Small homes and studios
Multi-use storage Small Space Design for Small homes and studios
Keep one clear route and make infrequent activities share a footprint. Measure what happens when the room is occupied.
Explore the ideas
Plan in this order
- Remove items used elsewhere and list what still needs to fit in the room.
- Put frequent-use storage against a fixed edge and test whether shallow storage works there.
- Tape the occupied footprint of the largest movable item, including the user and the space needed to operate it.
Worked example
A compact guest washroom has no room for a floor cabinet, but visitors need a place for hand towels and supplies.
Use a shallow wall cabinet above the clear floor area and a small towel hook within reach of the basin. Confirm the door opens fully and stored items do not crowd the mirror.
How to test it
Rehearse the busiest moment with everything open or pulled out. If the route disappears, change the furniture size or position.
Apply it to this space
- Layout
- Concentrate tall storage along one wall and keep frequently used items at reachable heights.
- Detail
- Use adjustable shelves and a ventilated section for cleaning equipment.
- Trade-off
- One large storage wall is efficient but can make the room feel narrower.
- Inventory items before sizing shelves
- Check doors do not collide with furniture
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