With the rise in popularity of smaller homes in Australia’s urban cities, living on a smaller block doesn’t mean you have to forego large luxuries. Being smart with how you utilize narrow lot designs can still provide you with great home benefits whilst helping saving you money in the long term. Here are some tips if you are planning to go small on size but big on style:
Open Plan Living Will Be Your Best Friend
Narrow lot designs will work in your favour if you create the illusion of space. Taking the space that is made available and smartly utilizing your living areas and reducing additional walls and hallways, as well as furniture placement will greatly open up your home – resulting in a larger area.
Neutral Colours
By painting the walls of your house with neutral colours, you will enhance the space of your narrow lot design as the light will easily reflect and open the area. Using busy and chaotic colours will further narrow your living areas and conflicting colours will clutter and confuse.
Image: NowLiving
Build Up Not Out
If you are choosing to build on a smaller block and require more rooms or space to adequately house your family, consider building up with the addition of a second story. Another idea when working with narrow lot designs is the inclusion of high ceilings and floor to wall windows. These additions will not take up any extra space in the home and will be a fantastic way to increase a sense of natural light and space, making your house feel larger than it is.
Multipurpose Living Spaces
Another tip to maximise the living space on a small block is making your areas work hard for you so that you don’t just have a room for every function, but getting one room to have multiple purposes. For instance, instead of having both a living area and rumpus room, you can combine one space that will fulfil this purpose. If you desire a space to study but don’t have an extra room to space, finding an area with closing doors may also work for privacy and quiet when needed.
Vertical Gardens
Having an outdoor living space is essential, especially during summer when outdoor entertaining is in full swing! If you don’t want to skimp on the beautiful lush greenery of a well-crafted backyard but lack the space, do not fear – a vertical garden will provide the flora you need. Making sure you do adequate research to distinguish what plants will best thrive in this environment will ensure you they stay healthy and vibrant!
Image: DecoreDesignShow
Maximise Storage Where Possible
Clutter can be the straw that breaks the camel’s back when living on a smaller block, so having the space for your items will do wonders for your home. There are all sorts of ways to strategically build storage into your home without needing to take up valuable space like walk-in wardrobes, built-in shelving or using the drawers on beds, units and even ottomans!
Are you in the process of building and looking for some home ideas? Contact our team on 1800 184 284 for a free consultation and simply the process! You can also book a call at a time suitable for you.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
Breanna Taylor
Breanna Taylor is a third-year journalism and PR student studying at Swinburne University in Hawthorn. She has a strong passion for interior design and a growing interest in property development and renovation.
1800 184 284
