Space is at a premium in Hawaii. To get the most out of our homes, we need to incorporate smart strategies that maximize the space we have. “Build and design for how you live,” suggests Marshall Hickox of Homeworks Construction Inc. “Most people do not entertain formally, so why have a family room and a formal room? The key is to make sure the spaces created are used and not left dormant.” There is potential extra space in every room in your home. You just have to use it. 

1. Bedroom: Light it up.
Brett Kappelle of Barker Kappelle Construction LLC suggests adding different types of lighting, such as recessed, directional art or accent to your bedroom. “It’s something that you don’t need a lot of space to do, but can make a dramatic effect,” he says.

2. Living Room: Use size to your advantage.
“Low-profile furniture, such as low-back seating and linear wall units, can help make spaces seem taller than they are,” says Sanford Hasegawa of 87Zero.

3. Home Office: Whenever you can, find ways to make one room function as two.
Leena Haija of INspiration suggests incorporating a sofa or sofa sleeper so your office can double as a guest room.

4. Kitchen: Think open.
Jennifer Johnson of Pacific Home suggests incorporating narrow, horizontal windows under upper cabinets to bring in natural light. Johnson also suggests foregoing cabinet fronts. This will create the illusion that your space is bigger than it actually is.

5. Dining Room: Build storage into the room.
Alex Dean, LEED AP Homes of The Alexander Group suggests adding built-in niches, to store and display tableware, or a bay window with storage seating.

6. Bathroom: Add more mirrors.
“People usually have one mirror over the vanity in a bathroom, but an additional mirror on an opposing wall adds depth, space, reflection and light,” says Susan King of BaliBoo.