6 Big Design Ideas for Small Spaces

Fort Collins mudroom remodel dog wash

At HighCraft, we enjoy working on projects of all sizes. We especially love to give small, underutilized corners, walkways, stair landings and tightly gabled areas a bigger sense of purpose in a home. Check out six of our favorite design ideas for small spaces.

1. Multipurpose Breezeway

 

Our client wanted us to build a new garage, and a main-floor laundry room and mudroom, on her tiny lot in Old Town Fort Collins.

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Our solution was to connect the garage to the original home by a small entryway, also called a breezeway, which functions as a mudroom and laundry room. In the mudroom area (to the left), we added handy coat hooks, a sturdy bench and practical cubby spaces for storage.

Old Town Fort Collins remodel main floor laundry

On the other end of the breezeway, we added a stackable washer and dryer.

Explore the complete photo gallery for this Fort Collins house renovation in “Old Town Farmhouse Remodel.” For more mudroom and laundry room ideas, check out “11 Must-Have Mudrooms” and our Laundry and Mudrooms gallery.

2. Good Dog Wash

Old Town builder dog wash mudroom

Our clients walk their four dogs several times each day. Cleaning muddy paws, and trying to keep the dog accessories organized, was difficult in their old space.

old town mudroom remodel dog shower

Our team created a functional, stylish and easy-to-clean mudroom with dog wash, leash hooks and storage cubbies.

old town Fort Collins remodel mudroom dog shower

The new dog station remodel makes good use of the once awkward stair landing between the main floor and basement.

For more dog wash and dog accessory organization ideas, explore this Old Town Fort Collins remodel in “Kitchen Remodel, Basement Finish, Mudroom with Dog Shower.”

3. Cozy Reading Nook

custom home builder home library

With a built-in window seat and library shelves, we created this reading nook on an oversized stair landing between the first and second floors of this custom home build. The cozy home library makes good use of the small space, and is a wonderful place to lose yourself in a good book. The deep bench is big enough to stretch out and read, daydream out the window, or take a nap.

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With floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, there’s no mistaking the purpose of this reader’s retreat. The windows flood the small space with natural light, and the retro-look ceiling fan keeps it cool in the summer.

Check out this cozy home library, and the complete photo gallery for this Buckhorn Canyon custom home build, HERE.

4. Under Gable Bathroom

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Trying to utilize the cramped space under stairs or steep roof gables can be a design challenge. We love the powder bathroom remodel tucked under the slanted ceiling in this Old Town Fort Collins renovation.

Explore more small bathroom remodel ideas in “5 Clever Bathroom Ideas Under Stairs and Roof Gables.

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We placed the commode near the short wall, and the sink and mirror near the door, to maximize head room. The bold choice of wallpaper isn’t just for looks. It camouflages multiple rooflines, and makes the small room feel cozy and inviting in this bathroom remodel.

For more bathroom design inspiration, be sure to read “Small Bathrooms, Big Ideas.”

5. Corner Desk Area

basement remodeler near me corner desk space

In this Fort Collins basement remodel, we turned an unused corner into a homework and craft station. The floating melamine desk, with its vibrant wallpapered backdrop, creates an appealing work space.

basement remodel Fort Collins

Near the desk, we built bookshelves under the stairs for added storage and convenience.

Explore the full Fort Collins basement remodel in “Bold and Beautiful Basement Finish.”

6. Under Stairs Seating

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In another Fort Collins basement remodel, our team transformed the small space under the stairs into an eating nook with bench seating.

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The nook also doubles as a basement game room table, or a place to sip a drink while waiting for your turn to play pool. Built-in banquette seating provides additional storage.

Tour the full Fort Collins basement remodel in “Ultimate Basement Hangout,” or check out more small, cozy spaces in “Seven Sweet Retreats for the Soul” in the February 2025 issue of NOCO Style magazine.

Whether you’re ready to start developing plans for your custom home or want to reimagine the space you have with a remodel, HighCraft’s experienced design-build team can navigate every detail of the planning and construction process for projects of any size or budget. Contact HighCraft with questions or to schedule a free consultation.