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Downsizing Without Compromising: Creating Your Mini Mansion

A smaller space doesn’t mean you have to compromise on functionality and fun. Uncover space-saving solutions that will transform your small place into a home! 

Australian residential homes are getting smaller. Despite the decrease in size, there is still a desire for a luxurious lifestyle that is maximum on impact and seeks to fulfil everyone’s needs. Yes there might be a smaller kitchen, less of a backyard to enjoy, yet home is still where the heart is. Whether you’ve found yourself in a smaller space or perhaps you’re down sizing, tackle the problem that is minimal space with our tips and tricks, with help from space-saving appliances and devices.

The Small Home Trend

Over recent years, more and more individuals have embraced a smaller home, for a range of reasons be that affordability, being closer to amenities or to practise a minimalist lifestyle. Results from the 2021 Australian Census have shown that the makeup of Australian property types have changed, with “70 per cent were separate houses, 13 per cent were townhouses and 16 per cent were apartments.” (Source ABS, 28/06/22),What this shows is that more than a quarter of the population are living in smaller scale residential properties which includes townhouses and apartments.

Mini Mansion Living

What’s Pushing The Small Home Trend?

The small home trend can be attribute to a range of influences, both observed oversea and within Australia:

  • Urbanisation: As Australian cities continue to grow, land prices in central areas tend to increase. This can lead to smaller home sizes to accommodate higher density living. New separate houses built in Australian cities are also getting smaller as a result of the urban sprawl. The average site area of new houses built in Australian capital cities have decreased by 13% (64 square metres) over a ten year period, from 496 square metres in 2012 to 432 square metres in 2021 (Source ABS 07/06/22).
  • Changing Demographics: The increasing number of single-person households and smaller families may contribute to a demand for smaller, more efficient living spaces.
  • Affordability: Smaller homes can often be more affordable than larger ones, especially in high-cost areas.

Benefits of The Small Home Trend

Smaller homes offer a range of benefits that make them an attractive option for many people. Their affordability is a significant advantage, as they often cost less to purchase and maintain compared to larger homes. Additionally, smaller homes require less cleaning and upkeep, freeing up time for other activities in a time-poor world. Small homes’ compact design often allows for a more convenient location, typically placing them closer to essential amenities like shops, restaurants, and public transportation, reducing commuting times and overall environmental impact.

Mini Mansion Living
Space Saving Appliances

How To Turn Small Homes into a Mini Mansion

Smaller spaces can be transformed into “mini mansions” where maximum comfort and style can still be enjoyed. All it takes is a bit of open-mindedness, ingenuity and some handy space-saving devices to turn your space into your place.

By following these tips, you can create a functional and organised mini mansion that maximises available space.

  1. Declutter and Organise: regularly declutter your home to eliminate items you no longer need or use. Use storage containers and labels to keep items organised and easily accessible.
  2. Maximise Storage Space: make use of spare walls and build wall-mounted shelving so that everything has a spot. Cabinets and cupboard storage solutions will also provide more storage options.
  3. Multifunctional Appliances: invest in multi-purpose space-saving appliances around the home, like in the kitchen and laundry. We share some of our favourites below.
Small Home Trends
Maximise Storage Space

Space-Saving Appliances: Our Top-Picks

Live large with compact appliances that will help save space around your small home, town house or apartment. Below, we share some space-saving appliances and how they can be used to the benefit of your mini mansion:

Crafts Coffee For All: De’Longhi’s Rivelia Fully Automatic Coffee Machine (EXAM44055B)

Perfect for saving time and money is this benchtop De’Longhi Rivelia Fully Automatic Coffee Machine which sports an integrated grinder, eliminating the need for a separate grinder. Designed to make coffee for everyone’s personal tastes, this easy-to-use automatic coffee machine features Bean Adapt technology which optimises settings for the perfect brew.

Making coffee is simple with the 3.5” colour touch panel where all coffee lovers can choose from 16 customisable recipes. Best of all, latte lovers will appreciate the automated LatteCrema hot technology which creates smooth and creamy milk, ready to delight those who prefer milk with their coffee!

Benchtop Coffee Machine
De’Longhi Automatic Coffee Machine

5-in-1 Benchtop Cooking: Sunbeam’s Multi-Function Oven & Air Fryer (BT7200)

Cooking for one or a few comes easy even without a built-in oven thanks to this benchtop Multi-Function Oven & Air Fryer from Sunbeam. Compact in size, this air fryer oven is perfect for singles, couples and small families. More than just an air fryer, this oven features 5 cooking functions including Air Fry, Grill, Bake, Pizza and Convection.

Its 22L capacity will let you cook a considerable amount, such as a bag of fries or a roast chicken. For all types of meals, tackle hunger with the cooking possibilities from this compact air fryer oven, from easy fried treats to grilled steak, a homemade pizza or mini muffins and cookies, there’s so much to whip up with this Sunbeam Multi-Function Oven & Air Fryer.

