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Turning a Small Space into Home Sweet Home
(ARA) - For young adults used to living in their parents' home, with a large
den, a spacious kitchen and a bedroom with tons of closet space, moving to a
dorm or their first apartment means adapting to a new living style and embracing
the idea of combining many rooms into just one or two small spaces.
IKEA, the leading home furnishings retailer, offers simple solutions and ideas
about how to feel at home, even without all of the rooms that they may be
accustomed to.
The Den
With limited space, an easy way to duplicate the comfort and relaxation of a den
is with plenty of pillows. Big and small pillows in different colours and
textures are a fun and comfortable way for friends to sprawl out and get cosy
while hanging out. When not in use, the pillows can be piled up in a corner of
the room or even on a bed so another function can take centre stage.
The Bedroom
It's always a bonus when it's possible to get two uses out of one item. A futon
or sofa bed is the most functional furnishing for any college student,
especially in a small living environment. When it's time to go to bed, the sofa
opens up, converting the room from living room to bedroom. And visiting guests
will appreciate not having to sleep on the floor.
The Kitchen
It's important to have an area in your space that can serve as a kitchen.
Storage bins can be used for canned and non-perishable goods and the top surface
to stack plates, silverware or even a small microwave. Use wall space to hang
pots and pans out of the way and a shelf for paper goods, mugs and other kitchen
items that can cause clutter. Also, using a half table that can be placed flush
against a wall is an ideal space saver with multiple functions including eating,
studying and even a late night poker game.
The Closet
It may be a "culture shock" for some who are used to lots of closets at home and
now have to either share one with a roommate or squeeze everything they own into
a closet one tenth the size of their old one. To ensure that the closet isn't
overflowing into your living space, invest in clear storage boxes so items can
be easily identified; covered bins to hide away private articles you may not
want exhibited to the world; and stacking containers to make the closet seem
double the size and hold twice as much.
Small space living in a dorm or apartment can be fun and stylish. For more
information, solutions and ideas about how to affordably decorate your home away
from home, go to www.ikea-us.com or call 1-800-434-4532.
Courtesy of ARA Content |
