When a client asks you to undertake a home renovation project, you’re entering a job with lofty expectations. In essence, your job is to turn a dream into reality. Regardless of who your client is, it’s safe to say that they want the best out of their renovation plans. It’s up to you to do your best and align your construction work with their expectations.
But the reality is that it’s not always cut and dried. Budget often plays an issue as not everyone can afford their dream home. Other times it’s about space constraints. If a home is located on a small plot of land, you can only do so much to make it feel more open, at least when performing traditional construction. While some clients may be disappointed to learn that, you can rectify the problem by maximising the available space they have.
If you find yourself working on a home expansion project that has hit a wall, don’t fret. These innovative ideas can help address those pain points and make your next home renovation project a complete success.
1. If you can’t build any wider, then go taller
Clients that want a larger room often need more storage. As the house starts to fill up, your clients may feel a bit cramped for comfort. For example, a kitchen with limited cabinet space can feel crowded with four but feel right at home with one. Areas such as bathrooms and kitchens have counters that cut into living areas which can sometimes be unavoidable due to plumbing concerns.
Building taller ceilings, however, can help address this problem. If you cannot expand a room or make it wider, you can still give your clients additional storage options by increasing vertical space. For instance, you can move the bathroom cabinets to head level and give your clients more room to move around. According to psychology, heightening the ceilings may also create positive feelings in the brain, thus allowing your clients to enjoy the room more thanks to increased horizontal space.
2. Make use of smart cabinets
Traditional kitchen cabinets are for those who have ample space inside the kitchen. Those living in cramped quarters, however, need to be more creative with their storage options. If you’re installing new cabinets for your clients and you notice they have plenty of tableware, then using smart cabinets are likely the better choice.
As the name implies, smart cabinets are more than just a basic bin. These cabinets are often shelved which is great for storing items in a neat and simplified manner. This option is highly recommended for homeowners who love to cook and have more appliances than usual.
Whether you’re trying to help your client achieve their culinary passions or just simply making room for a large family’s dishes, smart cabinets can instantly make a cluttered kitchen look more spacious.
3. Recommend tables with tuck-away seating
The feeling of having to squeeze in a few chairs due to space limitations is frustrating. If your client is experiencing the same problems, you can work around it by suggesting proper furnishing selection. While most people are aware of tucking chairs under tables to save space, they may not know that it can work with an island or a counter as well.
While this may require choosing a slightly larger island, some models already come with available space underneath for tuck-away seating. More storage is always better and your client will surely appreciate the extra effort for recommending practical furniture.
4. Construct with mobility in mind
For counters that are used for light eating or cooking, they don’t need to be fixed into place to serve their purpose. Clients with small families or those that spend less time in the kitchen can get away with fold-up counters and collapsible tables. While they may not be as sturdy compared to their stationary counterparts, the added mobility is definitely a huge plus. Your clients can re-arrange the counters as often as they want and they can even fold up the tables to create more space if need be.
This option clearly isn’t for everybody, but, when you understand the needs and preferences of your clients, it may be considered a valuable solution for maximising the available space.
5. Other design tips
Open home layouts invite feelings of spaciousness. Such rooms typically involve removing excess walls in favour of simplified support beams. However, if your client does not have the budget for an open layout, something as simple as installing mirrors will work just fine.
Lightening the colour of the room can also affect how your clients view the space inside of it. Paint selection is often an overlooked aspect when it comes to maximising space, but it certainly does give a feeling of spaciousness especially when paired with natural lighting. Your clients may be surprised to learn how a simple shift in shading can make a room feel much larger than it is. This is why many expert home designers choose to lighten the colour of the room as a method of altering size perception.
Building your client’s dream home may seem like a tall order, but you can make it more realistic by implementing a couple of innovative design tips into the renovation process. Keep in mind that you’re more than just a contractor — you’re an artist hired for your experience and creativity. Make sure to apply these 5 tips to your next renovation project so you can give your clients a spacious interior that’ll make them feel right at home.
