Many of us have turned into full-time work-from-home employees nowadays. Our dwellings have turned into offices, and we couldn’t relax in the place as much anymore. It’s incredibly challenging if you don’t have a home office. Your work material will be lying everywhere, such as in your bedroom, dining table, or living room.
Also, students are attending classes from home, and their things add up to the mess we’ve already created. For small houses, this situation can be a nightmare.
Thankfully, skilled interior designers are willing to give free tips on how to make a small home more efficient. So if your space is barely breathing because of work- and school-related clutter, you’ve arrived at the right place.
1. Utilize Vertical Space
When looking for extra storage or open space, don’t limit your options to the available rooms below. Look up and see if you can install more cabinets on the walls, or build open shelves above doors.
If you have high ceilings, then you can take advantage of their heights by building or purchasing tall shelves. Wall hooks would also be functional, not just for hanging coats, but for displaying decor as well, such as houseplants.
Using corners also maximizes vertical spaces. You can put your work desk in the corner of your living room or bedroom, preferably under a window, so that natural light can pour in while you’re working. As a result, you’ll feel more productive and calm.
2. Strictly Use Rooms For Their Purposes
This idea might sound impossible in a small space, but it’s easier than you think. Even if you don’t have a home office, placing your desk in the corner of a particular room already creates a division in that space. Therefore, everyone who walks into that room will immediately recognize the sectioned-off work area, understanding they can’t add irrelevant clutter in it.
Similarly, if your child uses a corner of their bedroom for online classes, then they won’t likely have meals there.
By making the purposes of each room distinct, you can enjoy your home more and avoid feeling like you lack control of the space.
3. Display Sentimental Items
The emergence of Pinterest made some of us reluctant to display personal items because we fell into the trap of making our spaces look staged. But in reality, inhabited homes, especially small ones, hardly ever look Pinterest-worthy all the time.
Hence, reject the idea that you’ll only be happy if your home is devoid of “real-life” items, with only designer items on display. Instead, embrace the beauty of life by showcasing sentimental pieces, like photos. As a result, your home will be unique and not just another cookie-cutter space.
4. Conceal Clutter
Clutter affects the efficiency of our spaces and harms our well-being, so by any means, they should be eliminated or hidden. Stock up on lidded boxes or storage ottomans to keep the mess out of sight. If your shelves contain unsightly items, use a tapestry or hang drapes above them.
Remember to periodically de-clutter and re-organize. It would be helpful to label your boxes or files so that you know where everything belongs. And from time to time, get rid of the unnecessary things.
5. Invest in Things That Can Enhance Experiences at Home
Just because working and studying from home is the new normal means you can no longer let loose at home. It is the perfect time to enhance your experiences in your abode. You need at-home entertainment more than ever, since going out is still too risky.
So splurge on that smart TV, new state-of-the-art grill, or treadmill. Your home should still be your most enjoyable retreat, even if it’s also your office or school.