Kim wrote us with a great question. She said, “I am contemplating a remodel for our home, and it feels like such a huge undertaking. One thing we really need more of is space. We are a little limited because of local codes with what we are able to do. I was wondering if you could just give me a few ideas on where to start?…”
We thought this was a great question. It’s something we’ve covered a little of before, but maybe not on this level in particular. We’ve opened up so much space in our own home, and in client’s homes when needed. So today, from the little things people may not think about, to the twists on more common solutions, we thought we’d share 7 smart upgrades for more space in the home!
1. Smart Upgrades for More Space in the Home: Built Ins
I know. we’re starting with the obvious here. But we’d argue that we really enjoy placing built ins in the places not always considered for the home. They’re always a non-intrusive, instant upgrade to your spaces, and offer so much valuable real estate, they’re kind of a game changer. It made a big difference to have more space in our basement. A full-wall bookshelf system that doubles with the cabinets have offered so much storage for our family, we couldn’t imagine our basement without such a space.
When we redid “the pole basement” on of their biggest need was solutions for space. So we were thrilled to design something that served them well, and offered so many more options.
2. Smart Upgrades for More Space in the Home: Cabinetry
Which brings us to the next obvious addition, cabinetry. The cabinets / drawer spaces in our new bedroom build have offered so much more room in combination with a cozy fireplace and tv spot {there’s a tv behind that painting}, that a dresser just couldn’t have competed with.
Helpful tip: When in doubt, add drawers. It’s more on the custom build cost, but makes a huge difference in storage when used in tandem with doors.
Especially in bathroom cabinets, too. It’s the simple changes that can make a big difference. Combo out the larger cabinets with drawers as much as possible, to diversify your actual space.
And the addition of shelving and cabinetry in this converted garage space, opened up an entire new world of possibilities. The family now gathers here for snacks and fun, where it was wasted, valuable real estate before.
See the entire space, here for more fun before and afters. Another case for valuable cabinetry!
3. Smart Upgrades for More Space in the Home: Pocket + Barn Doors
We used pocket and barn doors in every space possible in our own home, to save room where it was so desperately needed. And the return on saved space has been just perfect for us. We recommend it wherever possible for clients, including an entire home we’re currently designing, now. {It’s a big project coming soon we can’t wait to share with all of you!}
And we do the same for clients where they really need their space. It’s something people don’t often think about: the swing of a door and how much space that can really take up. Or how limited it can feel in a room. So we recommend it as much as possible.
Sometimes, creating specific zones for clients is just what they need. See this entire remodel, here.
And we love creative solutions, in the meantime.
PS. We’ve heard some rumblings on the internet about barn doors being “out”. We say never, if executed correctly.
4. Smart Upgrades for More Space in the Home: Open Up Those Closets
Closet spaces are essential for a home, and we totally get it. We’re always looking for opportunities to reformat a poorly designed or dated space. You’d be surprised by how much of a difference opening up these spaces have made.
Our boys rooms previously had back to back 1970-something closets like these. So we knocked down the wall in between, and opened up that space.
It truly made all the difference.
5. Smart Upgrades for More Space in the Home: Create Closet Space
Create closet space where there it didn’t exist previously. Maybe this is section 4.B, but we think it deserves a section of its own. We’ve really enjoyed adding space onto our own home, as oh so desperately needed. See a little bit of that expansion here.
And once upon a time, our laundry corner could be found in this basement. Now that things are upstairs {still to be shared, we know it’s been slow} we have space to take advantage of this room below.
in progress
Bonus round: The toilet room. It’s amazing how much space you can create with a little shelving over that space, when your toilet has a separate room. It’s like a mini linen closet and storage for all things bath. See the before and after for this bathroom, here.
Anywhere that you can add shelving makes all the difference.
We’re just thrilled to have a space for our toilet paper in our own bath. Yes, it’s the little things.
6. Smart Upgrades for More Space in the Home: Window Seats + Banquettes
Whenever I can introduce this situation, especially into a kitchen, I’m all for it. Seating that gives an opportunity to double as more storage, wins in our book. See more of this space, here.
And this one, here.
All of these open to create storage underneath! It can be little spaces, too.
7. Smart Upgrades for More Space in the Home: Hall Trees
Maybe this one goes without saying, but we never want a missed opportunity for all things shoes, backpacks and entry chaos. They can easily become the hardest working space for you, in your home.
We relocated this laundry space to make more sense for the family with an off-the-pool entry. This way they have room for towels, backpacks, shoes and more.
And in our own home, this is easily our hardest working space. More fabulous client spaces coming soon, so stay tuned.
Thank you so much for tuning in, Kim! We hope this gives you a little food for thought before you move forward for all things renovations!
Don’t forget, we’re available for renovations as well, both locally and nationally. Be sure to check out our contact form here – we look forward to hearing from you.
Have an inspired day!
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