With talk of the stamp duty holiday being extended for another six months in 2021, it is still a tempting option for many to sell up and move on.

But perhaps you don’t need to move? Maybe all you need is a re-think of your current space and to implement some savvy space-saving ideas to get the most out of your house?

As interior design blogger Ola Swarn said: “Double-duty is King in small spaces.” With a little inspiration and some careful house analysis, you can turn your wasted spaces into genius spots that transform how you use your home.

Take a look around

Often, we overlook the obvious. In our homes there are so many dead spaces that we take for granted but they can be used in some incredibly creative ways. What is happening under your stairs? Or even, in your stairs? A cosy reading spot, a place for storing coats and shoes or even a small home office space can all be created in the void under your stairs – it is possibly one of the most versatile spaces in your home.

It is also wise to remember that when you’re looking at the space in your home, don’t forget the parts that are hidden from view. Nowadays, most people have combi-boilers but there is still a large cupboard where old water tanks used to live. Have you considered turning that into your laundry room? If you don’t have space for a utility room, then this can be a fantastic way to hide your noisy appliances out of sight.

Of course, a shortage on floor space can often tempt people to plump for an extension - but it pays to revisit some trends that you thought had gone out of fashion. Extendable and drop-leaf dining tables became a bit dated but they are making a comeback with some added style. They are a fantastic way to work around the space you have already – you don’t have to compromise on having people over or having it get in the way.

Make your rooms multi-purpose

We are used to rooms having a single purpose. But the rule book for rooms in our homes has been thrown out in 2020. The pandemic has forced all of us to re-consider how we use our spaces as working from home, home schooling and spending more time indoors has become a necessity.

IKEA is the king of multi-function spaces with so many ideas on how to split rooms for different uses. Of course, you don’t have to cram everything into one room – but mixing up its purpose will change how you see your house.

Room design in 2020 is a melting pot for functionality. The need for the whole family to cook, work and relax at the same time and in the same space is why kitchen/dining/family spaces are becoming much more popular – they have become the hub of the home.

And with people spending more time at home and needing more from their rooms, it pays to see that the spaces we already have can lend themselves to so much more.

Loft and attic conversions are a popular choice to get an extra bedroom – but that isn’t your only option. Offices, play rooms, home cinemas, loft libraries and even luxury bathrooms are all great ways to get a little more room from your rooms.

There are so many ways to create more space inside your house – from furniture that doubles up as storage to room re-design. Injecting a little creativity will have you looking at your home with a fresh pair of eyes. And if you are just feeling a bit claustrophobic and overwhelmed and need a new perspective, sometimes just investing in a single mirror can help you feel you have doubled your floorspace with a clever trick of the mind. It’s a good starting point…

If you are considering extending or altering your home, you may find some of these services useful: