Small Home Essentials
When it comes to living in Hong Kong, size matters. Renting properties in the urban jungle can leave one feeling uninspired by itsy-bitsy living spaces, especially if you’ve just relocated from overseas and are used to large, open spaces. Whether you’re looking to rent or to buy, there’s an art to living thoughtfully in cramped quarters, and a science to choosing pieces that will make the most of your square footage. The following decorative essentials pop up in the most stylish of homes time and time again and again. So, if you haven’t these already, put pen to paper and ask Santa for these space-saving pieces to brighten up your home.
Nesting Tables
Three tables for the space of one? That’s the beauty of nesting tables. Fan them out when you need more surface area, move them around if you have guests, then tuck them in when you’re done.
Bonus tip: choose an acrylic option to take up less visual space!
Poufs
If you’re a pouf pessimist, you’re underestimating their versatility. Set snacks out on your coffee table, and watch your friends flock to the poufs for prime seating. Position one in front of a chair, and you have an instant lounger. Place one next to your sofa, set a tray on top, and admire your new side table. Best of all, they can be stacked or stored under your coffee table when you aren’t using them.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are ideal for adding more storage than your floor plan allows for.
Large Mirrors
If you can’t knock down walls, add mirrors. They have the power to reflect light and visually expand a room, so it looks much larger than it actually is.
Pro tip: try styling a large mirror by layering it behind another piece of furniture.
Hanging Storage
You may not have a walk-in closet, but even an unused nook or corner can serve as an impromptu closet if you hang a DIY copper-pipe rack.
Baskets
Whether you choose larger lidded options to slide under a console table or line shelves with smaller versions, baskets are essential for organizing clutter.
Rolling Carts
There are a myriad of ways to utilize a rolling cart. It can be used as everything from a bar cart (or better yet, coffee station!) to a nightstand. Wheels make it easier to move to different spots… like the living room, if you’re entertaining.
Pretty Boxes
The key to making any bookshelf look immaculately streamlined is to load it with beautiful boxes. It’s the perfect way to hoard anything from receipts to your washi tape collection without having your belongings look like a mess.
Under-the-Bed Storage
A bed skirt and a plastic pull-out container is your ticket for storing seasonal clothes without anyone having to know. You have the space, so why not use it?
Hanging Coatracks
Sure, you could hang coats or hats from these racks, but there’s no need to stop there. Display a set of cabinet-hogging mugs in your kitchen, or organize necklaces in your bedroom. The possibilities are endless.
Stackable Storage
If you’re short on counter space, think vertically. This stackable apothecary set is ideal for keeping bath and beauty supplies within reach.
Source: Angela Elias, PopSugar