Win the space race

And new homes that have gone up in Yorkshire and Humber are the smallest of all. Those in London are the largest. This is according to a report by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) which looked at 3,418 homes in England. Its recommended minimum size for a three-bedroom home is 96 square metres. In this region it’s 83 square metres. On average, a new three-bedroom house in the UK is eight per cent smaller than the recommended minimum size.

“Our new research confirms thousands of cramped houses – shameful shoebox homes – are being churned out all over the country,” says Harry Rich, chief executive of RIBA. They found that the missing space was equivalent to a single bedroom capable of taking a single bed, bedside table, wardrobe, desk and chair.

But instead of despairing or considering an expensive move, it could be time to consider whether you’re using your current space wisely and if its layout suits the way you want to live. “If your home is small, or not as large as you’d like, every bit of it has to work for its keep,” says Elizabeth Wilhide, whose inspiring book Small Spaces is packed with clever ideas.

“You may be able to discover hidden space in homes that’s been overlooked, as well as using space more effectively. A spare room could double as an office, a breakfast bar might improve a kitchen and a large bedroom could be divided.

“Storage can work wonders, too. Space under the stairs could provide an additional seating area, or be a utility cupboard. Stair treads can be transformed into drawers and a landing could be utilised for storage or a fitted desk.”

Designers, recognising the growing need for compact or multi-functional pieces, have used their talents to create excellent furniture and ingenious products.

“Focus on the benefits rather than the frustrations. Smaller spaces are easy to clean and cheaper to heat and run. With a more flexible approach to arranging your living space, you may find it suits you after all.”

“Make the most of every inch of space with integral storage solutions, such as pan drawers, curved corner units and cantilever carousels,” advises Jude Keenan, kitchen planner at John Lewis’s Oxford Street London store. “Choose units in a neutral colour that will stand the test of time and create a feeling of space, and introduce colour on worktops and appliances for a more individual look.

“Opt for slimline appliances or integral models which can be hidden away. Reflect more light and create an illusion of more space with a white matt ceiling and light coloured upper walls.”

A Padstow two-door larder unit, £1,499, from Marks & Spencer, is a new gem in its range. It has six roomy drawers, two condiment racks and an automatic internal light. Bosch have released a dishwasher, £399, that’s barely bigger than a microwave and takes six place settings. If there’s no room for that useful kitchen island – no problem! A Denford Butchers trolley, £700, provides an extra worktop, baskets and drawers. Both items available from John Lewis.

An Expanding Shelf Organiser, £11, from The Holding Company, maximises cupboard space by providing extra shelves. Stellar’s Eazistore range of saucepans, frying pans and stockpots stack and nestle inside each other like Russian dolls. Pans, £185 for the set; Stockpots and casserole set, £225.

“To make the most of small spaces, it’s important to consider the place as a whole,” says Eleanor Davies, group buyer for The Conran Shop. “Instead of thinking of conventional rooms devoted to separate functions, arrange whatever space you have in a flexible way.”

Designer Sir Terence Conran’s Pavilion round gate-leg table, £495, is just one of the space-saver classics in its range.

“Living in a compact space doesn’t necessarily mean you have to live uncomfortably,” says Zoe Shields, country manager at BoConcept, a furniture company which specialises in contemporary ranges.

A bed offering storage drawers and a pull out bed underneath can be useful. Try the handsome Buddy bed, £899, from Dwell. Bulky wardrobes eat up space, but Sliderobes systems, from £1,500, offer made-to-measure wardrobe and cupboard solutions, and could be invaluable for fitting out awkward spaces. John Lewis’s slim five-drawer Loft chest, £799, with a mirror concealed in the top compartment offers another solution for bedroom clutter.

A bespoke Shoe Ladder unit, from £350 (plus cabinet cost), from Inhouse Interiors, can be fitted under stairs. Roma’s Mobile Home Office unit, £999, from STORE, has a desktop attachment which can tilt and swivel to 360 degrees.

Conceal storage box with seat, £249, from Dwell; SpaceBox’s wall-mounted table/desk, £273 and Crossover stackable storage or seating unit, £113, is from a range from Mac&Mac Interiors.