Createing more space in your home

Make the most of your space - it's cheaper than moving!

Do you ever wish you could push the walls of your home back and give yourself more room to spread out. Sadly that's not possible, but before you start working out whether you can afford a bigger place, online agent Residential People has some tips to help you make the most of the space you've got. Here are some simple steps you can take to make your property more space-efficient:

Could you make your kitchen open plan? Blocking off the kitchen from other rooms can make your home feel a lot less roomy. Opting for an open plan living and dining experience creates a friendlier atmosphere and makes the space feel larger and more functional. This is likely to be a no-no for renters (unless you have a very acommodating landlord!) and leaseholders will need to read their lease and take professional advice before talking to a builder. However, if your lease allows internal alterations and your kitchen isn't separated by a supporting wall, it may be easier and less costly - than you think to open up your home. Does your home have a staircase? If so, the space underneath it is a potential goldmine. You could convert the space into a set of drawers or cupboards, make yourself a pantry, or even create a cosy little reading nook or home office, perfect for a seat and desk or a place to store your books. Again, check with your landlord and/or your lease and your property manager before making any structural alterations.

If you are able to redecorate your home, go for light colours. Dark, bold colours only serve to make a room feel more enclosed and less open and airy. Using light colours, such as pale pastels, white or grey, can open up a room and allow more light reflection, making it feel much bigger than it is. Try to optimise wall storage. Most of us have storage needs that tend to use up a large proportion of that valuable square footage. So instead of using your floor space, consider making use of more shelves and wall-mounted cupboards. Think about utilising the space above doors and windows too. Tiny homes are becoming more popular around the world as a solution to homelessness and to combat ever-increasing property prices. And even if the idea of living in a really small space doesn't appeal to you, there are lots of space-saving ideas out there to help you make the most of the room you have. Use your small space well and you will be joining a growing movement of people trying to reduce the environmental impact and the cost of their home.

If you need advice on what is and isn't allowable under the terms of your lease or rental agreement, talk to us at Ringley. Our property specialists are here to help.