Remodeling For Small Spaces

Though the hot housing market continues to see increased buyer demand, a supply shortage has current homeowners worried about finding their next home, encouraging many to stay in place and remodel versus buying something new or bigger.

Whether it’s an office space to accommodate your remote job, a gym to fulfill your self-care goals, or an entryway bench for guests to kick off their shoes, Twin Cities housing professionals are working with their clients to reimagine spaces to best serve their needs—no matter how small.

“Small is relative, of course, but generally speaking, homeowners aren’t looking as much at big houses as they are seeking space that functions well for them,” says Matt Schmidt, co-owner of AMEK Design + Build.

Here, he and other local builders share their tips for getting the most out of your home.

Evaluate Your Lifestyle

When planning to remodel a small space, first think about what’s working and not working for you in your home. What addition would make an impact on how you utilize your space? It could be a mudroom to hide shoes and clutter, or a powder room on the main level for guests, but also consider highly specialized areas to fit your individual family’s needs. Think: a smoothie or coffee center, cafe-style off ice, built-in buffet, pet zone, craft area, or kids’ hideaway. The possibilities are endless.

Work With A Professional

Even small spaces can benefit from the expertise of a professional to make the remodel feel cohesive with the rest of the home, keep the project on budget, and ensure you get the outcome you desire. “An interior designer can help you pick out colors, cabinet hardware, and light fixtures to make the space more homey, match your other decor, and give you direction as far as what’s trending,” says Tim Forsberg of Boyer Building Corporation. “Those little finishes are what really make a space pop.”

Don’t Forget About the Little Details

In the planning stage, think about the minute features that are going to make a big impact on how you use the reimagined area. For example, if you’re turning a closet into a reading nook, you’ll likely want an outlet for a lamp. Or if a pantry is becoming a bar area, make sure you have the appropriate task lighting and counter space.

Design Multipurpose Flex Spaces

Schmidt advises looking to Asian and European design for inspiration when it comes to remodeling small spaces. “People living in those regions of the world think about cross-functionality for multiple uses and about ultimate organization,” he says. Design flex spaces that can have many purposes, such as a laptop workstation that becomes a serving spot for a party, or bench seating in an entryway that doubles as storage.

Think of the Invisible Spaces Too

“It’s the smallest spaces that are the most clever,” says Greg Alsterlund, president of McDonald Remodeling president, noting that your remodeling doesn’t necessarily have to be visible to make an impact on how you use a room. This could mean a hidden door panel on a cabinet that stores a stool, or a wall of shelves that opens to reveal a utility room. “It can be totally invisible, but when you go to use it, it’s a very powerful space,” he says.

No Space Is Too Small

It can be hard for homeowners to see the potential in a house where there’s not much room for expansion, but design professionals can help you maximize every inch of your space, whether it’s a closet, dormer window, or staircase. “We just finished a project with an exterior wall that had an odd bump-out section. In the end, we tucked part of the full-depth fridge in the space and used the rest for a small, but attractive, beverage bar that provides a focal point plus transitions between the kitchen and dining room,” Schmidt says. “Our AMEK Design + Build team takes challenges like odd-shaped spaces and budget constraints and looks for creative opportunities to form a solution.”