Small Space Planning Tips From Dream Home Makeover

Designing a small space with maximum form and function is all about careful planning, but getting the most out of one room can be easier said than done.

In the first two seasons of our Netflix show “Dream Home Makeover,” we implemented a few of our favorite small space planning tips, and we’re excited to share more details about them today!

Here are a few of our go-to small space planning tips from “Dream Home Makeover”:

Tip No. 1: Consider multiple functions for one space

As we spend more and more time in our homes, the practicality of one space serving one purpose isn’t always realistic.

Considering multiple functions for each room is essential when designing a small space, and in our projects in “Dream Home Makeover,” one of the biggest challenges was finding ways to maximize our client’s spaces to meet their needs.

While you may not think you have room for a workspace nook in your kitchen or a seating area in your bedroom, take a step back and re-evaluate what you’re working with. Asking yourself how you live in your home on the day-to-day may shift what you choose to prioritize.

A small workspace nook adding character to our Historic Kitchen Remodel.

A small seating area added to our Layered Coastal Netflix Bedroom Remodel..

A closet-turned office nook in our Moody & Bright Netflix Remodel. 

Tip No. 2:  Create zones

One of our favorite ways to plan small areas effectively is by creating different “zones” within the space that feel separate but cohesive.

We love to set one zone apart from the others by using rugs to section off a seating area, incorporating dividing but storage-saving furniture pieces like consoles or benches, and creating distinct purposes for each area.

“Zoning,” off the living space from the bedroom with a grounding rug in our Midcentury Netflix Loft Remodel.

A kids area sectioned off behind the couch in our Historic Loft Netflix Remodel.

Tip No. 3: Incorporate light colors

Although you can’t create natural light, incorporating light and airy hues and pieces in your design opens it up and allows the space to feel larger.

We love adding light paint or light furniture pieces in rooms with minimal space to open them up and create the illusion of more space.

Light tones creating more light in our Open & Bright Netflix Remodel. 

Calm, light hues in our Layered Coastal Netflix Bedroom Remodel.

Tip No. 4 Utilize furniture with legs

When designing a small space, we like to think about the distribution of weight and how we can balance it to bring a more open feeling to the room.

Utilizing more furniture with legs is a simple way to make any space feel lighter and larger.

Legged seating pieces in our Modern Bohemian Netflix Remodel.

Legged pieces expanding the space in our Moody & Bright Netflix Remodel.