The Top 5 Space-Planning Mistakes You're Making

That hexagonal marble coffee table and open-concept shelving? Sexy. Those clunky cupboards and unwieldy drawers? Not so sexy. When designing our homes, we often focus on more exciting items like coffee tables and sofas, and forget to plan for storage. Says Stacey Halliwell, Regional Director of Furniture at COURTS, “It’s common for families not to plan for and own enough storage furniture, ending up with, for example, beds that take up a large space, and having nowhere to store extra bedlinen or bulky items such as suitcases that can crowd up a home.” The solution? Consider storage beds which have drawers to store everyday items, and bedheads with bookcases and cavities to hide valuables. Also, don’t forget to plan for and buy storage, even if they may not be the most glam things in your home. Says Stacey, “When wanting to save space, instead of considering smaller furniture, try storage furniture [which do double-duty], which can be a much more space-effective solution.”

The Click storage bed, $1,299

That one-bedroom loft apartment is all well and good, but what happens when the kids come along? Stacey advises, “Young couples eager to set up their first home should consider multi-functional and space-saving furniture early, as babies and children come with lots of storage needs. Homeowners should also plan their short-term and long-term needs. Couples with no children who may want to start families can consider furniture that scales with the family size.” We’re pretty impressed with the Ezbo shelving system, which can be used in the living, dining and bedrooms, and ‘grows’ with you — when used as a desk, it can be adjusted to suit different heights and functions.

Ezbo shelving system, $399, as a work space for an adult

Ezbo shelving system, $399, as a desk and play area for a toddler. The system can be adjusted to suit different needs and heights. Great for a growing child or couples who wanna plan for the future. Nifty.

Know what you like to do with your living space, and pick furniture that aligns with your interests and needs. For example, if you are a family of four who entertains regularly, you need a dining table that isn’t too big when it’s just the family, but can also seat your guests when you entertain. Stacey suggests an extendable dining table option in a round or rectangular shape or foldaway tables that are slim enough to be hidden between other furniture. If you work from home a lot, make sure you have a proper desk that is conducive for work — banging out a business proposal on the coffee table isn’t ideal. Instead, consider a loft bed which can accommodate a home office or a future homework zone. If you have lots of sleepovers or guests from overseas, choose space-saving furniture that can accommodate overnight guests.

Worthy of a spy movie: Woah, a hidden table and bench! Homegrown brand Ewins’
“Party” four-seater features hideaway entertainment extras that pop out when needed — great for entertaining in a tight space.

What’s the point of having a nice home if you can’t show it off, right? But is there space to have a party in your pad? Stacey says, “When faced with small living spaces, homeowners tend to deprioritise entertainment and regret it later. For those with small studio apartments with balconies, outdoor furniture is a great hosting option that will easily extend your space from
indoors to outdoors.” Another point to add, from our personal experience: Always make sure you have enough plates, cutlery and especially wine glasses, as well as stackable stools that guests can perch on, which can be easily stowed away when not in use.

Sumba 7-piece dining set, $1,199

Furniture that transforms and is more than meets the eye, anyone? Local brand Ewins has pieces that are one thing in the day, and another at night, such as wall beds that can serve as bookcases, TV units and office spaces by day and transform into bedrooms at night. Raves Stacey, “These are extremely versatile pieces that will really help homeowners rethink their entire living space with functionality in mind.”

All pieces featured here available at COURTS. COURTS Megastore is at 50 Tampines
North Drive 2.