Sometimes, it can feel like your house has got smaller, when in fact it’s a simple case of your growing family needing more room, but moving isn’t always an option, especially if you own your home and don’t want a bigger mortgage. There are, however, plenty of innovative ways that you can gain space in your current home just by making a few changes. Here, we take a look at some of the spaces you can reclaim in order to make the most of your space.
Extend Upwards
If you live in a house with a decent sized loft, this is probably the most obvious area to claim as living space. Many people have lofts which are big enough to accommodate a full bathroom as well as a couple of bedrooms, or even a big master suite, and this can add real value to your home so your investment will be protected. Opt for VELUX windows (more here) for a real sense of space and light. There are a huge amount of options with VELUX windows, and they’re super energy efficient, giving you space, light AND insulation against the cold. You also needn’t worry about noise, because VELUX is great at blocking out noise and even minimises the sound of rain or hail on the window!
Convert Your Garage
Recent research showed that only 24% of people actually use their garages for storing their car, which means you could have a whole load of space which isn’t fulfilling its potential. If the garage is attached to your home, you could easily knock through and re-purpose the space, maybe giving you a huge kitchen/dining/living area, or even an extra bedroom. Even if your garage is detached and in the garden, it could still be refurbished into a delightful office space or granny annexe.
Under the Stairs
Many houses have a cupboard under the stairs but in actual fact, the WHOLE of a staircase is usually empty underneath and simply boxed away. There’s so much space under a staircase just asking to be utilised – lots of people strip away the boxing in altogether and use it as office space, with a desk underneath. It can also be turned into really innovative storage if you add drawers and cupboards along the full length of the staircase.
Conservatories
If you’re crying out for more space then a conservatory could be an excellent solution. Conservatories aren’t the draughty, cold spaces they used to be with modern glazing and insulation and they’re perfect for using as a playroom, dining room, second sitting room (great if you have bigger kids!) or any other space that you may require.
Summer Houses
If you have a decent amount of outdoor space then a wooden summer house could be the ideal solution to your space issues. One of my friends uses summer house as a writing retreat and takes her laptop down there when she needs space and it provides the perfect place for her to work, distraction-free.
