Design Tips For Maximizing Small Square Footage

When it comes to remodeling smaller homes, particularly in the Asheville, NC, area where space can be limited, maximizing every square foot is essential for creating a comfortable and functional living environment. With a thought out plan and strategic design choices, even the most modest of spaces can be transformed into inviting and efficient homes. It all comes down to home design. In a smaller space, the contribution of each element goes up, so typically in smaller spaces design consideration is even more crucial.

Below, we’ll jump into and explore a few key strategies for making the most of smaller footage homes in Asheville and maximizing space during the remodeling process.

Declutter and Simplify

This should be an easy one. Clutter can quickly overwhelm and diminish available space. Before the remodeling process kicks off, it’s important to take the time to declutter and simplify your belongings. Donate or discard items that you no longer need. This will help free up valuable space and create a cleaner, more open feel. Simplifying your belongings will make it easier to organize and utilize the available space more efficiently.

Establish an Overall Palette of Colors and Materials

Creating a unified palette of colors and materials can elevate and simplify a home immensely. An example of a palette would be: one whole-house white (or neutral base) paint color, one accent neutral, two accent colors and two wood tones. Selections can then be made within the palette. This palette serves to ‘calm’ the interior and to unify the spaces. This will help the entire house feel connected as one larger space rather than smaller, broken up spaces.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Every piece of furniture needs to work harder to maximize space. Invest in multi-functional furniture pieces that serve more than one purpose. For example, you could go with a sofa with built-in storage or a coffee table that doubles as a desk. Foldable or extendable furniture is also great for small spaces as it can be easily adjusted to fit a variety of needs. As you can see, the options are endless.

Optimize Vertical Space

Yes, go up. Vertical space is often underutilized in smaller homes but can offer valuable storage opportunities. Install shelving units or wall-mounted cabinets to take advantage of vertical storage space. Vertical storage helps free up floor space and keeps clutter off countertops and tables, making the room feel more spacious and organized.

Light and Bright Colors

Light and bright colors are essential for making smaller spaces feel larger and more open. We’re always amazed at what a little paint can do. If we’re in a smaller footprint, we may choose light-colored paint for walls, floors, and furniture to create an illusion of space and brightness. The reality is that light colors reflect more light and can make a room feel airy and open, while dark colors can make it feel more confined.

Strategic Lighting

The right lighting can make a significant difference in how spacious a room feels. We like to incorporate a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting to brighten up the space and create a sense of depth. Use wall sconces, pendant lights, and floor lamps to illuminate different areas of the room effectively and make the space feel more inviting.

Open Floor Plan

Consider opening up the floor plan by removing non-load-bearing walls or partitions to create a more fluid and open living space. An open floor plan can make a small home feel more spacious and allows for better flow and connectivity between rooms. This is particularly beneficial in smaller homes in Asheville, where every square foot counts.

Mirror Magic

Mirrors are a powerful tool for visually expanding small spaces. Place mirrors strategically to reflect light and create the illusion of depth and space. Consider installing a large mirror on one wall or incorporating mirrored surfaces into furniture and decor to make the space feel larger and more open.

Custom Storage Solutions

In smaller homes, maximizing storage is essential for keeping clutter at bay and maintaining an organized living space. We help our clients design custom storage solutions tailored to their specific needs and space constraints. Built-in cabinets, closets, and shelving units can be designed to maximize every inch of available space and provide ample storage without sacrificing aesthetics.

The bottom line is there are means and ways to make the most of a home with smaller square footage. By working with building professionals and incorporating these strategies into your remodeling project, you can maximize space effectively and create a more functional, comfortable, and visually appealing living environment. With thoughtful planning and creative solutions, even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into homes that are both beautiful and efficient.

If you’re ready to bring your vision of a small square footage home to life in the Asheville, NC area, contact us today to learn more about our custom home and remodeling building services and schedule a consultation with our experienced team.