June 23, 9:08 AM
If you're moving to an apartment, condo or co-op, you might find you have an abundance of stuff, but a pittance of space.
This article will help you with two things: great storage ideas for your new place, and design tricks that will make your space look bigger.
Storage
If you don't know how to hang shelves, learn: they're invaluable spaces to help with storage. These aren't large-scale home improvement projects, so ask someone in your building how to do it – they'll be familiar with the types of walls in your complex and can recommend proper equipment (anchors, etc.). And if you're renting, be sure to ask your landlord for permission before you do any hanging.
- • Hang shelving high along the wall for books – this keeps them out of the way, and also reduces that cluttered look by keeping them above eye-level. It's also an attractive design element.
- • Use shelving in your closets. Most people have a lot of dead space in their closets; use shelving, particularly high on the wall.
- • In the bathroom and kitchens, wire baskets can be hung on the wall for small storage areas. In the bathroom, look for units that can be placed above your toilet – this is often unused space.
- • Cover end tables with floor length table cloths, then slide baskets for storage under the tables. This is great for families with small children for easy toy pick-up at the end of the day.
Design Ideas
- • Place furniture at an angle to the wall in your rooms, this can create the impression of more space – it can also create some out-of-the-way storage areas behind the furniture. If you can't do this, place your area rugs at an angle to the walls. This pulls your eye across the room and makes the space more visually expansion.
- • Another trick is mirrors. But be sure to hang them above eye level so they don't reflect the items in your room, which can make the room seem cluttered. If you can't hang the mirrors, try to set them on shelving so they tip upward slightly.
- • Avoid white as a color for your walls – they create a great deal of contrast with items in the room, which can make your space look smaller. Instead, use a soft, cool color – it reduces the contrast, but still reflects a lot of light, which can make a room appear larger.
- • On the subject of light… the more the better. Make sure whatever window treatments you choose allow as much light into the room as possible. And hang the window treatments as high on the wall as possible – this makes the window appear higher, and makes the room seem more expansive.
- • Have the window treatments blend with the color of the room. This reduces contrast.
- • If you have any sleek surfaces in your new home, clean them up – they reflect more light. Aim for the windows, stove fronts, countertops or any glass-top furniture that can collect dust and grime left over after the moving company has dropped off your last box.