Maximising space in a small granny flat requires thoughtful planning and clever design choices to ensure comfort and functionality. To save valuable floor space, use multifunctional furniture, such as fold-out beds, extendable dining tables, or storage ottomans.
Vertical storage solutions like shelves, hooks, or wall-mounted cabinets can free up room while keeping belongings organised. Opting for light, neutral colours and Strategically placing Mirrors can provide the impression of a bigger, more open space.
By decluttering and prioritising essential items, you can create a cozy, efficient living area without compromising style or convenience.
Let’s get straight to the point.
To make a small granny flat feel larger and more functional, utilise clever design choices like multifunctional furniture (e.g., sofa beds, extendable tables) and vertical storage (hooks, shelves).
Large windows and mirrors can brighten the space, while decluttering regularly helps maintain order. Key strategies include dividing open-plan areas into functional zones, using underutilised spaces (like under beds or stairs) for storage, and opting for sliding doors. Light, neutral colours enhance the sense of openness, making the space feel more comfortable and practical.
Tips To Save Space In Your Granny Flat Design
Choose A Granny Flat Design With Large Windows
One of the most effective ways to make a small space feel larger is by letting in as much natural light as possible. Large windows create an illusion of space, making rooms appear more open and inviting. They also connect to the outdoors, which can significantly enhance the atmosphere inside.
However, it’s essential to be strategic with window placement. Avoid cluttered outdoor views, and consider how sunlight flows into your home at different times. In addition, you can enhance the effect of natural light by using mirrors to reflect light into darker corners, further increasing the sense of space.
Use Mirrors To Maximise Light
Mirrors are a fantastic addition to any small space. They reflect natural and artificial light, making a room feel brighter and larger. Positioning mirrors opposite windows or in dark areas of your granny flat can create the illusion of more space and prevent rooms from feeling cramped.
For example, installing a mirror as a splashback in the kitchen can help minimise the visual impact of bulky appliances and make the space more open.
Accessorise Your Kitchen
The kitchen is often one of the most cluttered areas in a home, particularly in a small granny flat. Large appliances like fridges and stoves can occupy valuable space, leaving little room for food prep or storage. However, clever design choices can create a more spacious and organised kitchen.
Start by decluttering countertops and finding alternative storage solutions for items like spices, utensils, and condiments. A spice rack, for instance, can store spices neatly while adding a decorative element to the kitchen. Installing upper cabinets or wall-mounted shelves will keep frequently used items within reach without taking up floor space.
Use Hooks & Wall Mounts
Hooks and vertical wall mounts are a practical solution for maximising space in a small granny flat. They can be installed in almost any room, from the kitchen to the bathroom, and provide additional storage without taking up floor space.
Use hooks to hang items like pots, pans, towels, and keys. Wall-mounted shelves can display books, plants, or other decorative items. This method helps tidy your living space while freeing up valuable floor space.
Consolidate Your Entertainment Appliances
If you’re not careful, entertainment systems can quickly take over, and you’ll need more space. Invest in a smart TV with built-in features like DVD players and compatibility with streaming services to avoid clutter. This will reduce the need for multiple devices and the accompanying cables that can make a room feel cluttered.
Mount your television on the wall to free up floor space. Ensure all entertainment equipment is neatly organised. Consider using wall mounts with built-in shelving for gaming consoles or other devices.
Invest In Multifunctional Furniture
In a small granny flat, every piece of furniture should serve more than one purpose.
Multifunctional furniture can significantly improve the efficiency of your space.
- Sofa beds: A sofa bed can function as seating during the day and a bed at night, freeing up valuable space that a permanent bed would otherwise occupy.
- Ottomans with storage: Ottomans can double as seating and storage. They can also be used as coffee tables or footrests to store blankets, books, or other items.
- Extendable dining tables: An extendable dining table can be expanded when hosting guests and folded away when not in use, giving you more room to move around.
