With so many demands on our living spaces, it's essential that we make them work harder for us. Whether you have a small apartment or a large house, there are numerous ways to maximise your space and create a functional and inviting environment. We often think an extension or new home is the only solution to our problems but together with Plank Hardware we want to show you some low cost ways of making the most out of your space without the need to knock walls or take out another mortgage!
Together, Tom Revill founder of Plank Hardware and ufurnish.com founder Deirdre Mc Gettrick are going to give you their top tips to help make your living space work harder for you.
Plank Hardware was created for those who won’t compromise on their #InteriorGoals. Based in London, its design team develops stylish hardware products in high quality materials, manufactured responsibly with international supply partners. The company's mission is to inspire a generation of kick-ass DIYers. Easy-to-install hardware pieces are designed with creative home projects in mind; furniture upcycling, flat-pack hacking and refreshing kitchen cabinets that have seen better days. As a Certified B Corp, Plank Hardware is committed to continually assessing its impact on the planet and is currently a carbon neutral operation.
1. Multifunctional furniture
Recent advances in furniture design have seen a huge focus placed on multifunctional furniture. Today’s living spaces are more condensed and demand numerous functions and with the use of multifunctional furniture you can make better use of your living space and help make it feel like you have more room - even if you don’t.
Working from home spaces continue to be a priority for many of us and if you’re stuck in the position of deciding between a guest bedroom or a home office then there may be the possibility to have both! We absolutely love this ingenious item which transitions from a work desk to a bed in a few simple steps. Work from home Monday to Friday and host a guest at the weekend, the best of both worlds!
For many of us a dining table may not be used throughout the week and can feel like its taking up much needed space. Another seriously inventive item is this coffee table come dining table. Perfect for working or eating from the sofa during weeknights and hosting a dinner party come the weekend. These multifunctional styles of furniture are helping us take back control of our space and get the best use out of our homes.
2. Budget friendly ways of expanding kitchen
Practicality is a priority in the kitchen, as a space where we’re constantly rinsing our hands and reaching for drawers, all whilst cooking up a storm. Expanding your kitchen can be pricey, so it’s best to focus on how you can reach your kitchen design goals, without denting your wallet. Our advice? Introduce high-impact elements that are bound to elevate your design scheme.
Start off with a primary touchpoint – your kitchen tap. Select a reasonably-priced, high-quality kitchen tap with a shape that best suits your kitchen. Opt for a swan neck tap, for a contemporary centrepiece on your spacious kitchen island. If you have a smaller sink or prefer a more industrial look, introduce a crane neck tap instead. Match the style of your tap to your kitchen hardware for a seamless, cohesive look. For more guidance on choosing the right tap for your kitchen, read our advice here.
When it comes to adding some character to your kitchen space, the addition of new lighting can really help to make it feel like a brand new space. LED spotlights are some of the most energy efficient and long lasting kitchen lighting and work well over counters to provide high quality task lighting. Another hugely popular look is industrial lighting with the addition of hanging pendant lighting over kitchen islands and breakfast bars providing a great focal point in the space.
3. Make small changes
Sometimes it’s the little things that can make the biggest difference to your living space. The addition of new, low cost, home accessories really help to make your house feel like a home, adding a cosy, homely feel and making the space feel like new. As we move into spring you may consider changing the shades of cushions you use or think about adding some faux plants to your home. When we begin to move into the colder months the addition of a throw and some extra cosy cushions will help to make your space feel like new. Discover our top tips for choosing your perfect home accessories here or shop home accessories from across the market here.
Cabinets and drawers can look out of place if they appear dated or clash with your design scheme. To elevate your cabinets, consider replacing tired-looking hardware with new, design-led hardware that better align with your interior style. This small change is bound to transform your furniture into a head-turning feature of your space. Go luxe with bright, brass hardware, or opt for a more understated, sophisticated look, with matte black hardware. Whether a bedside table or built-in home office cabinets, you can instantly transform any space with the help of hardware. For a guide to installing hardware to cabinets and drawers, head over here.
4. Upcycling ideas to change a space
Achieving your interior goals doesn’t have to be hampered by budget. In fact, the smart and responsible way to update your space is to invest in second hand furniture, or better yet, repurpose forgotten furniture already in your home.
Revamp unwanted furniture like an old cabinet, cupboard or desk into a modern cocktail cabinet you’ll be proud to display in your home. The interior of your cabinet should be as inviting as the outside. To achieve that glam look, use a metallic spray paint on the entire interior of the unit. If you prefer eccentric patterns, consider applying patterned wallpaper to the inside of your cabinet.
Local charity shops are brimming with pine furniture, as they’re often mistaken as dated pieces. A sturdy wood that’s both easy to stain and paint, pine furniture is ideal for reimagining. Pine bedside tables are particularly easy to take in, and not too large of an upcycling project. Paint your pine piece with a bright colour and apply wallpaper to achieve a maximalist look. Or, arrange and glue paint-stirring sticks for a herringbone-like effect. If you prefer neutral, vintage-inspired interiors, try applying an even layer of limewash. Looking for more ideas? Here’s our blog article on how to update pine furniture.
5. Update your furniture staples
Change is good and what better way to implement some change into your space than with a new furniture staple. A living room can instantly be transformed with the addition of a new sofa, a dining room brought to the next level with a carefully selected dining table or a bedroom turned into a dream space with a new bed. When it comes to choosing these new items there are a lot of considerations but fear not, our expert buying guides will leave you feeling confident in making your decision. When choosing your new sofa, turn to our ten top tips here. If you’re looking for that perfect dining table then visit our blog here or if it's a new bed that you feel will transform your space see our top tips here.
Whether you’re looking to refresh your space, create a new function in your home or simply looking for some inspiration we hope our top tips in collaboration with Plank Hardware have helped you to discover how to get the most out of your space. To shop stylish hardware products with Plank Hardware click here.
