet, regardless of its size. Adding more shelving, over the door organization options, drawers, built ins, just like shelving the options are abundant. The biggest hurdle will be understanding how to best utilize the space within the closet that’s at hand. When thinking about this the best way to go about it may be to delegate the things you want to be in there. Think clothes, jewelry, accessories, shoes, but what about other things that maybe don’t get used too much. Maybe extra toiletries or skincare, seasonal items, extra bedding. Everyone’s needs and the things they have are different so taking inventory of what you have and how often you use them can help you navigate the way you work your closets.
4. Display things most used
This is one of my favorite hacks around! Use what you use as décor! Take some pride in your activities of choice and get them out on display. Not only does this showcase you in your own home but it also gives you the opportunity to dive into those activities with ease. Think workout items, sports equipment, cookware, or in my case- art supplies. It is no secret that the more accessible we keep things the more we use them. This is especially true if you are a busy individual- as many of us are! I am a busy single mom of two, working full time, and somehow I will squeeze in painting or sketching because all of my art stuff is out on display in our home office. I can get to anything and everything with ease which means with an early morning or during nap time on the weekends I can get right to creating without wasting time trying to plan and find supplies.
5. Avoid trend traps
In my friendly opinion trends are the demise of a house becoming a home. Many of us despise the cookie cutter neighborhoods that alternate between a few different architecture types. Meanwhile, these same people end up making the interior of their homes exactly the same because of trend traps- what a shame! Trends can be great for inspiration or trying something new, but there is always a way to work a trend into a style that is more fitting to you, ultimately allowing you to continue to grow in your own home style. Trends come and go FAST my friends, and while they are enticing I think the thing we are all craving and trying to accomplish with trends is a classic look that can stand the test of time. The truth of this comes down to asking yourself, whose time?
Consider these five tips and see where they fit in your home. Perhaps you are already doing some of these things but if you added in a little more or tweaked the way you did a few things here and there your whole space could open up. Don’t be afraid to get a little weird and try different things. This is YOUR home. If you host a lot or are worried about what others may think I have been there. Ultimately it comes down to this, you are the one who has to deal with all the little things everyday. You are the one who is paying for the place you reside and you are the one who can make where you live the oasis it deserves to be.
If you’re living in a small condo, apartment, home, or still with your parents you are not alone. I actually commend you! One day you will have all the space your heart desires. My hope for now is that you are able to find tranquility in what you do have and that you are able to be inspired to make it function exactly as you need. One of the biggest benefits I’ve found in living in all of these different small places is having the discipline and ability to get rid of things and to use the things I have. These times may create some of your fondest memories, and in life the inevetiable is that we always look back. You may as well make a pretty picture for your mind to remember.
Always keep in mind, the size of your home doesn’t matter as much as the heart that’s put into it.