Create Zones In Open-Plan Areas
Granny flats often have open-plan layouts, combining the living, dining, and kitchen areas into one space. While this design can make the home feel more spacious, it can also result in a cluttered and disorganised appearance if not managed carefully.
Divide your open-plan space into distinct zones to create a more functional environment. You can use rugs, furniture placement, or room dividers. For example, a sofa can separate the living area from the dining area, or a bookshelf can divide the kitchen and living space.
Use Under-Utilised Areas For Storage
Maximising every inch of available space is essential in a small granny flat. There are often under-utilised areas that can be transformed into useful storage spaces, including:
- Under the bed: Invest in a bed with built-in drawers or use storage bins to neatly store items like clothes, shoes, or seasonal decor.
- Under the stairs: If your granny flat has stairs, the space underneath can be used for built-in storage cabinets, bookshelves, or even a small home office.
- High ceilings: In rooms with high ceilings, consider installing overhead shelves to store items you don’t use daily, such as seasonal clothing or extra linens.
Keep Your Colour Palette Light And Neutral
The colour scheme you choose for your granny flat can significantly impact how spacious it feels. Light and neutral colours, like whites, creams, and soft greys, reflect natural light and give the illusion of more space.
Avoid using dark or bold colours on large surfaces like walls or floors, as these can make the room feel smaller and more enclosed. Instead, reserve darker colours for accents, such as cushions, rugs, or artwork, to add personality without overwhelming the space.
Use Sliding Doors
Conventional swinging doors may occupy important floor space. And limit layout options. Sliding doors, on the other hand, are an excellent alternative for small spaces. They glide along the wall rather than swinging open, saving space and allowing for more flexible furniture arrangements.
Sliding doors can be used for bedrooms, bathrooms, or closets. If you prefer a more modern look, frosted glass sliding doors can also help maintain privacy while allowing light to filter through, enhancing the sense of space.
Declutter Regularly
Even with the best space-saving solutions, a cluttered home can feel cramped and chaotic. Regular decluttering is essential to maintaining a sense of order and openness in your granny flat.
Make a habit of reviewing your belongings periodically and removing items you no longer need or use. Keep surfaces clear and only display essential or meaningful objects to avoid overcrowding your space.
Invest in storage options that help you organise your home. Baskets, bins, and drawer organisers can help you keep everything in its place, ensuring your flat remains tidy and spacious.
Conclusion
By implementing the tips in this guide, you can transform your small granny flat into a larger, more organised, highly functional space. The key to maximising space lies in thoughtful design choices, creative storage solutions, and regular decluttering.
Whether adding large windows to bring in natural light, using multifunctional furniture, or finding hidden storage areas, every decision should be focused on making the most of the available space. With some planning and creativity, your granny flat can become a comfortable, stylish, and practical home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Granny Flat
How Can I Make The Most Of Limited Floor Space In A Small Granny Flat?
To maximise space, consider multipurpose furniture pieces like storage ottomans, sofa beds, or foldable tables. Install wall-mounted shelves and use overhead storage to optimise vertical space.
What Are Some Clever Storage Solutions For A Small Granny Flat?
Look for storage opportunities in underutilised areas such as under the bed, above cabinets, and on the back of doors. Use modular storage systems, hanging organisers, and built-in cabinets to store belongings efficiently.
Is It Possible To Create Separate Zones Within A Small Granny Flat?
Dividers, curtains, or room dividers can create separate zones. Furniture placement can also define living, sleeping, and dining spaces.
How Can I Maximise Natural Light In A Small Granny Flat?
Keep window treatments minimal to allow maximum light penetration. Avoid blocking windows with large furniture pieces. Mirrors, in addition to reflecting natural light, may help a room feel lighter.
Are There Any Space-Saving Tricks For The Bathroom In A Small Granny Flat?
Use wall-mounted storage options like floating shelves or cabinets to free up floor space. Consider installing a space-saving shower stall or a corner sink. To save space, opt for a sliding door instead of a swinging one.
