How to Make the Most of a Small Urban Living Space
A smaller home doesn’t have to mean an inferior home.
It doesn’t take a genius to note that the UK has something of a housing problem. Not enough new homes are being built and when you factor in that the Office of National Statistics projects that the UK population will hit 70 million in less than a decade*, smaller living spaces will become more of the norm.
One of the latest trends in the housing market is the rise of ‘micro-homes’. These are compact and bijou apartments often found in office-to-residential conversions. Within these buildings developers can work with smaller space standards than those generally applied.
A Which? report analysing Land Registry data found that almost 8,000 new ‘micro-homes’ were built in 2016, the highest number on record. This is a development that seems set to stay.
Crucially though, a smaller home doesn’t have to mean an inferior home. This is certainly the thinking at leading high street retailer Robert Dyas. That’s why they have compiled a handy list of ways in which residents can make the optimum use of their urban space.
Rebecca Waters, head of marketing for Robert Dyas said, “There are a number of ways we can get the most out of our homes, from nifty storage solutions to versatile products with a range of practical uses. Our shoppers have a passion for space saving devices and that’s why we have the best selection on the high street.”
Robert Dyas’ Urban Space Solutions
Kitchen
Storage is crucial. And while this applies to every room in a home, in a kitchen this maxim is doubly relevant. This Metro Wall Mounted Utensil Rail (£11.99) (online only) will help maximise every inch of space. As will this Addis Foldaway Dish Drainer (£9.99).
Another ingenious space saver in the kitchen is this Tefal Ingenio Essential 13-Piece Non-Stick Pan Set with Lids and Bakelite Handle (£119.99) (online only). The removable handles mean stacking your pans has never been easier.
Staying in the kitchen, this chic Swan Retro Mini Fridge (£89.99) (online only) not only keeps all your refrigerated items nice and cold, it does so in an enviable stylish manner.
This Robert Dyas Tile Top Kitchen Trolley (£19.99) is another winner when it comes to space. It works as a prep and serving surface and the trays underneath are great for storing equipment or veg.
If you love entertaining but can’t keep a big dining table out all the time, this Graceford Small Extending Butterfly Table with 2 Padded Seat Cross Back Oak Chairs (£439.98), features a butterfly leaf to make space for extra guests.
Living Room
Add originality and a chic contemporary look to your pint-sized parlour with innovative folding furniture solutions from the Paper Lounge range, new to Robert Dyas. This versatile bench(£84.99) can be easily folded down into a flat pack box for convenient storage, making it ideal for rooms with limited space.
Rather than kit out your living room in big chairs, focus on something much less cumbersome. This Halea Round Faux Leather Stool (£42.49) (online only) for example.
Positioning a mirror on the wall will always create the illusion of space. Go for this Viviana Large Wall Mirror (£169.99) (online only).
Resolve storage wars with this Dannington 3-Cube Shelving Unit (£27.99) (online only).
Hall
Hanging up coats, bags and hats is another way to keep your space looking less cluttered. This Hindsley Ready Assembled Hall Coat Hooks With Shelves (£99.99) (online only) is perfect.
Canny Solutions
Drying clothes can be hazardous in a home without a traditional washing line. No longer. This Addis Extendable 3-Tier Airer (£19.99) not only extends to 7.5 metres it folds flat for easy storage after use. If you have some outdoor space, this easy-to-assemble Addis 15m Retractable Washline(£13.49) is just the ticket.
Doors not only keep the heat in, they can be put to a multiple of uses. No room for an ironing board? Don’t fret, this Robert Dyas Over Door Ironing Board (£24.99) will deliver the perfect crease.
This Russel 16-Pocket Over-Door Organiser (£8.99) is great for storing shoes or even children’s toys!
Outdoors
Making the most of a small outdoor space such as a balcony can be the final step in creating the perfect small home. An Outback Voyager Smokeless Charcoal BBQ (£79.99) will have you cooking up an al fresco storm in next to no time. And this Smart Garden Wall Basket (£16.49) (Online only) will enable you to add some verdant colour to your outdoor space.
