8 Space-Saving Tips to Make the Most of Every Inch

We get it: finding a spot for everything is satisfying, but can also feel incredibly daunting.But no matter the size of your home, clever storage solutions can help you maximize every square foot. Whether you’re working with a small space or just need to declutter, thoughtful space-saving ideas can make your home feel more open, organized and functional. And our design team has tons of items to share with you! From your bedroom to your kitchen, bathroom and living spaces, here are eight space-saving tips to transform your home and optimize every inch.

Smart Storage Solutions: 8 Ways to Optimize Space in Every Room

1. Bedroom: Maximize Vertical Space with Wall-Mounted Storage

Bedrooms can often become cluttered with furniture, clothing, and personal items (such as that ‘to be read’ pile of books on your nightstand!). One of our best space-saving bedroom ideas is to take advantage of vertical space with wall-mounted storage. Not only will this help visually contain the clutter, but it will also draw the eye up and make your room feel bigger. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Floating shelves for books, decor, and essentials
• Wall-mounted nightstands to keep floor space clear
• Over-the-door organizers for shoes and accessories

For small bedrooms, you could also consider a Murphy bed or a platform bed with built-in drawers to keep storage tucked away neatly. Storage beds are a great way to sneak in extra storage for out-of-season clothing and spare bedding.

See also: Transforming Small Spaces: Small Bedroom Ideas for Your Primary Suite

• Color palette: Monochromatic tones like white, black, 

2. Bathroom: Install a Floating Vanity for More Floor Space

A floating vanity is a game-changer in small bathrooms. By mounting the vanity to the wall and keeping the area underneath open, you create the illusion of more space while still achieving a great bathroom vanity look with storage.

Additional bathroom space-saving tips include:

• Add a shower niche to keep bath products tidy
• Install cabinetry all the way to the ceiling to truly maximize storage space
• Opt for hooks instead of towel bars for more hanging space
• A mirror with built-in storage is another functional way to sneak in extra storage space

See also: Designing Your New Bathroom For Optimal Storage

2. Select a Pattern That Enhances Your Space

Did you know that your backsplash pattern can influence how spacious your kitchen feels? If your kitchen is on the smaller side, selecting the right scale is key to keep the space feeling open and airy. Here are some of our designers’ pattern considerations based on kitchen size and layout:

• For small kitchens: Opt for lighter colors and simple patterns like stacked subway tiles or a herringbone design to create the illusion of more space
• For large kitchens: You have the visual ‘space’ to go bold with intricate geometric patterns, dramatic veining or oversized tiles with a pop color for the grout
• For open-concept spaces: Choose a neutral or subtle pattern that complements the surrounding living areas

3. Kitchen: Use Pull-Out Cabinets for Hidden Storage

Typically, as the heart of the home, the kitchen is one of the busiest and most clutter-prone areas in a home. Customizations like pull-out cabinets, drawer organizers and a lazy susan cabinet make it easy to access post and pans, dinnerware and pantry items without wasting valuable space.

Here are a few more clever kitchen storage solutions you may love:

• Use magnetic knife strips mounted to a wall or cabinet instead of a bulky knife block
• Hanging pot racks are perfect for freeing up cabinet space and making your cooking essentials more accessible
• Pull-out spice racks to organize seasonings efficiently and are very satisfying to look at!
• A rolling kitchen cart can provide extra counter space and storage

See also: 5 Corner Kitchen Cabinet Ideas to Optimize Space

4. Living Room: Choose Multi-Functional Furniture

While the kitchen is the heart of the home, the living room is where families gather, entertain and relax… which means it can also collect clutter. To maximize space, we recommend that you opt for multi-functional furniture that serves more than one purpose, such as:

• Storage ottomans that double as seating while also storing throw blankets
• Pull-out sofa beds for guests in small apartments
• A sofa with built-in storage is another great alternative and there are so many options on the market now
• Lift-top coffee tables provide hidden storage for things like magazines and remotes

5. Entryway: Use a Wall-Mounted Coat Rack and Bench

Small entryways can easily become cluttered with shoes, bags, coats, and all the other detritus of life. A wall-mounted coat rack combined with a narrow storage bench makes the most of the space while keeping things organized. We especially love this look when it’s a built-in piece that serves as a focal point for the entire space.

Other space-saving entryway ideas include:

• Shoe storage cabinets instead of open racks to reduce visual clutter
• Overhead shelving for seasonal gear, especially if you incorporate labeled bins
• Slim console tables with drawers for keys and mail

See also: Tiny but Mighty: Small Entryway Ideas You Can Squeeze into Any Home

6. Home Office: Go Vertical with Wall Desks and Shelving

There are tons of ways you can create the ultimate home office, even in a small space. For example, a wall-mounted desk can create an instant office in a small space. We especially love this look as part of a wall system that includes shelves and cabinets.

Other home office space-saving ideas include:

• Pegboards for office supplies to keep desks clear
• Floating shelves to store books, supplies, and personal touches
• Seating that can be tucked away when not in use, such as a foldable chair or storage stool

And if space is truly at a premium in your small home, consider a convertible wall bed with a built-in desk so that your guestroom can double as a workspace.

See also: 20 Home Office Decor Ideas to Inspire Productivity

7. Laundry Room: Stack Your Washer and Dryer

If you have a small laundry area, this probably goes without saying, but bears repeating: consider stacking your washer and dryer to free up floor space for storage. You can also explore other options for tucking away your machines such as a laundry nook or even in a larger bathroom or closet.

Other laundry room space-saving ideas include:

• Wall-mounted drying racks instead of bulky floor racks for air-drying
• Over-the-door organizers or wall-mounted shelves for detergents and cleaning supplies
• Foldable ironing boards that can be stored away when not in use

8. Outdoor Spaces: Use Vertical Planters and Foldable Furniture

Even your outdoor spaces can benefit from space-saving solutions! Whether you have a small patio, tiny backyard or a balcony, consider:

• Vertical planters to maximize your greenery without taking up floor space
• Foldable tables and chairs that can be tucked away when not needed
• Built-in bench seating with hidden storage underneath, perfect for gardening tools and off-season storage
• Modular furniture can be rearranged as needed while offering flexibility and function

No matter the size of your Seattle home, strategic space-saving solutions can help you make the most of every inch. Whether you’re remodeling or simply reorganizing, we hope these tips help you create a home that feels bigger, more efficient and clutter-free.

At CRD Design Build, we specialize in designing smart, space-saving remodels that fit your lifestyle. If you're ready to transform your home, contact us today to start your remodeling journey!