Creating space
Inspire Your Space SaveEmail CLUTTER SECRET: Utensils you can’t throw out SOLUTION: Drawerception! So you have the usual utensil suspects such as tongs, whisks, spatulas, etc, and then there are those obscure utensils like the thing you got at a Tupperware party once as a gift and you’re not really quite sure of its actual function … BUT one day it will come in handy (maybe?) If you find yourself asking ‘Where do all of these things live?!’ – never fear – the power of drawer is here! Drawers are great for getting the maximum amount of storage from your cabinetry with minimal effort. One way to keep the outside of your kitchen looking streamlined, while making the most of what’s behind, is to use multiple drawers hidden behind one drawer front. TIP: To make the most effective use of this scenario, make sure the drawer you use most often is attached to the drawer front, (which is the part you open), and store items used less frequently in the hidden drawer above. That way, you still have access to the stuff you use every day, but know there is additional storage hidden away when you need it! If you’re looking at refitting your kitchen or laundry and want to embrace the drawer...
CLUTTER SECRET: Toys SOLUTION: Underfloor storage When I think of caravans and mobile homes, there are an array of storage solutions in the furniture and floor to hide the clutter. Why should your home be any different? Here, the floor has been raised and access to storage is by removable panels in the floor. No need to sweep it under the rug when you can sweep it into the floor! If this is something you’re looking at employing in your own home, be sure to make sure you have enough height in your room – the last thing you want is a Willy Wonka effect in which you end up with a room where the ceiling is much closer than you think! Also think practically about how you would access the panels without the need for exposed handles, which would be a tripping hazard.
The garage Most garages don’t look like this one. They usually have a concrete floor with oil stains and piles of junk lining the walls. As a designer, I can never understand why the garage always receives the biggest space and the most prominent at the front of the house. Early in my career, I experimented with changing the finishes in a garage that allowed for the car to be housed, but when not in use could be used for other purposes. This required a rethink on the traditional garage such as lining the walls with plaster with perhaps a coloured feature wall, tiles on the floor, and feature lighting. In this garage, the concrete floor is still there but it’s polished. Creative lighting and furniture add drama and the feature wall is made up of bookshelves. If the car isn’t parked in position, the space becomes available for other uses.
Utilise every corner The space under a staircase is often wasted, but this bespoke console is a perfect solution. The owner understands the importance of comfort, and that’s why the leather chaise longue fills the compact zone perfectly. To make sure the space doesn’t feel cramped, the thin-profile metal balustrade was added, helping the whole space appear light and open.
Build in the furniture Drawing inspiration from Mid-century Modern design, this built-in sofa makes sure no space is wasted. The cabinetry provides extra storage which ends with a wall-mounted shelf. The built-in unit appears to be suspended in air – a clever device that makes the space seem larger. Meanwhile, the green-upholstered Tank Chair adds a colour contrast for extra impact.
Keep it neutral The floor-to-ceiling bookcases convert this living room into a cosy library space. The book spines and artwork introduce a riot of colour so furniture fabrics are kept neutral and understated. A collection of colourful cushions were added for extra flair. While it’s tempting to introduce two sofas facing each other, here the single Eames Lounge Chair prevents the room from feeling claustrophobic.
Hang a mirror In a small space, a large mirror creates a visual illusion. Not only does it draw the eye up, it also bounces light around the room, making any space appear larger and brighter. Framing also needs to be considered – here, the blond timber complements other natural elements including the sumptuous leather sofa. The length of the mirror matches the size of the sofa, adding beautiful symmetry.
Position for function In a long, narrow space there are different options when configuring the furniture. Here, the Mid-century Modern-inspired sofa has been placed against a wall to create a natural pathway. Another nifty idea is adding a coffee table with a glass top which helps keep the appearance of an open and free space.
Add a chaise longue and floating cabinetry An L-shaped sofa not only provides extra seating, it separates the living and dining spaces. To avoid clutter in this compact zone, the wall-mounted console has a floating effect; it actually makes the thoroughfare seem wider and, most importantly, sweeping underneath is a breeze.
Underplay the colour It’s worth having a few furniture pieces in the same colour palette as the walls themselves. Even large items, such as these matching armchairs, will blend into the room which, in turn, visually enlarges the space. For even more continuity, the delicate fabric of the ottoman mimics the two chair cushions, bringing balance to the compact living area.
Shelves flank the door into the living room, providing space for books and CDs. One of Zoob’s beautiful pieces, hanging in the hall, is neatly framed by the opening. A sliding pocket door can be pulled across to separate the living space from the hallway.
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