Homes

How to maximise compact living spaces

We know that lots of you have done clever things in terms of your home decor - and often on a strict budget. If you, or someone you know has great style and you think they should share it, email me at [email protected]. New Zealanders are often shy about displaying their lovely homes but here at the Weekly, you're among friends!

Her home is only 60m2 but Auckland PA Anna Gibson has packed a whole lot into it, while retaining a charming sense of simplicity and style.

over the course of a year, she’s brought the former motel unit right up to date on a limited budget, and she’s really enjoyed the challenge.

“I did a small extension, and the consents took a while, but it was all worth it,” she says. “The main thing was make it bright and light, and I think it’s worked.”

Concrete block walls in the unit have been plasterboarded to provide insulation and to enable Anna to hang pictures.

Light-coloured wooden floorboards also contribute to am impression of space.

Space-saving tips

While Anna has tried to avoid clutter, key pieces of memorabilia from her overseas travels – in particular to the US – look wonderful mixed up together in a large shelving unit.

on her fridge door she’s created a shrine to Kiwi life with magnets she’s made from old-style New Zealand coins, family photos in bright frames and a Maori doll.

With limited kitchen cupboard space, every centimetre needs to work hard and a nifty kitchen basket unit neatly contains those items that won’t fit anywhere else.

A full-size dining suite was out of the question, so Anna’s come up with a raised table and bar stools. She says that dining there with friends is fun, and it’s been the scene of many happy parties.

Small problems such as where to keep the vacuum cleaner didn’t vex Anna for long. In that particular case she opted for a discreet black chest with a lid, sitting behind the sofa in her living room.

In the bedroom Anna has room for a queen-size bed and side tables. She bought an exotic Asian screen at a Chinese furniture store in Auckland’s Newton and it’s one of the key pieces she brought with her from her previous home.

“I love it so much, I really had to keep it,” she smiles.

Some good problem-solving skills lead to a surprisingly roomy but narrow bathroom with a laundry cupboard cleverly incorporated. Again, Anna’s chosen a mainly white colour scheme to brighten the area and create the illusion of space.

Great outdoors

In summer Anna’s a barbecue fan and says she’s managed to fit a surprising number of people into her pretty, but pocket-size? garden.

“It’s got quite a nice tropical feel and it feels as if you’re on holiday, sitting beside the large pool, shared by all the residents of the block.”

While the unit has been cool and breezy in summer, Anna’s looking forward to a cosy winter. “It doesn’t take much heating and it’s really very warm.”

Anna’s clever renovation should serve to hearten those who live in small spaces. “I love it here. And I love the fact it’s so small and compact,” she says.

Hints & Tips

  • Quirky but meaningful little things – collected while travelling – are what give your home personality.

  • When you set up home in a small space, you may need to cull your belongings, which can be surprisingly liberating.

  • Asian furniture stores, and even $2 shops, can be great places to find little bargains.

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