If you’re living in a cosy apartment or a freestanding home that always feels short on storage, finding clever ways to open up your space can really change how your home works and feels. The good news is, there’s no need to rip out walls or go house hunting.
With the help of built in storage, purpose-designed storage cabinets, and smart use of your vertical space, these six simple steps can help turn your home into something more open, more organised, and much easier to live in.
Assess Your Space and Identify Storage Gaps
Before jumping into any interior design ideas, it’s worth taking a proper look around your home and working out where things tend to pile up and what’s causing it. Are your benchtops always full because there’s nowhere else for those bits and pieces? Is your linen cupboard overflowing because it’s also storing half the laundry?
Pull out your phone or a pen and jot down what feels off in each room. Pay attention to the high-use living spaces like the kitchen, laundry, and living room, where things usually gather the fastest.
Some often-missed storage solutions for small spaces include:
- Empty space under the stairs or tucked away alcoves
- Unused wall height above doors or cabinets
- Corners that are tricky but could still fit a shelf or custom cabinet
Install Built-In Storage for a Seamless Look
Installing built in storage is one of the smartest ways to add space to your home without making it feel crowded. It’s functional, but it also lifts the look of your space at the same time. Because built ins are made to measure, they fit perfectly into your walls or corners and help the space feel more open and tidy. You’re not trying to force a bulky unit to work — everything fits just right and looks like it was made to be there.
A few great built in storage ideas to think about:
- Custom storage cabinetry designed to suit your room
- Built in wardrobes that use every bit of wall height
Floor-to-ceiling shelving units for living room areas that mix open shelves with closed cupboards
Design an Efficient Layout for Easy Movement
The layout design determines everything in a compact kitchen space. The kitchen work triangle concept involves smooth movement between refrigerator and stove and sink areas to maximise efficiency.
If your space feels cramped or inefficient, consider one of these layouts that work well in small kitchens:
- Galley Kitchen – Fits well in narrow spaces with its cabinets and appliances arranged on opposite walls.
- L-Shaped Kitchen – Uses two connected walls to create a room that is easy to navigate.
- Single-Wall Kitchen – A smart, space-saving choice for small homes and apartments.
Although a large kitchen island is not feasible, some additional bench space is still possible. If a full-sized island doesn’t fit, consider a compact alternative like a small island for a small kitchen or a benchtop extension.
Upgrade Kitchen Storage with Purpose-Built Cabinetry
The kitchen is one of the busiest spots in any home. From breakfast rush to dinner prep, and everything in between, it’s where a lot of the action happens. If the space feels cramped or cluttered, your current kitchen storage cabinets might not be doing the job.
Good quality, purpose-built kitchen cabinetry can make a world of difference. Things like soft-close drawers, clever pull-outs, and corner carousels can boost your storage cabinets and keep everything within reach. Full-height cupboards are also great for squeezing every bit of storage out of the space.
Here are a few kitchen storage cabinets features worth looking into:
- Pull-out pantry units that slide neatly into tighter gaps
- Hidden bins and tidy appliance storage behind closed doors
- Wall-mounted shelves or hanging rails for your most-used gear
Maximise Vertical Space in Your Laundry and Living Areas
The laundry often gets left behind in interior design, even though it’s one of the most-used spaces. With a few smartly placed laundry storage cabinets, you can make it far more practical without needing to change the footprint of the room.
Try adding vertical storage like:
- Tall slim cupboards for all your cleaning supplies
- Overhead shelving or laundry storage cabinets above machines
- Hidden hampers or baskets that slide away when not in use
In the living room, making the most of your walls can free up a lot of space. Living room cabinetry built around windows or doors creates more storage while keeping the room balanced. It also suits living area design for small spaces, helping everything feel less cluttered.
Shelving units for living room setups are also great in tighter spots — ideal for displaying books, plants or family keepsakes.
Incorporate Stylish Furniture That Doubles as Storage
Space saving furniture doesn’t have to be plain or bulky. These days, there are plenty of clever pieces that not only look the part but do a bit more behind the scenes. Think ottomans with storage inside, lift-up coffee tables, or beds with drawers built in — they all help keep the place tidy while still looking stylish.
Some good options that combine storage and function are:
- Drawer beds that give you heaps of storage without taking up extra room
- Lift-top coffee tables or ones with built-in shelving
- Ottomans that open up to stash your throws, books or cushions
When you’re working with limited room, your space saving furniture should help you stay on top of clutter without taking away from your style. And if you want something more tailored, you can always go with custom storage cabinetry to suit your furnishings and layout.
Get Expert Help with Custom Storage from DIY Flatpack
Feeling inspired but unsure where to begin? DIY Flatpack is here to help. We make it easy to design your own cabinetry to suit your home, your needs and what you’ve got to spend. Everything’s done online, and your flatpacks arrive ready to go.
You might be looking to refresh your kitchen storage cabinets, sort out the laundry storage cabinets, or give your living spaces a proper fit-out. Whatever the plan, we’ll help you build storage solutions for small spaces that are practical, stylish, and uniquely yours.
Head over to DIY Flatpack and start designing your perfect setup today.