Smaller homes are an attractive choice for many people, but it can result in a lack of storage space and functional space. Thankfully, there are many stylish ways to vastly increase your usable area.

Staircase Space

The undersides and walls of a staircase are often wasted space, but that space can easily be reclaimed with shelves or drawers. The stairs themselves can be turned into shelves, greatly increasing your space while the space under the staircase can be converted into pull out drawers that are nearly invisible when closed.

Under stair space can also be opened up and used for a small home office, a playroom for the kids, or even an indoor doghouse!

Corner Drawers

Corner Drawers are a great way to add storage space to an otherwise unused part of your kitchen. Some people even opt instead to make one large corner cabinet that functions like a lazy susan, giving them easy access to bake-ware or spices. These can even be designed to look like your other, regular drawers.

Modern Murphy Beds

Murphy beds may seem like a thing of the past, but they can easily be updated. Not only can they give you more floor space during the day, but they can be built into walls or as part of a shelving unit, giving many style options.

Modern Murphy beds can also make use of the bottom of the bed, some having attached shelves that move with the bed and even attached seating for use during the day.

Refrigerator Side Storage

Many homes, even large ones, have wasted space alongside the refrigerator. This space, despite being narrow, can be converted into a tall slide out storage unit. Uses for this space range from storing brooms and cleaning supplies, a spice cupboard, storage for pots and pans, and some people even use this space as a pantry.

Pets

There are even great space savers for pet owners. Cat owners can use a side table to hide an unsightly litterbox as well as giving your cat some privacy, and dog owners can use the bottom drawer of a chest as a feeding station that not only gives extra storage space, but also looks nicer than a pair of bowls on the floor.