Design recipes: Space-saving ideas

Ottomans serve as a space saving alternative in this children’s bedroom. (Scott Gabriel Morris/Handout/TNS)
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Children’s rooms are often smaller spots within the home and where space is often a premium. These rooms are also ideal locations for implementing space-saving ideas. From built-ins to shelving and furniture that maximizes space, increasing the visual footprint of a children’s room is easily achievable by implementing space saving tips.

Where to start

Begin by evaluating the need for function within the space. The activities that need to happen within the space and where they should be located within the room.

Design Recipes Space Saving Design Tip

Divide a room into zones. Common zones for a children’s room can be creating distinct zones for:

•Work

•Sleep

•Play

•Built-ins

Built-ins are not always popular in all areas of a home and when it comes time to renovate, are often the first item a new homeowner may choose to remove. However, when it comes to children’s rooms, built-ins such as bookcases and shelving can provide much needed space.

If considering adding built-ins to a children’s bedroom here are some key tips:

Decide what you need the built-ins to hold or store.

Consider a mix of closed cabinetry as well as open shelving.

Have a professional measure the area where you are considering adding built-ins.

Select an experienced millworker or company to build and install your built-ins.

Evaluate the ideal design elements for your built-ins such as cabinetry color and finish as well as hardware.