Maximise Space: Top 5 Tips for Designing Narrow Block Homes

Introduction

Tip 1: Embrace Open Plan Living

Open plan living is a game-changer when it comes to designing narrow block homes.

By eliminating unnecessary walls and embracing open layouts, you can create a sense of spaciousness and flow that makes your home feel much larger than it actually is.  

Need help planning your open plan layout? Visit our online display village with Build Buddy World to see how innovative tools can transform your narrow space into an expansive home. 

Open plan designs allow light to travel freely through the space, enhancing the airy and bright atmosphere that’s essential for narrow homes.

The key to successful open plan living is creating a seamless flow between rooms, such as the kitchen, dining, and living areas.

Use consistent flooring and complementary colour schemes to tie these spaces together visually.

Thoughtful furniture placement can help define each area without disrupting the openness, and strategically placed rugs can add warmth and comfort while subtly delineating different zones.

An open layout not only maximises space but also encourages social interaction, making it perfect for entertaining guests or keeping an eye on the kids while cooking.

By embracing this design approach, you can turn the constraints of a narrow block into an opportunity to craft a home that’s both functional and inviting.

Start designing your home today! Check out the floorplans at Build Buddy World and use the lot width filter to find the right match for your build.

Tip 2: Go Vertical with High Ceilings

When space is limited horizontally, the best way to expand your home’s feel is by going vertical. High ceilings are a powerful tool in narrow block designs, adding a sense of grandeur and openness to any room. 

By increasing the height of your spaces, you instantly make them feel larger, more luxurious, and far less confined. 

Discover how high ceilings can elevate your home design - get in touch for tailored advice on maximising vertical space.

High ceilings allow for more natural light to flood in, especially when paired with tall windows, enhancing the overall brightness and airy feel of your home.

Additionally, they provide the perfect canvas for statement lighting fixtures, such as large hanging pendants or chandeliers, which can draw the eye upwards and make the room feel even taller. 

To further amplify the sense of space, consider using vertical elements like tall bookshelves, elongated curtains, or vertical stripes in your decor.

These visual tricks guide the eye upward, creating an illusion of height and adding a touch of elegance to your interiors.

Embracing vertical space not only maximises your narrow home’s potential but also turns it into a standout feature that exudes sophistication and style.

Tip 3: Maximise Natural Light

Natural light is essential in making narrow homes feel open and inviting. By incorporating large windows, skylights, and glass doors, you can flood your interiors with sunlight, making even the smallest spaces feel bright and expansive.

Natural light not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that artificial lighting can’t replicate. 

Wondering how to maximise natural light in your home? Let Build Buddy World show you innovative window placement ideas in our online display village.

Positioning your home to catch the most sunlight is key to maximising natural light. If possible, orient your living areas, such as the kitchen, dining, and living rooms, to face north.

This orientation is ideal in Australia because it allows your home to capture the most consistent natural light throughout the day, especially during the winter months.

North-facing windows benefit from direct sunlight in the morning and softer, ambient light later in the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting and helping to naturally warm your home during cooler periods. 

Additionally, opting for lighter colours on walls and ceilings can reflect light, amplifying the brightness in your home. Mirrors strategically placed opposite windows can also help bounce light around the room, enhancing the sense of space.

By prioritising natural light, you’ll create a home that feels connected to the outdoors, vibrant, and full of life. 

Looking for the perfect home design? Visit Build Buddy World to browse floorplans and filter by your lot width for tailored options that fit your space.

Tip 4: Smart Storage Solutions

One of the biggest challenges in narrow block homes is finding enough storage space without making your home feel cramped.

The solution lies in smart storage strategies that keep your living areas tidy while making the most of every available nook and cranny.

Clever storage solutions help maintain a clean, uncluttered look, which is essential for creating a spacious and functional home. 

Built-in storage options, such as floor-to-ceiling shelves, cabinetry, and even under-stair compartments, are fantastic for utilising otherwise wasted spaces.

These built-ins not only offer ample storage but also blend seamlessly into the home’s design, avoiding the bulkiness of traditional furniture.

Consider incorporating hidden storage compartments, like pull-out drawers beneath benches or beds, to keep items out of sight while maximising space. 

Using vertical storage solutions, such as tall shelving units or hanging racks, can also help free up floor space.

Additionally, opting for multi-functional furniture, like ottomans with storage inside or a coffee table that doubles as a workspace, allows you to get more use out of each piece without overcrowding your rooms.

By integrating these smart storage ideas, you can maintain an organised, streamlined look that makes your narrow home feel open and uncluttered. 

Tip 5: Create Indoor-Outdoor Connections

Connecting your indoor spaces with outdoor living areas is a brilliant way to expand your home’s footprint and create a sense of openness.

By seamlessly blending the interior with the exterior, you can make narrow block homes feel much larger and more connected to nature.

This approach not only enhances the flow of your home but also provides additional spaces for relaxation, dining, and entertaining. 

Ready to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors? Explore Build Buddy World’s range of designs that connect your home to nature and expand your living space!

To create strong indoor-outdoor connections, consider using elements like bi-fold or sliding doors that open wide to your garden, deck, or balcony.

These doors allow for easy transitions between spaces and let in plenty of natural light and fresh air.

Incorporating decks, courtyards, or balconies directly off your main living areas can effectively extend your usable space, offering perfect spots for outdoor dining or lounging. 

Designing outdoor areas to complement your indoor decor with similar colours, materials, and styles can also enhance the feeling of one cohesive space.

For instance, using similar flooring or matching furniture can help visually link the two areas, making your home feel more expansive.

By embracing these indoor-outdoor connections, you can make the most of your narrow block and create a versatile, inviting environment that feels anything but confined. 

Key Takeaways

Designing a home on a narrow block may come with its challenges, but with the right approach, it’s an opportunity to create something truly unique and personalised.

From embracing open plan living and high ceilings to maximising natural light, incorporating smart storage solutions, and establishing strong indoor-outdoor connections, there are countless ways to make the most of every square metre.

By thinking creatively and utilising these tips, you can transform limited space into a beautiful, functional, and spacious home that perfectly suits your lifestyle. 

Ready to explore more ideas or take the next step in your home design journey? At Build Buddy World, you can immerse yourself in a range of homes in our virtual display village and explore a variety of home design floorplans that maximise space in innovative ways.

Don’t let space constraints limit your vision—get in touch with us today and start making the most of your narrow block home!

Explore a wide range of floorplans at Build Buddy World and filter by your lot width to find the perfect design for your space. Start customising your dream home today!