9 Practical Solutions to Refresh Small Houses

Finding a spacious and affordable house in big cities is now almost like winning the lottery. The trend is also clear in new buildings: Rooms are getting smaller, square meters are shrinking. Especially in cities such as Lisbon and Porto, 1+1 or 2+1 apartments have become almost standard. The real issue is how to transform this limited space we have into a home where we can live with pleasure without suffocating.

There is no need for major renovations, deconstruction or dealing with permits. It is possible to use every corner efficiently with the right furniture selection and a few smart touches.

The Power of White and Light Tones

Light colors save lives, especially in classic apartments built between the 60s and 80s, with long corridors and little light. White, cream or neutral tones instantly add freshness to the space and make the room look much larger than it is.

Time to Say Goodbye to Unused Items

The first step to refreshing the house is to get rid of the unnecessary things. Most of the time, we accumulate dozens of unnecessary items without realizing it. If your building has a storage area or garage in the basement, removing the things you need only once or twice a year creates incredible breathing space in the house.

Consider Dead Corners

Under the stairs, the spaces behind the doors, the idle corners in the entrance or our closed balconies (marquise)... These are generally the least used spots of the house. With a few shelves, a wall-mounted shoe rack or a stylish corner cabinet, you can turn these areas into great storage areas and add a decorative touch.

Create a Feeling of Open Space

The open plan layout combining the kitchen and living room makes small houses look much larger than they are. Most new projects are already done with this logic. If you are considering removing partition walls in an old-style house, it is useful to take into account the load-bearing system of the building.

Use Low and Vertical Furniture Together

Furniture such as low poufs and coffee tables that do not take up space or block the view allow light to circulate freely. For storing items, it is most logical to choose vertical bookcases and shelves that extend to the ceiling. In houses with high ceilings, leaving the floor space empty and using the height makes the room very comfortable.

Save Space with Sliding Doors

The opening margin of classical doors causes serious space loss in small rooms. Sliding doors both open up extra space and add a modern touch to the space. Especially when you install a glass sliding door between the kitchen and the living room, the areas are separated and the daylight is not interrupted.

Folding and Multi-Purpose Beds

The quickest way to save space in studio or T0 type small flats is folding beds. A bed that folds into a wall or a closet during the day leaves you with an empty living space of almost 7-8 square meters.

Hide Kitchen Appliances

Appliances such as coffee makers, toasters or microwaves standing on the counter create a visual crowd in small kitchens. Placing them in cabinets with doors and exposing them only when using them instantly makes the kitchen look much more tidy and spacious.

A single, comfortable sofa is enough

There is no need to overwhelm a small living room with armchairs and armchairs. A single comfortable sofa suitable for the size of the room is often more than enough. You can create a very stylish focal point without narrowing the space by hanging a single large painting that gives the feeling of depth on the wall.

Source: Idealista/news team

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