How to live in small space
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-best-tips-for-how-to-live-145597
All this month we've been culling small space design ideas from you, our expert readers. And you didn't disappoint! Your tips and strategies prove that small space living is totally doable with a little planning, ingenuity, and discipline. Check out some of the best tips below:
- Design for small spaces should be treated like packing a suitcase. Decide what you need/want and then remove half. Monochromatic colors with interesting pops of color. Nothing heavy to the eye. Remove "clutter" and search for conversation objects ie vases, small sculptures, textural objects that give you joy. - Aligal
- Make sure your storage is stackable, and can double as a display table. Make sure that storage is also attractive - metal and glass, not plastic. Install a ton of hooks. Look around the house for spare stuff that can also be used in an emergency: coats, flashlights, tools, etc. Put them in buckets, and store them in the trunk of your car. - Emmi
-Organization and storage! This is the key to living in a small space. Only keep what you actually use. Give everything an assigned spot in your home and keep those items there. It's so much easier living in a small space when you know where things are, and when items are out of sight. Might I add that it's much easier to clean when you live with less! – SewTrashy
10 Tips on How to Live large in a Small Space of 24m²
http://freshome.com/2014/02/14/10-tips-live-large-in-a-small-space-24m%C2%B2/
1. Measure and plan
If you know that you are about to live in a tiny place, each m² will count. To make sure that your furniture will fit correctly, take your time to measure everything: length, width, and even the height of some elements like the ceiling or the windows: these elements have a lot of influence on the choice of your furniture.
2. Sketch in 3D and think in 4D
In other words, try to imagine how your furniture will look in space (which is made of three dimensions) and especially how they will be used throughout the day (which would be the 4th dimension, called “time”). Set priorities to what you really need and design your home accordingly. Once everything is standing, and you still feel like having enough space left, you can head to the details.
3. What to hide, what to display
Nowadays every single one of us is using more than one electronic device at home. That gives us a whole bunch of cables. Try to find ways to hide them and still make them reachable. This also counts for the lights. The more you have, the more important it becomes to hide them. It makes your space look a lot more tidy and gives it a bigger appearance.
Put your apartment on a diet: From the first day on, when moving to your big little home: be selective. Ask yourself what you really need, and what not. Nevertheless, you will find yourself unconsciously collecting items over time, which is a complete natural behaviour. But if you’re not able to store them in a clever way, get rid of it. Be convinced that in these living conditions, an empty space can be more valuable than an endless clutter. In small apartment, empty spaces are cherished more than furnishings.
4. Choose a color palette
If you have always had your favourite set of colours, this may be an easier step. However, if your new home already comes with certain tones due to the existing materials, you might want to consider matching accordingly. Ask a friend to get a second opinion for choosing the right palette that suits you and your apartment.
5. Convertible and movable items
In a place of 24m2, the lost surface, taken away by your bed, can be a dramatic loss during daytime (unless you’re a student who sleeps a lot). In that case, multi-functionality is the key. If your ceiling is high enough, you can use a loft bed. If not, like here, consider having a sofa bed. Nowadays, sofa beds became quite comfortable and they are very easy to handle. What you want to avoid, is to be constantly in a room that looks like a bedroom, especially if you plan to work there.
6. Multifunctional and flexible
Small apartments often have only one main room, in which you are supposed to do everything. But that does not have to be. In fact, you can visually divide your room into zones. In this case, there is a resting zone and working zone. Both are separated by a shelf, which slightly marks the separation of the two zones. When being in each zone, you still want to feel the entire room.
When you divide your room into zones, it is always helpful to resize those zones according to your needs. In this apartment, some of the furniture are placed on wheels. This helps to transform the resting zone into a bigger living room when guests are coming over. At the same time, the working zone may become roomier for a better comfort and for keeping the focus on your work. Besides, your vacuum cleaner will be very thankful when passing underneath.
7. Work on different places
If you are a student or working at home, long working hours can be quite frustrating. Especially in a tiny room. Consider having different spots where you can work in different positions (sitting, standing, laying…) and under different light conditions. This helps to avoid the feeling of a never-ending work session. At the same time you are keeping the possibility to let your friends work with you as well.
8. Avoiding central lights
Having one strong light on your ceiling may be the easiest and most efficient way to lighten up a room. However, it can sometimes kill a room’s atmosphere. Try to literally “spread” the light over your room. This makes it also more soothing for the eyes to look through a space with multiple weaker lights, rather than having an “artificial sun”. At the same time, adding lights to each corner of your room, gives you the feeling that each spot in your room is interesting and valuable. This also gives the illusion of a larger space.
9. A friend wants to stay overnight
No problem! Since you are able to create new space, you can make a second bed appear out of nowhere. Just like that. Inflatable beds or convertible armchairs are a good option in that case. Try to give to your friend the same sleeping conditions as you have: same light, same sheets, same color. This shows him that you care as much about him than about yourself.
