MOST HOUSES HAVE a room that’s too small, too dark, or just oddly shaped – and therefore, rarely used. Often, these rooms tend to become storage areas for the stuff that doesn’t have a home, or they’re forgotten about as you work on decorating other spaces.

Ironically, though, searching for more space in our home is often high on the agenda for many us. So, what can we do to make the most out of these unloved rooms?

Whether it’s investing in smart storage or introducing accessories that you really love, here are twelve tips across seven rooms in your home – that will help you turn that unloved space into one you can actually enjoy.

In the spare bedroom

Many spare bedrooms can be quite poky and will only fit a single bed, especially if you still want to leave room for a wardrobe and other bare essentials. Depending on the layout of the room, a daybed that expands into a double could do the trick to maximise space during the day, but still allow the room to serve as a guest bedroom by night.

Shutterstock / ar14 Shutterstock / ar14 / ar14

In the downstairs loo

It’s a shame to have a constant queue for the upstairs bathroom when there’s a perfectly usable loo downstairs – even if you think it’s a little on the small side. One way to make a small bathroom more comfortable is to find space in creative ways. Investigate whether you can swap door for a sliding model, which will instantly save room. Clever storage solutions that hang along the wall and don’t take up precious floor space will work wonders, too.

In the study

For a home office or study, investing in furniture or accessories that make you happy will motivate you to get down to business. This could be in the form of a comfy new desk chair, or finally getting around to framing those prints that have been sitting around for ages. Surrounding yourself with items you love will promote good, focused work in a dedicated space – no more hunching over the kitchen island or sprawling out on the couch.

Shutterstock / Michael Higginson Shutterstock / Michael Higginson / Michael Higginson

In the utility room

Utility rooms have the potential to fill up with cleaning products that aren’t so attractive. Add a few clothes horses and the room will quickly turn into a damp and dreary room that makes laundry even more of a chore. Instead, get organised with some pretty baskets and bins to house cleaning products, and think about clothes horses that attach to the wall or ceiling, folding away neatly when not in use. Hiding your washer and dryer behind pretty cabinetry will also keep the space more streamlined.

Up in the attic

The attic is a space that’s often overlooked due to ceiling height. However, provided it’s safe to convert, a few licks of fresh paint in the correct colour combination can create the illusion of a space that’s larger than it really is. We’d suggest using more than one colour on the walls to create contrast and depth. A soft sheen will brighten up a drab room and bounce the light around, too.

In the playroom

This is a space you can really have fun with. Why not turn one of the walls into a giant blackboard, for example? Getting your kids involved in the design process of a space you want them to use daily can ensure it’s a space they’re going to enjoy. Giving everything its own and rightful place might even lessen the number of times you trip on their toys while you’re trying to fix dinner.

In the dining room

Most dining rooms barely get a look-in when it comes to day-to-day meals. But your dining room doesn’t have to be a formal space that’s just designated to Christmas Day or candlelit dinners. Why not start scouring antique and second-hand shops to start a cool collection of classic or designer dining chairs? A mish-mash of chairs will keep the space interesting and fun, making it a little less formal and much more inviting.

More: 8 open-plan layout mistakes most people make – and the key to creating a space that works