How to Remodel Small Houses

Define cramped areas of a small house to plan solutions. Look at ways to incorporate a hallway's floor space into a nearby room, for example. Review how to take down a wall between a kitchen and living room as another option. Plan storage in tiny rooms by using wall-to-ceiling space for a built-in unit with doors that close over shelving. Build this type of unit only 18 inches deep to create lots of extra storage space in a family room or laundry area.

Plan each room for good traffic flow by opening more floor space. Install a small tiled shower and pedestal sink to save floor space in a bathroom, for example. Take out bulky cabinets or an oversized shower unit. Look at ways to reduce how much furniture is used. Place a a chest of drawers inside a bedroom closet, for example. Use two small sofas in a living room vs. several chairs with a single sofa.

Use light neutral paint and light-colored furnishings throughout the house. Paint the living room walls light taupe, for example, with stark white trim. Remove heavy curtains and install white wooden blinds throughout. Use pale green sofas, white bedroom furniture and a light oak dining table.

Plan light-colored flooring throughout. Install light oak hardwood floors in living spaces, along with pale gray tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. Use light neutral-colored rugs in large areas.

Install new ceiling light fixtures for style and color. Choose fixtures that harmonize with each other throughout the house. Select metal finishes for fixtures all in dark brown, for example. Add a skylight in the living room and kitchen to bring in more light as well.