10. Last but not least: Home, sweet home…
The longer you live in your home, the more it becomes a part of you. And this deserves to get as much attention as you are giving to yourself and your surroundings. Personalize it, make it different and let your inner architect reveal himself!
Mortgage or Rent
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/should-you-rent-or-buy
Owning your own home is a huge commitment, not just to the building you buy and the area you choose to live in, but also to your life (and to another person if you are buying with a loved one or friend).
Benefits of owning your home
There are many benefits to home ownership. Here are just some of them.
• Once you’ve paid off your mortgage, your home will be yours and it could be worth far more than you paid for it.
• If your home increases in value you can use that equity to help you afford a bigger home or to fund a more comfortable retirement if you downsize.
• When you retire you won’t necessarily have the income you need to keep on paying rent – if you have paid your mortgage off you’ll be living there ‘rent free’.
• You can spend money improving your home and increasing its value, whereas you can’t alter a rented home without the landlord’s permission.
• Sometimes it can be cheaper to buy than to rent.
Potential downsides of owning
• It’s a big financial commitment – you need to be sure you can afford what you’re taking on. See the later section ‘Can you afford to buy?’
• You also need to be sure you can afford maintenance costs such as replacing a boiler if it packs up or fixing a leaky roof. If you stretch yourself too much when you buy you may resent not having money for meals out, holidays and entertainment.
• You have less flexibility than when renting. For example, if you want to move for work or personal reasons selling up and moving on is far more expensive if you own as you’ll have all of the associated estate agency and legal fees. Also bear in mind that it may not always be easy to sell your home – you’ll be dependent on what’s happening in the market.
• If you’re living with someone else and split up, the process of sorting out the property will be far more complicated and expensive.
Are you better off buying or renting?
You’re not necessarily going to be better off financially buying rather than renting your home.
If the value of your property falls, you may find yourself unable to sell because you owe more to your mortgage lender than your home is worth.
On the other hand, if house prices rise, you could make a nice profit that could help fund a move to a bigger home or give you a lump sum if you choose to downsize later on in life.
Can you afford to buy?
The first step towards buying a property is figuring out whether you can afford to do so. There are many costs associated with buying your own home, beyond your mortgage repayments, including:
• deposit
• legal costs such as solicitor’s fees
• survey cost
• Stamp Duty
• removal costs, and
• your monthly bills – such as gas, electricity, home phone, etc.
Use the links below to get a better idea of you likely costs.
If buying isn’t an option for you right now, think about setting up a savings plan to achieve your goal in the future.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-best-tips-for-how-to-live-145597
All this month we've been culling small space design ideas from you, our expert readers. And you didn't disappoint! Your tips and strategies prove that small space living is totally doable with a little planning, ingenuity, and discipline. Check out some of the best tips below:
- Design for small spaces should be treated like packing a suitcase. Decide what you need/want and then remove half. Monochromatic colors with interesting pops of color. Nothing heavy to the eye. Remove "clutter" and search for conversation objects ie vases, small sculptures, textural objects that give you joy. - Aligal
- Make sure your storage is stackable, and can double as a display table. Make sure that storage is also attractive - metal and glass, not plastic. Install a ton of hooks. Look around the house for spare stuff that can also be used in an emergency: coats, flashlights, tools, etc. Put them in buckets, and store them in the trunk of your car. - Emmi
-Organization and storage! This is the key to living in a small space. Only keep what you actually use. Give everything an assigned spot in your home and keep those items there. It's so much easier living in a small space when you know where things are, and when items are out of sight. Might I add that it's much easier to clean when you live with less! – SewTrashy
10 Tips on How to Live large in a Small Space of 24m²
http://freshome.com/2014/02/14/10-tips-live-large-in-a-small-space-24m%C2%B2/
1. Measure and plan
If you know that you are about to live in a tiny place, each m² will count. To make sure that your furniture will fit correctly, take your time to measure everything: length, width, and even the height of some elements like the ceiling or the windows: these elements have a lot of influence on the choice of your furniture.
2. Sketch in 3D and think in 4D
In other words, try to imagine how your furniture will look in space (which is made of three dimensions) and especially how they will be used throughout the day (which would be the 4th dimension, called “time”). Set priorities to what you really need and design your home accordingly. Once everything is standing, and you still feel like having enough space left, you can head to the details.
3. What to hide, what to display
Nowadays every single one of us is using more than one electronic device at home. That gives us a whole bunch of cables. Try to find ways to hide them and still make them reachable. This also counts for the lights. The more you have, the more important it becomes to hide them. It makes your space look a lot more tidy and gives it a bigger appearance.
Put your apartment on a diet: From the first day on, when moving to your big little home: be selective. Ask yourself what you really need, and what not. Nevertheless, you will find yourself unconsciously collecting items over time, which is a complete natural behaviour. But if you’re not able to store them in a clever way, get rid of it. Be convinced that in these living conditions, an empty space can be more valuable than an endless clutter. In small apartment, empty spaces are cherished more than furnishings.
