Urging the family to diet, declutter or just breathe in simultaneously are some of the ways to cope with a home that’s bursting at the seams.

It may be a small comfort to know that it’s not just your growing children, possessions and pets which are making even the largest space feel claustrophobic – homes have actually shrunk!

A new report by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), has revealed that new houses are generally smaller than they were 30 years ago. On average, a new three-bedroom house in the UK is 8% smaller than the recommended minimum size.

“Our new research confirms thousands of cramped houses – shameful shoebox homes – are being churned out all over the country,” says Harry Rich, chief executive of RIBA.

Nationally, the organisation found that the missing space was equivalent to a single bedroom capable of taking a single bed, bedside table, wardrobe, desk and chair. But instead of despairing or considering an expensive house move, it could be time to consider whether you’re using your current space wisely and if its layout suits the way you want to live.

“If your home is small, or not as large as you’d like, every bit of it has to work for its keep,” says Elizabeth Wilhide, whose inspiring book Small Spaces is packed with clever ideas.

“You may be able to discover hidden space in homes that’s been overlooked, as well as using space more effectively.

“A spare room could double as an office, a breakfast bar might improve a kitchen and a large bedroom could be divided.

“Storage can work wonders, too. Space under the stairs could provide an additional seating area, or be a utility cupboard. Stair treads can be transformed into drawers and a landing could be utilised for storage or a fitted desk.”

Designers, recognising the growing need for compact or multi-functional pieces, have used their talents to create excellent furniture and ingenious products for the space-starved.

“Small space living is something to celebrate. It doesn’t have to mean settling for second best,” insists Wilhide.

“Focus on the benefits rather than the frustrations. Smaller spaces are easy to clean and cheaper to heat and run. With a more flexible approach to arranging your living space, you may find it suits you after all.”

Follow our space-savvy advice from the experts and check out a selection of smart solutions to help you squeeze every last inch from your home.

Cook up space

“Make the most of every inch of space with integral storage solutions, such as pan drawers, curved corner units and cantilever carousels,” advises Jude Keenan, kitchen planner at John Lewis’s Oxford Street London store.

“Choose units in a neutral colour that will stand the test of time and create a feeling of space, and introduce colour on worktops and appliances for a more individual look.

“Opt for slimline appliances or integral models which can be hidden away. Reflect more light and create an illusion of more space with a white matt ceiling and light coloured upper walls.”

Space stretchers: A Padstow two-door larder unit, £1,499, from Marks & Spencer, is a new gem in its range. It has six roomy drawers, two condiment racks and an automatic internal light. Bosch have released a dishwasher, £399, that’s barely bigger than a microwave and takes six place settings. If there’s no room for that useful kitchen island – no problem! A Denford Butchers trolley, £700, provides an extra worktop, baskets and drawers. Both items available from John Lewis.

Small solutions: An Expanding Shelf Organiser, £11, from The Holding Company, maximises cupboard space by providing extra shelves. Stellar’s Eazistore range of saucepans, frying pans and stockpots stack and nestle inside each other like Russian dolls. Pans, £185 for the set; Stockpots and casserole set, £225.

Live large

“To make the most of small spaces, it’s important to consider the place as a whole,” says Eleanor Davies, group buyer for The Conran Shop. “Instead of thinking of conventional rooms devoted to separate functions, arrange whatever space you have in a flexible way.

“Screens, room dividers and furniture which folds can be invaluable,” she says. “Above all, focus on acquiring only what you will use, love or need. That way your home will be functional as well as beautiful.”

Designer Sir Terence Conran’s Pavilion round gate-leg table, £495, is just one of the space-saver classics in its range.

Space stretchers: BoConcept’s multi-functional solutions are impressive: an adjustable Occa 3200 table, £1,195, works as a coffee table, raises to sofa height for TV suppers, and at full height, with built-in extension leaf, can accommodate eight for dinner. The company’s cube-shaped Occa 3500 mobile cabinet, £1,395, is similarly useful and works as a dining area, bar or home office. Or try zoning separate areas in a room with a Balance room divider and shelf unit, £670, from STORE.

