7 Creative Ways to Make the Most of Small Spaces

By Josephine D’Ippolito    

Design by Aeneas Eaton

In today’s busy world, with countless responsibilities pulling us in different directions, making the most of every square inch of your home is more important than ever. To tackle the challenge of small, awkward spaces, we turned to architect Chris Taormina, based out of Yorktown Heights, and licensed real estate agent Jason Kadlec, of Christie’s International in Chappaqua, for some expert advice.

“When there is a small space in a project, it gives us the opportunity to incorporate something really unique,” Taormina shares.

With a bit of imagination and smart space planning, even the smallest nooks can become something extraordinary.

“No matter which way you go, adding mirrors to a room can make it feel bigger,” says Kadlec. “Don’t be afraid to go big on this.”

Here are seven inspiring and practical ways to turn those overlooked, underutilized or tight spaces in your home into something stylish, functional and truly special.

1. Store your wine under the stairs

“Why let the space under your stairs go unused when it could house your wine collection?” Taormina asks. Install wine racks, LED lighting and, depending on the size of the space, maybe even a small countertop for opening bottles or displaying glasses. Thanks to today’s compact wine-cooling technology, your wine can remain at the right temperature without a large walk-in cellar.

2. Namaste from your corner of zen

Taormina says he has transformed a quiet corner into a meditation or yoga space. A small mat, soft lighting, and a few plants can create a calming atmosphere. Then, add a curtain or divider for a touch of privacy, and even hang some floating shelves to store your yoga props or a small table for candles and essential oils. Voila! Your own personal retreat in the comfort of your own home.

3. Do double duty: design & function

With a little creativity, Kadlec says one room can serve more than one purpose. Take a small home office or a little alcove, for example. With a Murphy bed that features a fold-out desk when the unit is up against the wall, you can have a fully functioning home office most days. But when guests stay for the night, you can roll your chair out of the way, fold the desk into the unit, and transform your office into sleeping quarters. Today’s Murphy beds are not just stylish; they’re way more comfortable than a sofa bed or air mattress. Or, if you don’t need an office, select a design that doubles as a sleek piece of decorative furniture or cabinetry. And if you’re looking for something truly unique, we recommend having a custom mural painted on the unit.

4. Build a listening or viewing den

Tacomina suggests turning a small room or nook into a dedicated space for an audio escape or virtual reality studio. For an immersive audio experience, install soundproofing panels, add high-quality headphones, adjustable lighting and a small, cozy piece of furniture. If you’re into VR, create a setup that lets you enjoy some gaming without disrupting others. All you need are soundproofing panels, a charging station and enough room to move your arms without hitting the walls.

5. Get crafty

Stop shoving all your gift-wrapping items into the corner of your “everything” closet. Instead, Taormina recommends turning it into a gift-wrapping station. If you’re tight on space or not that into it, a few storage bins for organization will do. But if you love DIY projects or holiday preparations and have a bit more than a closet corner, then add a small table, shelves and storage bins for ribbons, paper and tools to create those Instagram-worthy projects.

6. Shhhh…no one will find them here

Kids love cozy corners and “secret rooms.” Kadlec says another great use for that empty space under the stairs is a little playroom. It doesn’t take much to make it kid-friendly. Paint the walls bright colors or hang whimsical wallpaper, then add some matching shelves and a colored light bulb. Depending on the size, you can line the shelves with toy kitchen items so they can play “house,” or if you have room, add a soft rug or cushions for a cozy reading nook. And depending on your space, you may even be able to “build out” from under the stairs for an even larger play area.

7. Create storage everywhere

“When it comes to small spaces, you have to think like a jigsaw puzzle,” Kadlec explains. For him, it’s all about two things: storage and design. He suggests looking for ways to squeeze storage into every corner of your home and making your furniture pull double duty. End tables, coffee tables, ottomans and benches can hold things like remotes, books, blankets, seasonal décor and so much more.

This article was published in the March/April 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.