Our new-build homes are the smallest in Western Europe, which means the average one-bed new build is only the size of a London Underground carriage, RIBA pointed out in a campaign last year.
So what do we do to improve our domestic wellbeing? Well, campaigning alongside RIBA to improve home building regulations is one thing.
But in the meantime you need to get practical with your space.
Interiors lover and TV presenter Anthea Turner suggests starting with small improvement.
"Baked bean tins are brilliant for storage in sheds, garages or work rooms. Just take the wrapper off and spray paint them any colour you want. It’s a novel way to store stationery and any bits and bobs you have floating around."
For those who need bigger storage solutions, Turner suggest opting for lightweight storage boxes that you can easily stack on top of one another, as well as move easily.
"Choosing a translucent material will mean your contents are covered up but allows you to still find what you’re looking for," adds the presenter, who has recently launched home storage collection NEAT.
As the inhabiter of a tiny one bedroom flat, Heather Milner, editor of interiors blog Blomma London, says she is no stranger to storage challenges.
"With every piece of furniture you buy, whether its a bed or a coffee table, consider the storage options it gives you," she says.
"It's a small thing but a coffee table with drawers will keep the everyday clutter of remote controls, magazines and books out of the way making a huge difference to the sense of calm in the room."
Here are eight more tips from industry experts!
How to keep things hidden in a small space
Use your wardrobe(01 of08)
Open Image ModalAccording to Betta Living’s head of design, Ex Exelby, carefully chosen wardrobes can be a great way to save on space."Folding wardrobe doors are a great solution as they need less than half of the opening room of standard doors," she says."And if you have a small room with awkward spaces, wardrobes with fitted internals such as pull-out shelves are also very useful," she adds. (credit:Betta Living)
Try an Ottoman(02 of08)
Open Image ModalLisa Broad, head of upholstery buying at Harveys, says that an ottoman is not only perfect for putting your feet up after a busy day, but also offers a fantastic solution for those short of space within a living room. (credit:Harveys)
Clever bed storage(03 of08)
Open Image Modal“If the size of your room means wardrobes and chest of drawers are tricky, a storage bed can be the perfect solution, says Thomas Lord, sleep expert at memoryfoamwarehouse.co.uk. “As well as the traditional Ottoman style, there are also beds that come with underneath drawers, to store items such as clothes, shoes or cosmetics.” (credit:Memory Foam Warehouse)
Invest in mirrored wardrobe doors(04 of08)
Open Image ModalMirrored sliding wardrobes are perfect for small rooms says Richard Hammonds, chairman at Hammonds Furniture."They create the illusion of more space, increase the amount of natural and artificial light and eliminate the need for a separate full length mirror," he says. (credit:Astronaut Images via Getty Images)
Don't forget shelves(05 of08)
Open Image ModalIf you have a small bedroom, Anthea Turner suggests adding a floating shelf on either side of the bed to add extra storage space"Not only will this take up minimal space but it’ll add a personal, stylish touch to the room," she says. (credit:anyaberkut via Getty Images)
Transform overlooked nooks(06 of08)
Open Image ModalAlicia Kaper, head curator at Joss & Main, suggests looking for unloved nooks and crannies that can be styled or utilised.She says: "An empty fireplace or mantelpiece can be transformed into a stunning display with vases in a variety of sizes and colours, while a recess under the stairs becomes a mini home office when furnished with a painted console table and industrial-style stool. (credit:Gary Burchell via Getty Images)
Use your walls(07 of08)
Open Image ModalHeather Milner, editor of interiors blog Blomma London, suggests trying out storage solutions that hang off the wall, rather than standing on the floor."As well as creating more storage, you'll ensure you maintain a feeling of space, as the more floor you show the bigger the room will feel," she says. (credit:Photos.com via Getty Images)
Reflect the light(08 of08)
Open Image ModalJulie Yarwood, interior designer at Housing Units, says: "Mirrors are a great way of making your room look larger than it is."But, she says, try to stick to mirrors without etched designs. (credit:Jupiterimages via Getty Images)