Making every bit of space count is essential if you’re living in a small studio, apartment or tiny home. We asked two small-space experts for the tricks of the trade they swear by for designing a compact home, and how to achieve the perfect balance of functionality and flair.

Consider your priorities

When designing a small home, start by considering your priorities and how you want to live and function in the space. For example, do you need room to exercise inside? An area to work from home? Will you have guests to stay? Are you into cooking or will you more likely eat takeaway food?

All these things will impact the amount of space you allocate to each area and help you design for maximum functionality.

Use mirrors

Wilson says:
Mirrors can work magic in a small space. Hang them on the wall or prop them on the mantlepiece or floor (firmly secured) and you’ll find that they bounce the light around, making the room feel brighter and enhancing the sense of space.

Another tip is to position a mirror opposite a window with views and you’ll instantly bring the outside in.

Position the biggest item first

In a small bedroom, for example, your first decision should be where to locate the bed as this will dictate where the smaller items of furniture should go, such as freestanding storage and an armchair. In the living area, begin by choosing the position of the sofa or sofas, then work the coffee table, side table and any storage around it (or them).

Starting with the main ‘hero’ pieces in a room will also determine where the television should go, which should generally be opposite the bed or sofa.

Storage is key

Wilson says:
Clutter and mess quickly pile up in a small property, so it’s important that everything has a home. Look for storage opportunities everywhere; shelving units with cubes, storage boxes and furniture that does double duty as storage, such as gas-lift beds, storage ottomans and the space at the top of cabinetry or under beds. The key is to conceal items neatly, while using all available space – this is practical but will avoid a messy look.

To maximise storage in a living area, dining room or bedroom, select furniture such as a buffet, chest of drawers and bedside tables over smaller units without storage. Use baskets, pretty boxes or cute tubs to store smaller bits and pieces that easily get lost.

Prioritise outdoor connection

Ugarte says:
Having an external space can completely transform a small home, giving you access to light, fresh air and an additional usable room.

Where possible, create a connection between the interior and exterior of your home with sliding or bi-fold doors. Sliding doors make the best use of space as they open flat rather than protruding into your outdoor area. They can also be easier and more cost-effective to install as they are bottom-mounted rather than top-mounted like bi-folds, which can require extra structural support.

Depending on size and set-up, you can expect to pay somewhere between about $4,000 and $7,000 to install sliding exterior doors.

Consider how noise travels

Ugarte says:
Noise is one of those things many people aren’t aware of until they move into a home, and televisions are generally the main culprit. Always look to install a television on an external wall or one that is facing away from bedrooms so you don’t disturb other people living in your home.