The Block: Mitch and Mark’s design tricks for small spaces

The Block’s biggest stars are keen to let you in on one of the best things they have learned from the hit TV show.

Mitch and Mark, contestants on The Block and ambassadors for tradie platform hipages, know a thing or two about interior design.

The flamboyant pair, who were on the series in 2019 and are now back for a second hit at the title, are true reno kings and if there’s one thing they know all about, it’s how to make a small space appear larger.

And if that’s something you want to know more about, you’re definitely not alone.

“With space an ever increasing premium in the modern-day home, everyone is on the lookout for tips and tricks to make their smaller spaces feel bigger,” say the pair.

“Having renovated more than a dozen apartments in our time, including a few on The Block, we sure know a thing or two about making small spaces appear bigger.”

Mitch & Mark, contestants from The Block are ambassadors for hipages. Photo by Andrew Murray/The Photo Pitch

Whether it’s your one-bedroom or studio apartment, or even a congested room in your home, the advice remains the same, say the men, who recently moved to a fixer-upper on Sydney’s northern beaches.

A small space can feel tiny and cramped, or cosy and comfortable. The different result comes from how effectively you use and maximise the space you do have, they add.

“While the obvious answer might be to knock down a wall or two, and physically create more space, this isn’t always an option however,” says Mitch and Mark, who caused a stir with the reveal of their Block kitchen recently.

Thankfully there are a swag of simple steps you can take to effectively maximise your space. Yes, some are more costly than others, but there are options that are perfectly appropriate for all manner of spaces and importantly, budgets too.

Inside Mitch and Mark’s The Block townhouse, illustrating clever use of small space.

SECRET STORAGE SPACE

Explore your hidden storage potential, say Mitch and Mark.

“Small spaces get cluttered easily due to the inevitable lack of storage,” they explain.

“But increasing storage is not impossible. It’s just all about thinking outside the box,” they add.

‘Magic corners’ can be a lifesaver in cramped kitchens, for example.

That said, more often than not, those ‘magic corners’ are difficult to find a one-size-fits all solution for.

Mitch and Mark recommend that you consider engaging the support of a trusted builder to design a custom-built storage solution to suit your needs.

Explore your hidden storage potential.

“We’re always amazed with how our builders on TV’s The Block, Jason and Steve, have been able to take our ideas and build them to life, week after week,” say Mitch and Mark.

In partnership with your tradie you’ll be able to unlock the challenges that come with having a small space and find solutions that work for your lifestyle.

If you’re unsure where to find a qualified tradesman in your area or want to know how much a job might cost you, hop on to the tradie platform hipages.com.au

Just describe your job and you will then get multiple quotes from local tradies.

MIRRORS CAN BE YOUR BEST FRIEND

Mirrors are a small space’s best friend, particularly when they’re big and placed opposite a window or natural light, says Mitch and Mark.

In fact, the couple goes so far as to say that the bigger the mirror the bigger the impact when it comes to making a room look and feel larger.

The bigger the mirror, the bigger the impact.

“Slimline furniture, or furniture that doesn’t quite reach the floor, will allow you to accommodate a more generous feel,” they say.

“In our opinion, it is way better to have a smaller three-seater couch with an armchair that feels comfortable rather than a bigger chunky two-seater that feels crowded. The translucency of glass dining and coffee tables can also deceive the eyes into believing a space is larger than it really is, so maybe consider swapping out your solid wooden coffee table for a round glass one?”

Comfortable couches and white light can transform your space.

BE CONSCIOUS OF COLOUR

The number one way to create a sense of space in your room is with colour.

Hues such as white or eggshell reflect light and can make your room appear larger, say Mitch and Mark.

“Take it from us, no matter how much you might have your heart set on a darker palette, you need to rethink,” they say.

“This is not just about the wall colour, go light with your kitchen and bathroom appliances and finishes too, even your furniture. If you were thinking of dark carpet or dark polished timber floors, sorry but you need to go light here, too.

“To better understand what paint colours and finishes will work best for your small space, talk to a painter. This will save you from spending a weekend watching the paint dry.”

LIGHT UP YOUR HOME

When it comes to small spaces, light and bright is always best, say Mitch and Mark.

“Dark corners in a small room will give a sense of claustrophobia, so light it up,” they advise.

An uplight in each corner makes for a cool, atmospheric feel in the evening, they add.

“LED strip lights are also an option you might not have thought of yet,” say the couple.

An electrician can help you to utilise light within a small room to make it feel considerably larger than it really is.

Light and bright is always best in smaller spaces.

Floor lamps can be placed in dingy corners for a pop of bright light and are very on trend right now.

Wall sconces also work a treat when it comes to adding style to a small area as they don’t take up any valuable floor space and, unlike traditional ceiling lights, create a beautiful widening effect along a wall. They’re also great on either side of your vanity mirror or as bedside lighting. You’ll find gorgeous options at beaconlighting.com.au

KEEP IT SMALL

If your apartment or house doesn’t have a lot of room to move then you’ll want to keep furniture to a bare minimum.

Buy items that are smaller in stature so that they don’t overwhelm the room they are in.

This may look like two-seater couches as opposed to larger three-seaters and smallish round side tables rather than large rectangular coffee tables.

If you love company, consider a two-seater plus one or two (at a pinch) armchairs or even standard dining table, or kitchen bench stools for guests to sit on when they’re visiting.

After they’re gone they can be pushed back against the wall or even used as side tables on which to rest books, magazines, flowers, the remote control and so on.

More: hipages.com.au