How to utilise dead space in your home
Does your home have awkward, unused nooks or strange spaces that leave you scratching your head? Or are you building your dream home and want to maximise your floor plan?
Keep reading for creative tips on how to utilise dead space and create functional, stylish areas that work for the whole family.
Credit- Linda Merrill Decorative Surroundings
Create a cosy nook
For those small, awkward areas that just don’t have a purpose, create a nook with seating and shelving for books or toys. The most common use for these areas is built-in banquette seating with a soft cushion on top and storage underneath the lid. Place excess cushions, toys and décor in them to prevent unnecessary clutter throughout your home. Place a small table in front, and you have now created an area for the kids to do their homework, or for you to relax with a book and a coffee.
Where a built in doesn’t work. An armchair with a side table beside it will do. Alternatively, you may set the area up with a chalkboard or mini table and chairs suitable for craft. To maximise floor space, incorporate wall mounted shelving to house books, décor and toys. This will add to the functionality of what was ‘dead space’ in your home.
For a really small area, a mini built in seat like the above image is a great idea, along with a subtle light fixture.
Credit- Miss Patty via Pinterest & top3.com.au
Decorate with statement art and plants
Sometimes, all you need is a statement art piece or a cluster of plants. If the area of annoyance is small and you really can’t make it functional. A large plant in a beautiful pot will do the trick. You’ll start to admire the decorative aspect, rather than the ‘dead space’. Another idea is to use a stone plinth with a statue or plant on top. This is a more ‘upmarket’ option and will certainly make a statement. These aren’t designed to be shoved into a cavity, but to stand out a little and give that awkward area a purpose (to show off something architectural and/or special. Just like a gallery or museum). If you have a particular wall that needs a little attention, try placing wall decor from a holiday or frame some artwork created by someone special to you.
Credit- Sharps Bedrooms via Pinterest
Build in clever storage
From slim built ins to open, angular shelving, these days there are many custom design options to make the most of dead space and weird layouts. Wardrobes are one area where creativity can ignite. From glass cabinets with lights, pull out shoe storage, turn tables (I’m talking 1800mm high rotating storage for shoes and bags!), the options are endless and can add a sense of luxury to your home.
If you’re building new, I would recommend putting some money aside to really invest in your storage throughout the planning process. Not just for wardrobes but for your kitchen pantry- whether it’s a standard built-in, walk-in, or a full butler’s pantry. Invest in practical upgrades like adjustable shelving, integrated drawers, and designated spaces for bulky items.
This goes for your linen cupboards too. Some deep drawers for quilts and blankets could be handy and will help keep everything organised. Good sized storage in the garage is great for seasonal equipment including Christmas decorations along with power tools that are great to have but only used a handful of times a year. Get your bikes up on the wall with hooks, again, this frees up floor space and allows the area to feel better planned out.
Being smart about storage opportunities allows there to be less risk of having wasted spaces, however, it’s important to remember that not every corner of your home needs to be filled. Intentional empty areas give the eye a place to rest, preventing visual overstimulation and allowing you to really focus on the beauty within your home.
I hope you found these ideas helpful. If you need some assistance with your home, feel free to email me at chloe@designsbychloe.net or via the contact form.
Plus, if you have an idea for a blog post, let me know and I’ll look into for you.
Until next time!