Space, whether it be at home or in the office is a much-valued commodity and one that many of us strive to maximise. Making the most of the space that you have can be a catalyst for many things, for example, it is calming and so can help minimise stress. There are some rooms in the home or office, however, where it is difficult to use the space as effectively as is desired and it is in these spaces that careful consideration and a little “blue sky thinking” can go a long way. Here are some top tips for maximising the space in the home or office.

Open Plan Living and Working

The physical structure and dimensions of a living or working space are the single most important element when it comes to maximising space. Looking to achieve an open plan design will make the space look bigger than it actually is, make the space lighter, and more airy. Taking down internal walls, that are surplus to requirements is the first step towards creating an open plan space and once this has been completed you can start to consider windows and doors.

Some designers would argue that doing away with internal doors completely is the way forward, however, sometimes being able to divide the space into distinct zones is necessary. In this instance folding doors, such as the ones supplied by Barrier Components are a great solution.

As far as windows are concerned the bigger the better, on the proviso that they are super-insulated and that they do not compromise the integrity of the buildings original design.

Free Flowing Colour and Flooring

Another way to help a space look bigger is to carefully plan how the rooms will be decorated and here using free flowing colour and floor covering is key. That is to say, that by using the same colour paint on the walls and the same floor covering throughout, there will be an unbroken flow, thus giving the illusion of a bigger space. Then use accents such as framed photographs and paintings so that the walls don’t look too cold or stark. Also, think about the colour of walls, ceilings and floors. It is widely accepted that, generally speaking, choosing lighter colours helps make a space look bigger and lighter.

Don’t Compromise on Clutter

It is easy to overfill a room, particularly a smaller space, with unnecessary pieces of furniture, storage and other items that can make a room look cluttered. Here, taking a smart approach and not compromising when it comes to clutter is paramount if you are to maximise the space. Consider using multifunctional furniture and make the most of areas like alcoves, where shelves can be elevated for storage.

Maximising the space in the home or office is not difficult to achieve, but it does involve some discipline and taking a minimalist approach. A systematic plan, starting with the modification of the physical structure and then progressing to the decorating and furnishing will leave you in doubt that less, in this instance, is definitely more.

This is a guest post, written by Property Division.