LIVING in a Small Space

We didn't buy our 1150 square foot home with the intention of raising a family within its homey confines. In fact, Geoff and I had only known each other eight months when we pooled our money and invested in our home. At one point our walls used to echo with a need for sound absorbent stuff. But life goes on. Turns out we bought in a location we love, and fifteen years, three kids, and a dog later, we are still here. And now we are trendy, because we are living per person so environmentally. Here are my tips for making a small space seem larger than it really probably is.

Think like a sailor. Our house has been compared to a boat on more than one occasion. Can your rooms and belongings do double duty - perform more than one function? (Think of the kitchenette or the "Murphy" bed.) In addition, the built-ins found on boats often are the best way to save space, because you can make use of that little nook that otherwise might be wasted.

Consider the scale. When buying new (or new to you) furniture consider the size and ceiling height of the room, and the period of your small home. Smaller rooms require smaller furniture. We have had success in buying antique furniture for our 1940s home. A long time ago people lived smaller, so it still works. A 1990s overstuffed chair attempt of mine was soon left on the curb.

Use your outside rooms. Use your patio, deck, balcony, or backyard as another room to your house. Design your landscaping with your needs in mind. The mud pit in our backyard is a favorite with our kids. The front yard is being filled with vegetables, because no one ever plays out there.

Knock out walls. Open up your space so it seems larger. We took out a wall and the closet in the bathroom making a huge bathroom for this tiny house. It is one of the best places for the family to hang. It goes without saying that any structural building needs take precedent here. Or you could...

Put up some walls. Create smaller spaces to add mystery of what might be found around the corner. There is no mystery in our house. I dream of mystery sometimes.

Think untypically. When we first looked at our home to buy, I wondered why the laundry area was filled with a dresser. Once we moved in, I knew. It was great storage and the only way to fit all our clothes. Sure, most people might have their clothes in their bedroom, but maybe yours fit better in the kitchen cupboards.

Provide a place for everything. If something doesn't have a place, it is unwanted. Get rid of it.

Provide special space for everyone. Our house is too small for a room for each person. But each child has a special box for treasures, a special shelf to place things on, and a special bin for works-in-progress. These special places should be respected by everyone else and only be accessed by their owner. I emphasize the "should."

Create a list of questions to define your treasures. Ideally my belongings will answer yes to more than one of the following questions: Is the item used regularly? Do I love it? Is there sentimental attachment? Is it a thing of beauty or joy? Otherwise, I give it away.

Remove the clutter. Just give it away. You can always buy another one. I bet whatever the item in question is, the Salvation Army has six of them for sale for cheap. And something cluttering up your house bogs you down.

Create systems. Every act that you do within your home is easier with a system. Incoming mail. Dinner preparations. Household cleaning. Provide storage and a way of doing your tasks so you can't put them off and stuff can't build up in piles around you until new walls are formed in your already small house.

Respect the bathroom needs of others. A long time ago huge families used to share only one bathroom. We are managing so far by being considerate of the needs of others while behind a closed door, using a designated bush outside for emergencies, and lighting a match after the bathroom is well-used. We are not a family for extra-curricular hygiene. If you like to dry your hair or make yourself up, the bathroom in this scenario is not the place for this hobby.

Combine beauty and function. I like to love to look at every item that I own. Some of my favorite items include my toaster and teapot.

Collect only one of everything. I'm not one for collections. I would much rather own one pair of awesome shoes than ten mediocre pairs. I have found that great love will surpass all trends of time. And if not, replace it. Or just get rid of it.

Think in terms of a cycle. If something comes in, something needs to go out.

Look at it again. Is it half full or half empty? How you view your space can transform it. I'm not kidding. After I visit my Mom's for a week, I come home and our house feels small. After I visit my son's classroom for an hour, I come home, and our home is suddenly HUGE.

Keep it clean and picked up. Once when my mother-in-law came over for a visit, the house was actually picked up. She walked in our house and said "Spacious!"