Creating Space in a Small Bedroom without a SpaceX rocket!

Renovation costs in Auckland are rising and so are property prices so we need to be creative as we move into smaller spaces to accommodate our stuff.  Our bedrooms are often last on the list as they are the room seen least, but as the room we spend a great deal of time in, we really need to think about this space.  

My bedroom is my haven.  It is not particularly large but every inch is used to its best advantage.  When I was renovating I made sure I bought relaxing big space ideas into my little sanctuary.

Remove the Excess - Use a Storage Box 

The more you have in your small space the more cramped it is going to feel.  I made a tough decision to sell many items and the rest I put in a storage box or removed into Self Storage.  This instantly created an illusion of space and calm in my room.  

Choose the right furniture and storage

I was lucky enough to have the option to build my wardrobes in with drawers to negate the need for a dresser or amoire.  This was one less challenge to deal with.  However, what I found was space was created by choosing furniture that was slim but high and rectangular not curved.  Nightstands with space underneath also greatly increased the illusion of space.  Perhaps the biggest space was created though with a bed that had storage underneath.  Storage baskets are a godsend for small spaces.

Make your bed the focal point

In a small bedroom your bed will more than likely be the focal point.  Size your other furniture and decor to fit the size of your bed so your room is well proportioned.  A large mirror can also add an illusion of extra space and bring a romantic feel to the bedroom.

Make room for a reading chair

Not only does a reading chair and lamp make your room so much more relaxing, but it can be multifunctional in getting more use out of your small bedroom and for throwing the odd piece of clothing on when you just want to crawl into bed for the night!

Choose your colours and artwork wisely

I used light muted colours in my small space and bought the darker and brighter colours in as accents.  Not only did this give the illusion of a larger space but it utilised the natural light to its best advantage.  Artwork will have the same effect, so plan carefully to ensure your haven stays as just that - your haven.  

Jimmie Johnson and Ashton Kutcher have them - Man Caves, Relationship Saver?

Mark Twain famously quoted "There ought to be a room in this house to swear in.  It's dangerous to have to repress an emotion like that ... Under certain circumstances, profanity provides a relief denied even to prayer."  

Man caves have been around since the beginning of time and in modern relationships are still prevalent. Some of the most famous Man Caves including Winston Churchill's, Ernest Hemingway's and Thomas Edison's were where most of their great work was produced.

In a solid relationship, every woman needs a space well clear of masculine clutter.  Every man needs his space too, whether it be the spare room, the garage, a shed in the back yard or a storage unit.   While in many households, particularly celebrity ones, man caves are prevalent, after the birth of babies, rising property prices and accumulation of boys toys this is often the first space to be lost.  

So the big question .... how do we create space for this man cave?

If you are wanting to create a man cave in your home and think you don't have the space, consider those rooms that you are currently using as a storage or junk room. In most cases a garage or an extra room is probably being used for storage space, in my case it was our garage.  To save my sanity I relegated all my seasonal gear taking up usable space and other items I didn't use regularly to my storage unit.  The rest I gave to the kids to sell outside on their lemonade stand (it made a lot more money for them than the lemonade!).

Many a time moving items into my storage unit I also hear the familiar hum of a PS3 and big belly laughs coming from units where men are escaping to their units which they have turned into their own personal man caves.  

Check out these man caves of Jimmie Johnson, Ashton Kutcher and Snoop Dogg for some inspiration.  

Man Cave Benefits ...

• Men need somewhere to display the things they love.  No longer will you need to hide all those things you don't want guests to see, the PS3's, the stained couches from bachelor days and the photos of men being .. well just men!

• Provides a much needed decompression zone, we all need our personal space both men and women and a man cave is the ultimate solution.

• Most importantly, it will save your health and your relationship

Need more inspiration?

Check out 12 Man-tastic-man-caves, why-every-man-needs-a-man-cave and 10 man cave set-ups that will inspire you

Eleven easy storage hacks to create space in your wardrobe

Being able to create enough space to fit everything in your wardrobe can feel like a never ending battle, especially in New Zealand with our love of outdoors and adventure sports, never mind the ever changing seasons and temperatures.  However, there are some quick easy storage hacks you can to to create more space in your wardrobe.  

1.  Store out of season clothing and sports gear elsewhere

Clear out what you won't be using for the next six months, neatly pack in boxes and put it into a self-storage unit.  There are many available throughout the country.  One of the newest to open is SpaceMax in Henderson, Auckland.  A self-storage unit will give you the peace of mind of round the clock security and month to month flexible rental periods.  

2.  Recycle fizzy drink tabs to create more hanger space

Save yourself valuable time and space.  This is a simple way to keep those tops, bottoms and accessories in one place and to be able to hang more than one piece of clothing on a single hanger and space those hangers out so they don't all bunch together.  

3.  Purge your wardrobe

Have a clean out every six months.  Fewer items mean better organisation in your wardrobe.  One of the best tricks I have been taught is to turn all of your hangers so the open end faces out towards your room.  As you wear things turn them back the other way.  Every six months take out everything still facing in the original direction and store the things you really love and can't bear to throw away and sell or donate the rest.  

4.  See-through boxes

If your shelves and drawers in your wardrobe are getting a bit chaotic get your hands on some clear boxes in different shapes and sizes like these brilliant ones from Ikea.  This keeps everything visible and easy to find and can house all those little things like accessories that often end up lost at the back of a sock drawer or wardrobe.

5.  Organise those shoes

If the bottom of your wardrobe looks like a shoe hurricane has paid a visit, a simple shoe rack or shelves can quickly create space inside your wardrobe.  Or be creative, clear boxes with beautiful shoes in them can form a display feature in your bedroom or in a prominent place inside your house.

6.  Remember the doors

Install hooks and rods on the back of the wardrobe doors to store everyday items like belts, scarves, shoes and even costume jewellery.

7.  Give your jandals some love

With a small amount of creative genius metal coat hangers can be used to store your jandals and get them off the pile on the floor.  Read more about how to create beautiful jandal holders here Jandal Love.

8.  Go Vertical

People often forget about the empty space just above the clothes railing.  Adding some temporary shelves or clear plastic boxes to store some extra items, especially those which aren't used to often is a great way to utilise space.

9.  Look after handbags with shower curtain hooks

To keep your handbags damage free and out of reach of little girls playing 'Ladies', use shower curtain hooks along the railing or rod of your wardrobe.

10.  Refold your t-shirts

Folding t-shirts neatly into thirds and organising vertically rather than stacked on top of one another means you can see what you are looking for and your increase your storage space.  This is especially great for teenage wardrobes!  

11.  Garment Tags

If your wardrobe is like mine and you have clothes stored in garment bags it is easy to forget they are there.  Take a picture of the item and glue it onto a tag that you can hang on the coat hanger.  Now you will always know what is inside!