Hamilton Building Services

With the holidays right around the corner, the time for making space for guests to stay over is also upon us. You can’t offer guests more than an air mattress on your living-room floor, but you want them to have as pleasant a stay as possible. Rest easy: There are plenty of simple ways to make them feel at home, check them all out here .

Moving into a smaller home may feel like a step down, but a closer look reveals quite a few upsides: saving money, saving time and having less clutter in your life. Downsizing could be just the fresh start you and your family need! See all the benefits from downsizing here .

When you have a snug space, you have to make every inch count with some smart layout tricks and storage solutions. Do that, and all of a sudden your tiny kitchen goes from   meh   to   yay . Here are  10 amazing spaces to inspire you.

If you really think about it, there's a lot of wasted space under your stairs. Being bulky and kind of awkward, stairs can take a big chunk out of the square footage of your home. To alleviate this issue and add more to your home's value and functionality, consider some creative ways to utilize the wasted space under your staircase.  Reading & Relaxing Nook Image via ww.houzz.com   Storage & Shelving Image via www.houzz.com Kids Play Room & Closet  Image via www.houzz.com Home Office  Image via www.houzz.com Pet Cubby Image via www.houzz.com Powder Room Image via www.houzz.com

1. Windows - The more light that can circulate throughout your small space, the better. If you don't have enough windows, or windows that are strategically placed to let in the most sun possible, your space will be dark and seem smaller than it even is, as a result. 2. Raised ceilings - If you have the leeway to customize your home, you should consider high ceilings. Although they are an "empty" space to heat, they will make your space appear bigger, especially if you paint light colors. 3. Vary ceiling heights - When you vary your ceiling heights, it gives the illusion similar to what an open entryway can have by separating sections of your home into their own sections. This allows you to make smaller rooms bigger without building out, and instead building up. 4. Customize storage - This may be an expensive tip, but it will make your home more functional, you'll definitely prefer it, and it will add resale value to your small abode. Check out Pinterest...