Small solutions: A white compact Rotate Bookcase, with four circular sections, £299, from Dwell. An Evelyn large footstool doubles as a bed, and is £399, from DFS.

Snug snoozing

“Living in a compact space doesn’t necessarily mean you have to live uncomfortably,” says Zoe Shields, country manager at BoConcept, a furniture company which specialises in contemporary ranges.

“Good storage always helps – whether it’s a bed allowing you hide away bedding or seasonal duvets, or a mobile cabinet, with deep drawers and extension leaves, which can double as a work station. Sofa beds are also shedding their old image of being bulky and large, and can now be sleek and sophisticated.”

Space stretchers: Wall beds work wonders: La Literal’s collection for Sellex includes single, double, twin and bunk bed formats. Single bed, without mattress, £1,633, from Encompass Furniture. Alternatively, a bed offering storage drawers and a pull out bed underneath could be just as useful. Try the handsome Buddy bed, £899, from Dwell. Bulky wardrobes eat up space, but Sliderobes systems, from £1,500, offer made-to-measure wardrobe and cupboard solutions, and could be invaluable for fitting out awkward spaces. John Lewis’s slim five-drawer Loft chest, £799, with a mirror concealed in the top compartment offers another solution for bedroom clutter.

Small solutions: Store out-of-season clothes in Space Saver Vacuum Hanging Bags, £20.95, or in an Underbed Storage Case, £12.95. Both from The Holding Company.

Step into space

“Don’t neglect the potential of hallways and between-spaces, such as landings or corridors,” says Elizabeth Wilhide.

“Fit them out with cupboards and shelves so you can decant clutter from other areas, or simply make them practical working areas.”

Space stretchers: A bespoke Shoe Ladder unit, from £350 (plus cabinet cost), from Inhouse Interiors, can be fitted under stairs. Roma’s Mobile Home Office unit, £999, from STORE, has a desktop attachment which can tilt and swivel to 360 degrees.

Small solutions: Conceal storage box with seat, £249, from Dwell; SpaceBox’s wall-mounted table/desk, £273 and Crossover stackable storage or seating unit, £113, is from a range from Mac&Mac Interiors.

How big is your home?

New homes in Yorkshire and Humber are the smallest and those in London the largest, according to the research by RIBA, which looked at 3,418 homes in England. Its recommended minimum size for a three-bedroom home is 96 square metres, yet the average sizes across the UK look more like this:

• East of England: 88 square metres
• East Midlands: 87 square metres
• North East: 89 square metres
• North West: 84 square metres
• London: 119 square metres
• South East: 96 square metres
• South West: 87 square metres
• West Midlands: 94 square metres
• Yorkshire and the Humber: 83 square metres.
• Space smart sources

BoConcept: www.boconcept.co.uk

The Conran Shop: 0844 848 4000/www.conranshop.co.uk

DFS: 0808 149 3865/www.dfs.co.uk

Dwell: 0845 675 9090/www.dwell.co.uk

Encompass Furniture: 02392 410 045/www.encompassco.com

Found Home Store: 01227 807 797/www.foundhomestore.co.uk

The Holding Company: 020 8445 2888/www.theholdingcompany.co.uk

Inhouse Interiors: 020 7978 2349/www.inhouseinteriors.com

John Lewis: 0845 6049 049/www.johnlewis.com

Mac&Mac Interiors: 01252 717 771/www.macandmacinteriors.com

Marks & Spencer: 0845 302 1234/www.marksandspencer.com

Sliderobes: 0800 454 465/www.sliderobes.com

Stellar: 0117 940 0000/www.stellarcookware.co.uk

Store: www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk

• Small Spaces by Elizabeth Wilhide is published by Jacqui Small, priced £12.99, Available now