Designing small spaces to be multifunctional can give you everything you need. Picture: Max Rahubovskiy/Pexels
As more people choose to downsize their lives in smaller houses, townhouses, and apartments, it has become increasingly important to maximise every square metre of available space.
Spaces need to become multi-functional and there are clever ways to do this without making your home look cluttered or cramped.
The way in which people use their homes has changed since the pandemic, and the shift towards remote working has transformed the way that buyers search for properties.
What’s more, with interest rates being as high as they are, Adrian Goslett, regional director and chief executive of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says buyers have smaller budgets but growing lists of must-have features for a home.
“This often means that every inch of available space needs to be working hard to maximise the overall functionality of the home, no matter how big or small the home might be.”
The best way to achieve this is to create multi-functional spaces that offer more bang for your buck. For example, he suggests that, if your home does not have the space to dedicate a whole room to a home office, then it could be worth incorporating a built-in desk option within a corner of the living room or one of the bedrooms.
“This advice is particularly important for sellers who can stage the property to help showcase the possibilities of the home.”
For homeowners or even sellers who are not sure how to create a multi-functional space, Goslett shares the following tips:
Whether you are selling or simply looking for ways to improve the overall enjoyment of your home, these clever design solutions not only save space but also adapt to our evolving lifestyle needs, making homes more versatile and efficient.
“By combining the purposes of various rooms to serve multiple needs, homeowners can enhance the overall functionality of the home which can greatly impact the property’s resale value,” he says.
The key to creating multifunctional spaces is to think creatively and be open to innovative solutions. With a bit of ingenuity, even the smallest spaces can be transformed into functional and stylish areas, property experts and designers advise.
Here are some more smart ideas:
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