We could always use a bit more living space to organize our daily activities. For example, you may need a little more floor room to exercise in your bedroom, the broom in the corner could be hidden in a cupboard, or the clothes on your chair are piling up instead of hanging in your closet. Unfortunately, there seems to be no space left and your only solution is to extend your home or move to a bigger place.
However, you do not have to take such drastic measures. With a little creativity, you will be able to add living space to your house without spending money on major renovations.
In this article, we will explore a number of ideas that might inspire you. From using your attic and revamping your garage to using multipurpose furniture and sliding doors – here is how you can enlarge living space without extending.
Make Good Use of Your Attic
The attic is the area of your house that has the most potential for adding living space. The major problem with attics is that they are not always appealing, as they tend to get cold in the winter and stuffy in the summer. This is why many people do not see them as an option for adding living space, but you have to remember that it is only a matter of design and sufficient preparation.
Examine your attic and see what has to be improved. You will need to insulate the ceiling, install proper lighting and reinforce the floor with beams. Then you should think about adding skylights to let in natural light and safe entry access like OptiStep loft ladders. If you do not have the required skills for this type of work, you can always hire a contractor to do it for you.
The newly obtained space may be used for many purposes. For example, the attic can be turned into a lovely room that is spacious, private and cozy. You should use the slanted ceiling for storage, and create a comfy place for seating by lowering the ceiling. Another option would be to set up a home office or a gym – it really depends on your needs.
Do Not Let Your Garage Go to Waste
The garage may seem like an unlikely choice for living space since it is usually used only for keeping your car safe or storing your tools. However, once you decide to make good use of all the space, a garage can be turned into a room that offers a lot of benefits.
A garage can serve as a place to relax, socialize and entertain, so it should be comfortable and attractive. You can use the area for working out, watching TV or reading. Alternatively, you may want to turn this space into a guest room or an office.
If you want to turn your garage into a comfortable room, you will need to insulate the ceiling and doors, install proper lighting and ventilation, and reinforce the floor. You may need to set up a small heater or air-conditioning unit depending on the weather. Then, determine the purpose of the room and proceed to furnish and decorate it.
Revamp Your Basement
A basement is a place that many homeowners overlook when it comes to adding living space to their homes. The reason for this is that people assume that the basement is always damp and musty, so it is not worth using. However, that is not always the case. You can make a basement fit for living by installing windows and doors, insulating the walls and ceiling, and removing any moisture.
The basement can be turned into a playroom or a laundry room; you could also set up a home gym or a rec room. Another option is to make a home theater – since the basement is usually dark, it is perfect to project the movies on the wall, bringing the magic of cinema to your home.
Go For Sliding Doors
While looking for additional space, people usually do not look at the doors. After all, they are necessary for privacy so there is nothing that can be done with them. But when you think about it, hinged doors take quite a bit of space as they have to swing open and close.
That is why sliding doors are a great option as they take up less space, while providing you with the same amount of privacy. They come in many different styles – you could go for rustic barn doors or opt for something more modern made of glass and metal.
You can use them as entry doors, or to separate different areas in your home. For instance, you may want to use sliding doors to create a partition between the living room and the kitchen, or to separate the bedroom from the closet.
Utilize the Space Under Stairs
Many homes come with staircases, but not everyone takes advantage of the space under them. This is a shame as the area that is usually left unused can be turned into an extra storage space. It is perfect for storing items like cleaning supplies, laundry baskets, and even shoes or winter clothes.
If you want to make the most of it, you should line the walls with shelves and use containers for smaller items. If you have limited space, you can go for custom made pull-out shelves or racks that fit under the stairs.
Another good idea would be to use that additional room as a reading nook. You will need sufficient lighting, a shelf for books and some snacks, and a comfortable place to sit. Here, nobody will find you as you immerse yourself in your favorite stories.
Choose Smart Furniture
If you have a small home, then you can use it to your advantage by choosing smart furniture. This means that you should opt for pieces that are multipurpose and have more than one function.
For example, you could get a Murphy bed that you can store vertically against the wall. Some of them come with a sofa and shelves, so you can use them when the bed is folded. There are also chairs that are stacked together to create a table or bunk beds that come with elaborate storage solutions.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things that you can do to add living space to your home without extending it. While some of the ideas will require more work and money, others are quite simple and cost-effective. The key is to think outside the box and not limit yourself to the standard ideas.
Now that you have seen all of the options, it is time to go back to your home and inspect it. Examine all of the rooms and see where you can utilize some extra space. After that, start looking for furniture and DIY solutions, so you could make your vision a reality.