Creative ways to maximise small spaces.

Remember playing Tetris? You had to fit all those odd-shaped blocks together in the best way possible, making sure every piece had its place. Well, living in a small space can feel just like that, every item needs to fit perfectly while still leaving room to move. Australian weatherboard houses, in particular, often don’t have much built-in storage, and with all the stuff we accumulate over the years, it can feel like a game that never ends. But don’t worry, with a few clever tricks and a little creative thinking, you can make the most of every inch and keep your space feeling comfortable, organised, and totally functional.

Here are a few of my favourite ways to maximise small spaces, so you can make your home work harder without losing out on comfort or style.

Cavity sliding doors

The space-saving secret.

When you’ve got zero space for a door to swing open, cavity sliding doors are your best friend. These doors slide neatly into the wall, giving you access to a room without taking up any floor space. Plus, they’re a great way to add some character to your home. Want a rustic touch? Try a vintage hardwood door. Need elegance? Stained glass works wonders. Sliding doors are a great solution for small bathrooms, bedrooms, or even as room dividers. By using sliding doors, you not only gain more floor space but also create a more open, airy feel. So, if you’re working with tight rooms, it’s definitely something worth considering.

An old hardwood door I’ve used as a cavity slider in a project.

Small bathroom, big ideas

Squeeze more out of every square metre.

Bathrooms might be tiny, but they can still pull their weight when it comes to storage. It’s just about being a little creative with what you’ve got. For starters, built-in shower niches are a great way to ditch the clunky shelves and suction-cup baskets that never sit quite right. These recessed shelves keep your products neat, and you can either blend them in with the same tile or turn them into a little design moment with a contrasting one. And don’t stop at the shower, niches can work just as well above the bath or beside the vanity.

Another sneaky way to save space is by recessing your shaving cabinet into the wall. It keeps the mirror flush and streamlined while giving you a handy spot for all your bits and pieces behind it. If you're doing a reno, it’s totally worth planning for.

Hand towel rails don’t always need their own spot on the wall. Try mounting them onto the side of the vanity instead. It keeps things looking clean and frees up wall space for shelves, hooks, or even a little artwork. And if you’re thinking about a heated towel rail, look into vertical models. They take up far less space than the wide ladder-style ones and still do the job, with room for two or three towels stacked neatly next to each other.

Even small moves like adding hooks behind the door or installing a shelf above the toilet can make a big difference in a tight bathroom. It’s all about finding those overlooked little moments and turning them into something useful without making the room feel stuffed.

Vertical heated towel rail…yep, it’s a thing. Check out Yabby for some lush brass ones.

Clever kitchen storage

Make every bit count.

Kitchens are one of the trickiest spaces when it comes to storage, especially when you’re working with a small footprint. Every cupboard, shelf, and surface needs to earn its keep. One of the easiest upgrades is switching from standard cabinets to deep drawers. They’re much more user-friendly and make it easier to reach everything at the back without having to crouch and dig around.

Corners are another problem area in small kitchens. Instead of letting that space go to waste, install a carousel or lazy Susan that spins to give you access to what would otherwise be a black hole of pots and mismatched Tupperware lids. These clever rotating shelves make a huge difference when you’re trying to fit more into a tight layout.

If you can, go vertical. Overhead cupboards that go all the way up to the ceiling give you loads of extra storage and also save you from dealing with that awkward dust-collecting space on top. You can also tuck narrow pull-out shelves between the fridge and wall or beside appliances to store oils, spices, or pantry staples. These skinny gaps are gold when you’re short on space.

And if you're feeling organised, drawer inserts and dividers can help you make sense of all your utensils and kitchen bits, especially in deep drawers that tend to become a tangle of whisks and measuring cups.

The trick is to think beyond the usual layout and use every pocket of space in a way that makes your day-to-day cooking life easier.

Stretch beyond the walls

Outdoor extras and hidden treasures.

Sometimes the best way to gain space indoors is to think outside. If your laundry is eating up valuable room inside the house, consider moving it out. A tucked-away corner on the deck or even part of the back patio can become a compact laundry zone with the help of a barn-style or sliding door. It keeps things looking tidy while giving you that extra breathing room inside.

And let’s talk about the roof. Growing up in Germany, I was used to having an attic for all the seasonal stuff and overflow storage. Here, roof cavities are often overlooked, but they can be storage gold if used properly. Just make sure you lay down some boards first, because most of them don’t have flooring. Once that’s sorted, it’s the perfect spot for Christmas decorations, luggage or anything you only need once in a while. A pull-down ladder makes it much easier to access, and the space stays out of sight, which is always a win.

Under-stairs storage is another one of those spaces that doesn’t get enough credit. Whether you go custom with pull-out drawers or simply install doors to conceal a bit of everyday chaos, it’s prime real estate that can make a big difference. Shoes, bags, cleaning supplies, the vacuum cleaner…you name it. If it fits, it belongs.

A pull-out ladder available from Bunnings.

Small space living isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing things differently. Think of it as a creative puzzle where the corners matter just as much as the centre. From sneaky storage behind walls to rethinking your laundry layout, every little detail adds up. So don’t be afraid to get a bit unconventional. Tuck things in, build things out, and look at your space with fresh eyes. That weird nook you never paid attention to? It might just be your new favourite storage spot. Embrace the quirks, bend the rules a little and let your small space punch well above its weight.

Until next time.

Vera x

Tetris for grown ups