How to Add Functional Design to Small Spaces

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Every apartment has some little area, room, or corner that is just too small to use for any type of functionality. If you're like most people, it can be very frustrating to find a space that you are unable to use to the fullest extent, usually leaving the area untouched and wasted.

However, if you have a little creativity and determination, you'll be able to use the space, even the tiniest of corners. These words from the design experts from House and Garden say it best. Small spaces can be the bane of any flat-dweller's or home owner's life. But they can be a blessing in design disguise.

Awkward, small spaces are often a catalyst for change, forcing you to a) clear the clutter and b) come up with clever design ideas you may never have thought of otherwise. With a couple tips from professional interior designers, you will be able to convert your limited and restricted spaces into useful areas.

Shelving

When you don't have a lot of storage options in your apartment, utilizing open wall space can be the next best thing. Tree shelves can make any wall area functional; the shelves can be attached directly to the wall and can be used to hang coats, bags - the options are endless. They are an ideal solution for small entryways and any area that has a confined space that doesn't allow room for movement or storage.

Simplify

Another simple, yet effective technique you can use to make your small space work is to clear the clutter. Go through your belongings and start to eliminate the excess. We all have things that we have put aside for another day, but that day never seems to come. Free your home (and yourself) of excess clothes, dishes, art, music, books, and anything else that you haven't used in over a year. If you haven't missed it in a year, you never will - so donate it or toss it. Once you've cleared out the excess clutter, slap a fresh coat of paint on the walls and add a few small accents. You'll be amazed at how new and fresh your room will feel.

Color and Lighting

Color can make a major difference to the appearance of your apartment. A bold and dramatic color in just one area of a room can give it a burst of energy; it will make a dull and drab area suddenly come to life. Then add some lighting to brighten the room. The combination of light and color will give your room a spacious feel, so that even the smallest of rooms won't feel cramped and closed in.

It may seem like a bit of a challenge to take a small and limited space and turn it into something that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, but you might want to take to heart the words of Martha Stewart.

Making the most of a small space can be tricky but with some clever decorating tips, even the coziest studio can become a comfortable home. Just remember that those who put a little imagination into their tiny space can create a world of uniqueness. How you use your space says a lot about you and the kind of person you really are. There are ways to create that perfect balance between function and beauty, even in a tiny little corner.