6 tips for maximising space in your dream townhouse

Light and bright colours will make your townhouse feel larger and more open. This is particularly important for your wall paint and hard surfaces. Homebuyers Centre customers can choose from pre-determined colour schemes, designed by The Block’s Alisa and Lysandra to perfectly fit the townhouse brief.

‘If you’re looking to create the feeling of space, make sure you choose a lighter colour scheme. Couple this with soft furnishings in similar neutral tones,’ says Nadija.

A light, neutral colour scheme doesn’t mean you can’t bring colour and personality to your space! A feature wall in a bedroom or niche will make the surrounding walls feel lighter.

‘This will add to the spacious feel, so pick a couple of accent colours to add your personal touch,’ says Nadija.

Don’t let clutter take up any precious space. Hidden storage is your townhouse’s best friend. Clever and affordable storage ideas include:

• A bed base with drawers – These are great for storing extra bedding, clothes, or pillows during summer.
• Storage ottomans – Perfect for kicking back after a hard day’s work, storage ottomans or footstools are also a clever place to put kids’ toys, magazines, and books. Ikea has a bunch of cost-effective options to choose from. ‘Make a statement by finding one in your chosen accent color or with a funky texture, like this storage ottoman from Adairs,’ adds Nadija.
• A European laundry – Don’t cut into your bedroom or living space! European laundries are built seamlessly into the wall, hidden from sight. Yet you can still fit everything you need to keep your wardrobe fresh, including a washer, dryer, and sink. There’s even enough room to fit bench space for folding or ironing.

One room doesn’t mean one purpose! You can often collapse multiple rooms into one using your furniture. Instead of wasting precious space on an office, add an e-zone to your living area. Instead of a library, chuck a comfy chair and floor lamp in the corner of your bedroom to create a romantic reading nook.  

‘Use curtains or dividers to create spaces within spaces. Think a kids’ play area or little meditation space in the corner of your loungeroom. Ikea have some affordable room divider options,’ says Nadija.  

Find furniture that is functional when you need it to be, but can be packed away when you don’t. Think a comfy couch that doubles as a pull-out bed for guests or an extendable dining table for when you are hosting a dinner party. Café-style bench seating will let you fit more people into less space, adds Nadija.  

‘Look for furniture with lighter frames and rounder shapes – nothing too bulky, square or heavy. It’ll take up less room,’ she says. 

‘Put furniture around the perimeter of your room, with your couch back up against the wall if possible. And try to ditch the bulky TV cabinet – mount your TV on the wall instead.’. 

Light is the secret to a room that feels spacious and airy. Pendant and wall lights in areas such as your bedroom quickly elevate the space and make it feel roomy.  

‘If you have the budget, additional downlights are an upgrade that definitely give you bang for buck,’ says Nadija.  

‘Where you can, find furniture that is lifted off the floor with legs or one that’s made from materials that let light shine through. It’s all about letting the eye see every inch of space.’ 

Mirrors trick the eye by reflecting light and providing the illusion of more space. Plus, they’re affordable, functional and fit into any interior. Be sure to place the mirror on a wall opposite a window, so there’s plenty of natural light to bounce and reflect.  

‘Mirrored robes in smaller bedrooms are a must. Another great option is to add a tall mirror in your hallway to make the entry of your home seem bigger,’ suggests Nadija.