If you live in a studio apartment, college dorm room, or even a small apartment, space is at a premium. You probably have to use every room or area of your home for multiple purposes. This kind of multitasking can make it difficult to keep clutter at bay. That said, American homes are generally much larger than the space actually needed. In other countries, such as Japan, people are able to create well-ordered spaces (and keep them that way) even when they have very little room.

Multiuse Rooms

In a small home, your living area may also double as your home office, guest room, and dining area. Your kitchen may also serve as your laundry area, and your bedroom may need to provide the majority of your storage space (in addition to being a place to sleep).

Every inch of otherwise unused space should be utilized for storage, so be sure to experiment with the various storage and organizational ideas described throughout this book. Utilize underbed storage, or purchase a loft bed so that you can keep drawers and shelves — or create an office area — beneath it.

You may want to build a window seat with storage beneath it, or put cushions on top of a sturdy wooden storage chest so that you can create a comfortable place to sit as well as storage for linens, sweaters, and other bulky items.

Organize your living space into areas or zones by using room dividers, large plants, or bookcases to separate your dining area from your living area or home-office area. A well-built sofa bed can be used as a couch by day and a bed by night to save additional space; just make sure you have a quality mattress.

In smaller living spaces, instead of a full-sized couch and coffee table, you may be able to better utilize your living area by using a love seat or two recliners, plus a set of smaller tables that can be moved around as needed or placed side by side to create a full-size coffee table to accommodate guests. That said, don't be afraid of having a few large pieces of furniture. These pieces can create comfort in a room and provide a focal point for your eyes.

As you design and decorate your living space, focus on your priorities and living habits. Allocate the most space to the activities you do most within your home. If you're a student and spend most of your time studying or reading, a desk with a comfortable chair and ample lighting should be a priority. If you spend a considerable amount of time using your computer, consider investing in a laptop computer as opposed to a full-size desktop computer, and then create a computer-workstation area that's comfortable and functional.

Vertical Shelving

In terms of shelving and storage, think vertical. The most underused space in any room is the two or three feet just below the ceiling. Instead of a three- or four-foot-tall bookcase, think about a seven-foot-tall one. If you can, mount shelves high up on the walls, over windows and doors, and above kitchen cabinets.

When purchasing furniture and other items for your small living space, always think foldup, pull-out, and multipurpose. For example, a dining table can also function as a desk. An armoire can be used for storage, but also serve as a computer workstation. A couch-futon can be used to sleep at night, but during the day can double as a sofa.

As you bring order and comfort to your living room, keep in mind that the best way to keep the space orderly is to make sure that you've integrated logical, easily accessible “homes” for all the items that you'll keep in there. As long as you have an easy spot to store items, the clutter won't accumulate. Careful planning and a little bit of maintenance each day will ensure that this space continues to be inviting and restful.