Sunbeam’s Multi-Function Oven & Air Fryer
Sunbeam Benchtop Oven

Wall-Mounted Entertainment: Hisense’s 55″ U7NAU 4K Ultra HD Smart QLED TV (55U7NAU)

What’s a better way to enjoy the best of your content than on a gorgeous wall-mounted TV that also ensures a clutter free home? This wall-mountable Hisense 55″ U7NAU 4K Smart Mini-LED Pro TV is suited for all types of genres of entertainment. Powered by Mini-LED Pro backlighting with Quantum dot technology, see everything with sharper contrast and finer details.

Ready for movies, this IMAX enhanced TV also boasts surround-like Dolby Atmos® audio technology and a range of gamer-friendly functions like Automatic Low-Latency Mode (ALLM) and FreeSync Premium Pro. This Hisense 55” 4K TV is bezel-less, delivering impactful images without distractions and since it’s beautifully crafted with a centre stand leg, the TV can be propped onto a small cabinet if not wall-mounted.

Hisense’s 55" Smart QLED TV

The Master of the Laundry: Haier’s 12kg Washer / 9kg Dryer Combo (HLC1290CTB1)

A laundry space-saver, this stacked washer dryer combo boasts a generous 12kg Washer and 9kg Heat Pump Dryer – perfect for families with compact laundries. With no external venting required, this washer dryer combo is great for small homes with limited laundry space.

Designed to meet all laundry needs, this space-saving appliance features an incredible 13+ wash and 11 dry cycles, as well as convenient functions such as Auto Dose and +Garment. Wi-Fi enabled, remote monitoring and operation of this Haier 12kg Washer / 9kg Dryer Combo is simple via the SmartHQ™ app. Despite having both washer and dryer in the one stacked unit, this washer dryer combo is actually only 1.5m tall, meaning most users can easily reach and operate the unit. Backed with high energy and WELS water ratings, this washer dryer combo from Haier is one to have!

Haier’s Washer Dryer Combo
Wifi enable washer dryer combo

So there you have it – a mini mansion or small home can offer a luxurious and fulfilling lifestyle without the overwhelming maintenance and costs associated with a traditional large home. By prioritising quality space-saving appliances and thoughtful design, you can create a cosy and efficient living space that meets your needs and exceeds your expectations.

Browse our website to explore our full range of space-saving appliances, including featured models in this blog.

Space-saving appliances for small kitchens include:
  • Under-counter or bar fridge: These fridges fit beneath countertops, saving valuable floor space.
  • Portable dishwasher: A great option for small kitchens or renters, as it doesn't require permanent installation.
  • Combination microwave and oven: This appliance combines two functions into one, freeing up counter space.
  • Countertop induction cooktop: These cooktops are portable and don't require a permanent installation, making them ideal for small kitchens.
  • Multi-cooker: These appliances can perform various cooking functions, including slow cooking, steaming, and pressure cooking, in a single unit.

Here are a few space-saving appliances for the home:  
  • Stackable washer and dryer: This combo unit saves space by stacking vertically.
  • 2-in-1 washer dryer combo: This unit boasts both washing and drying in the one machine.
  • Under-counter/bar fridge: Perfect for smaller kitchens, these fridges fit beneath countertops.
  • Portable dishwasher: A great option for renters or those with limited kitchen space.
  • Combination microwave and oven: This appliance saves counter space by combining two functions into one.

By following these tips, you can create a functional and organised small kitchen that maximises available space.
  1. Maximise Storage Space:
    • Wall-mounted shelves: Consider open shelves on walls or above cabinets for dishes, appliances and smaller items such as spices to free up countertop space.   
    • Cabinets: Utilise the space above cabinets for storage of often used items. 
    • Drawer dividers: Organise drawers with dividers to keep utensils, cutlery, and small items neatly arranged.   
    • Under-sink storage: Use baskets or organisers to store cleaning supplies, sponges, and other items under the sink.
    • Cabinet door organisers: Hang hooks or pockets on cabinet doors to hold utensils, towels, or measuring cups.
  1. Multifunctional Appliances:
    • Combination appliances: Consider appliances like microwave-convection ovens, air fryers with steam, multi cookers and coffee makers with built-in grinders to save countertop space.
    • Portable & compact kitchen appliances: Use portable blenders, toasters, and kettles that can be easily stored away when not in use.
  1. Declutter and Organise:
    • Purge unused items: Regularly declutter your kitchen to eliminate items you no longer need or use.
    • Organise efficiently: Use storage containers and labels to keep items organised and easily accessible.   
  1. Space-Saving Furniture:
    • Folding table: A folding table can serve as a dining area or extra workspace without taking up permanent space.   
    • Wall-mounted shelves: Consider wall-mounted shelves for dishes or appliances to free up countertop space.  

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