Mar 02 (newsonjapan.com) - If you have recently moved to Japan, you may have adjusted to a smaller space. Make the most of your home or apartment with our DIY tips.
Storage and organisation
With any space, especially small apartments, well-designed and constructed storage units are essential. If you live in a small open plan apartment, add a tall storage unit to create a room divider while also adding valuable storage space, where you can store a surprising amount of stuff. For example, an open storage unit is an excellent choice as it provides storage and separation for the room but still lets light come through the space. It's essential to choose your shelving well so that you get maximum storage without being overbearing. Viv&Tim have some great organisational tips and tricks for making the most of your space.
Your kitchen may have minimal space, so make the most of your kitchen units, divide up your storage units with dividers and boxes or metal containers. Organise your dishes and bowls with shelf baskets, creating loads more space in your cupboards that are usually just wasted. Another way to make the most of your kitchen space is to use hanging hooks for tea towels, oven mitts, or large cooking utensils.
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Cleaning products are often one of the hardest things to keep organised. Utilise your laundry area and the space above your washing machine. This space is usually wasted, so add a shelf to keep your cleaning products and laundry well organised and out of the way. Make the most of the area under your bathroom sink by separating everything into baskets, smaller containers and boxes for your cleaning supplies. In your bedroom space, add some hooks inside closet space to hang small items like bags, hats, bags, scarves.
Consider the power of colour
With limited space, colour can play an integral role. Whether it's a pop of colour through furniture or the block colours of a feature wall, minimalistic design can take into account factors such as restricted natural lighting. Experiment with a mood board and consider renovating your rooms to help give the illusion of more space.
Another way to customise your space is to add greenery in the form of hanging plants or potted plants. As we've highlighted here before at NewsOnJapan, another option is to spruce up your balcony (if you have one) with a series of plants.
Make the most of wall space
Keep valuable floor space clear by using the wall space well. Be innovative and creative about how you use your wall space to its full potential. In laundry and bathroom areas, in particular, hang hooks and small storage shelves or boxes. If you live in a rented apartment and are worried about putting nails in the walls, try using a powerful all-purpose adhesive such as Pattex that can hold up to 350 kg of weight, which is really effective for hanging hooks pictures and art, mirrors, and even shelving.
Use empty spaces, like the space above doors, to add a small shelf for storage. Keep in mind that it is important to keep these spaces clutter-free, maybe storing things in decorative boxes; otherwise, your room could quickly start to look messy and disorganised.
Source: Pixabay
If you add a big storage unit to your wall space, like a bookshelf, choose a taller unit to make the most of this floor space. A creative way to give the feeling of more space is by adding some art or a mirror. Adding a large vertical piece of art to a wall can create the illusion of a bigger space. You can find great ideas on LargeWallArtIdeas.
Having a designated space for everything means you will make the most of your small space, and you don't need to spend a lot.
