Small space problem solvers
June 9, 2009
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Tara Dalla-Nora
SPECIAL TO YOURHOME.CA
This article has been modified from a previously published version to add purchasing information for the ottoman.
One of the best parts of my job is taking on different projects with varied challenges. Designers not only work to make a space aesthetically pleasing, but we are problem solvers as well. Some spaces require special attention to detail because of their size and configuration, among other things.
I recently worked on a condo in the High Park area. While this space has an amazing view and is in a great location, it had a few design challenges that needed working out. We had to come up with a plan to fit all of my client’s needs into a smaller square footage, without making his home appear cluttered.
Here’s what we did to get the most out of this condo:
- In the master bedroom, I chose a low profile bed that reached a height of 24 inches (60 centimetres), including the box spring and mattress. I then made a custom headboard that was also 24 inches in height but longer in width, to make the room feel wider and more spacious.
- Created the illusion of space by choosing light and reflective materials. Glass tables, light coloured furniture, chrome accents and paint in bright and/or light colours can help simulate a larger space.
- Used smaller scaled furniture to create comfortable, low profiles. For example, the white chair I positioned by the window is small enough to avoid blocking the light and view, but adds extra seating for guests.
- Sunscreens on the window are a great way to keep out heat and the sun, but when closed during the day the silhouette of the view outside is still visible. This was a perfect way for my client to preserve his view while still blocking out the sun.
- The den is a six by eight foot (about 1.8 by 2.5 metres) open space connected to the dining room. The challenge was fitting in a piece of furniture that would act as seating when closed and open up into a double bed for guests. I used a storage ottoman called the Konran from Montreal-based Colexion Perez (available at Inner Luxe). When closed, it measures 28 by 62 inches (about 70 centimetres by 1.5 metres), which is smaller than a loveseat, and it has a double bed mechanism stored within.
- My client requested that the den also be used as an office. I had a matching desk and overhead storage made of the same material and wood finish as the kitchen cupboards. The adjacency of the kitchen and den made the desk and storage look like an extension of the cabinetry, creating a sense of unity in the space.
Every space is unique due to its size and layout, and will present its own challenges. Hopefully these design suggestions will be helpful when you're working with a small space.
Tara Dalla-Nora has a B.A. in interior design and is the owner and principal designer of Inner Luxe in Toronto’s Bloor West Village.