4. Choose a color palette
If you have always had your favourite set of colours, this may be an easier step. However, if your new home already comes with certain tones due to the existing materials, you might want to consider matching accordingly. Ask a friend to get a second opinion for choosing the right palette that suits you and your apartment.
5. Convertible and movable items
In a place of 24m2, the lost surface, taken away by your bed, can be a dramatic loss during daytime (unless you’re a student who sleeps a lot). In that case, multi-functionality is the key. If your ceiling is high enough, you can use a loft bed. If not, like here, consider having a sofa bed. Nowadays, sofa beds became quite comfortable and they are very easy to handle. What you want to avoid, is to be constantly in a room that looks like a bedroom, especially if you plan to work there.
6. Multifunctional and flexible
Small apartments often have only one main room, in which you are supposed to do everything. But that does not have to be. In fact, you can visually divide your room into zones. In this case, there is a resting zone and working zone. Both are separated by a shelf, which slightly marks the separation of the two zones. When being in each zone, you still want to feel the entire room.
When you divide your room into zones, it is always helpful to resize those zones according to your needs. In this apartment, some of the furniture are placed on wheels. This helps to transform the resting zone into a bigger living room when guests are coming over. At the same time, the working zone may become roomier for a better comfort and for keeping the focus on your work. Besides, your vacuum cleaner will be very thankful when passing underneath.
7. Work on different places
If you are a student or working at home, long working hours can be quite frustrating. Especially in a tiny room. Consider having different spots where you can work in different positions (sitting, standing, laying…) and under different light conditions. This helps to avoid the feeling of a never-ending work session. At the same time you are keeping the possibility to let your friends work with you as well.
8. Avoiding central lights
Having one strong light on your ceiling may be the easiest and most efficient way to lighten up a room. However, it can sometimes kill a room’s atmosphere. Try to literally “spread” the light over your room. This makes it also more soothing for the eyes to look through a space with multiple weaker lights, rather than having an “artificial sun”. At the same time, adding lights to each corner of your room, gives you the feeling that each spot in your room is interesting and valuable. This also gives the illusion of a larger space.
9. A friend wants to stay overnight
No problem! Since you are able to create new space, you can make a second bed appear out of nowhere. Just like that. Inflatable beds or convertible armchairs are a good option in that case. Try to give to your friend the same sleeping conditions as you have: same light, same sheets, same color. This shows him that you care as much about him than about yourself.
10. Last but not least: Home, sweet home…
The longer you live in your home, the more it becomes a part of you. And this deserves to get as much attention as you are giving to yourself and your surroundings. Personalize it, make it different and let your inner architect reveal himself!
Mortgage or Rent
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/should-you-rent-or-buy
Owning your own home is a huge commitment, not just to the building you buy and the area you choose to live in, but also to your life (and to another person if you are buying with a loved one or friend).
Benefits of owning your home
There are many benefits to home ownership. Here are just some of them.
• Once you’ve paid off your mortgage, your home will be yours and it could be worth far more than you paid for it.
• If your home increases in value you can use that equity to help you afford a bigger home or to fund a more comfortable retirement if you downsize.
• When you retire you won’t necessarily have the income you need to keep on paying rent – if you have paid your mortgage off you’ll be living there ‘rent free’.
• You can spend money improving your home and increasing its value, whereas you can’t alter a rented home without the landlord’s permission.
• Sometimes it can be cheaper to buy than to rent.
Potential downsides of owning
• It’s a big financial commitment – you need to be sure you can afford what you’re taking on. See the later section ‘Can you afford to buy?’
• You also need to be sure you can afford maintenance costs such as replacing a boiler if it packs up or fixing a leaky roof. If you stretch yourself too much when you buy you may resent not having money for meals out, holidays and entertainment.
• You have less flexibility than when renting. For example, if you want to move for work or personal reasons selling up and moving on is far more expensive if you own as you’ll have all of the associated estate agency and legal fees. Also bear in mind that it may not always be easy to sell your home – you’ll be dependent on what’s happening in the market.
• If you’re living with someone else and split up, the process of sorting out the property will be far more complicated and expensive.
Are you better off buying or renting?
You’re not necessarily going to be better off financially buying rather than renting your home.
If the value of your property falls, you may find yourself unable to sell because you owe more to your mortgage lender than your home is worth.
On the other hand, if house prices rise, you could make a nice profit that could help fund a move to a bigger home or give you a lump sum if you choose to downsize later on in life.
Can you afford to buy?
The first step towards buying a property is figuring out whether you can afford to do so. There are many costs associated with buying your own home, beyond your mortgage repayments, including:
• deposit
• legal costs such as solicitor’s fees
• survey cost
• Stamp Duty
• removal costs, and
• your monthly bills – such as gas, electricity, home phone, etc.
Use the links below to get a better idea of you likely costs.
If buying isn’t an option for you right now, think about setting up a savings plan to achieve your goal in the future.