Is your place getting too cramped? Here are a few quirky ways to keep all your stuff and still make your space as personalised as can be

Do you live by the notion that

bigger is always better? Maybe, but a lot of amazing things could come in smaller packages as well. Common case in point: the severe space crunch in Mumbai hardly allows most people any space for themselves. But the trend is almost moving in the opposite direction of late. Less, as they say, is more, and as it's all about making the most of what you have, we dish out a few handy tips on living big no matter how tiny your space is.

Focus on your needs

The most important aspect to living well in a cramped space is by focusing on what you need and eliminating what you don't. Invest in things that you simply need around the house and do away with stuff that isn't really functional. Downsizing is the key to de-cluttering and space optimisation. Says Stella Paul who lives in a small apartment in Bandra West, "Because it was a studio apartment, I had to do away with a lot of things and stick to keeping stuff which was absolutely necessary. I think once you've invested in the essential pieces, you can always change the setting to suit your needs."

Think vertical

So what if there's minimal floor plan available for you, just use your creativity and go vertical! Says Simone Cherian, interior decorator, "It's common to see bunk beds in residential houses these days. This is a common example of just what you can do if you occupy a vertical space. The trick is to use the entire area between the floor and the ceiling. You can even go for some really quirky designs like a baker's rack or a bottle holder in the kitchen."

Built-in shelves

This is another quick fix to maximizing storage. Simple renovation can give you some extra useable space. Built-in bookcases, clothes racks, wall cupboards, etc are easy and convenient. You can even build a small, comfortable nook for your pet if you have one. It let's you keep your books, music albums or magazines on full display without having to shove them under your bed or sell them away.

Do away with the junk

One of the most important tricks to making smaller places functional and liveable, is to do away with all that is unnecessary. Shilpi Verma, a working professional who lives alone in a suburb in Mumbai with two other girls, reiterates the same. "The amount of junk that we accumulate on a daily basis is surprising, and we don't even realise it. By doing away with the unnecessary waste, you can weigh yourself down tremendously."

Art attack

A generous amount of art and design can do wonders to the look of your tiny house. You can even make some personalised designs to give it a unique feel and make the room truly 'yours' in every possible way. Art in any form can delight the eye and look pleasing. Traditional, contemporary, hand-made or picked up from the streets, add some zing to your empty walls and small corners of your house. to brighten up an otherwise dull setting.

Quirky ways to brighten up your little room

- Paint your ceiling a darker shade than your walls. Add some fun design motifs to it.

- You can even use colourful and trendy wallpapers in the room.

- Add another rod or shelf to your closet to maximize space.

- You can try hanging your stuff. For example, hang all your pretty jewelery on a wall; this can brighten it.

- Use baskets and boxes to segregate stuff. They not only keep things in their proper place, but also make the house look cleaner. Try little cane baskets with ribbon or lace.

What to avoid

- Bold patterns on cushions and curtains should be avoided as they might just make your room look even more cluttered.

- Avoid too much furniture, especially one that doesn't suit any purpose whatsoever.

- Don't buy stuff till you know what needs to be put where and whether or not your room can accommodate them.

-Don't be a hoarder. Do away with what you don't need.

- If you have a small room, avoid hanging large framed paintings and photographs

- Be multi-functional with your stuff and give your room some visual balance

BDST: 1629 HRS, Aug-10, 2014