Small spaces
1. An East Village studio This studio is located in New York’s trendy East Village neighbourhood, where every square metre counts. With about 45 square metres to work with, the occupants have made the most of their space by utilising the popular ‘layering’ technique, which requires you to build up. In this particular case, the bedroom is a raised loft-like room that has been built into the wall, above and behind the kitchen.
Géraldine Laferté 9. Fold-away loft bed Instead of being positioned lower on the wall like a typical fold-down bed, this version folds up high, allowing the lower level to remain usable, even when the bed is down. A ladder (stowed away in a closet between uses) provides access to the bed, while high built-in storage becomes a bedside table.
Create sociable seating in a small alcove A built-in bench makes the most of a small alcove for seating many people. For best results, commission a carpenter to build one to your specifications and factor in under-seat storage for a fabulously chic dual-purpose furniture set-up. Upholstery in rich velvet or linen is a smart touch. Consider using the same fabric for any window treatments to create an elegant but pared-down feel to the tiny space, and to give it a simple, harmonious look, rather than chopping up – and therefore shrinking – the space with different shades.
Make the most of vertical space with bunks Bunk beds are a classic small-space solution and ideal for children’s rooms, where they provide a platform for adventure games, too. Source a ready-made piece or have a carpenter custom build something, allowing you to fully embrace the proportions of your room. If the space is particularly wide, then longer bunks are great for sharing, top-to-toe style, when friends come to stay. Natural wood is a classic material and ideal for adding an authentic cabin feel. Accessorise with bedding in nautical shades of blue and white, and don’t forget the ladder for clambering up to the top bunk.
An extra bed We’re seeing lots of clever use of space for increased sleeping areas, too – like this one that sits above a lounge room – perfect for extra children or overnight guests. Beach Style Bedroom by Crosson Architects Crosson Architects And talking of extra space for beds, how about taking those built-in bunk beds up another level to really make the most of those high ceilings?
Genesis Architecture, LLC. This Wright-inspired house has taken ideas from the architect’s integrated approach to furniture, design and architecture, with lots of built-ins throughout. The look is seamless and the built-in shelving, seating and desk make use of all available space. Even better, the banquette here can widen to become a daybed for extra guests and the base makes for storage space underneath.
6. Be a skilled ‘zoner’ Many people with big houses don’t productively use a lot of what they have. An awful lot ends up as dead space, used as corridors or for inessential chests and sideboards. Conversely, in a small house, zoning effectively and ruthlessly is essential, as seen in this snug, open-plan carriage house. The kitchen, dining and living areas are all close together but don’t crowd one another. The key is clearly defining each area so its purpose is obvious. The kitchen counter is a natural divider, while built-in benches by the dining table and under the TV and wood-burning stove are a smart way to keep things uncluttered and neat.
4. Learn to love your functional kitchen Yes, we get it, in an ideal world you’d probably like a professional-quality stove, a huge island and a separate breakfast bar with six bar stools. But in fact, if you have a stove, fridge, sink and enough counter space for a chopping board and toaster, you’re doing just fine. The key is making the space you have both functional and appealing to use. This all-white kitchen is spot-on: tiny but modern and chic.
3. Dare to lose walls This gem of a Parisian apartment features a stylish open-plan living space with no internal walls, and it feels way larger than a series of tiny rooms would. High ceilings also help increase the sense of space. Check with your builder about whether removing the ceiling would be a not-too-disruptive option, as revealing rafters can give rooms a whole new sense of proportion.
Juliette Byrne 1. Ruthlessly contain clutter Really. You can. Battling the stealthy beast that is clutter and winning will make your existing home feel twice as big. Getting rid of clutter doesn’t have to mean tossing every item you own – it just means thinking twice and making it a five-minute daily task. In this slim, neutral living room, open shelving accommodates a smattering of photos and other paraphernalia, but the overall result is calm and tidy. If you struggle with clutter-busting, you could always try reading the currently hot book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondo.
11. A mural You shouldn’t give up on a large design element just because a space is tight. In fact, a small room is one of the best places to make a big statement. The wallpaper behind this bed is an image of the large stately columns of the Lincoln Memorial.
10. Deep drawers Precious drawers under these beds offer plenty of space for clothing, linens and other items.
8. An office This bed flips up into the cabinet, leaving plenty of room to get work done at the desk during the day.
5. Privacy Sometimes a bedroom is so shallow that a bed barely fits between the walls, and there is no clearance for a door to swing. A pocket door allows plenty of room to close the space off, even though the end of the bed is very close to the opening.
Goldfish-Interiors 13. In-bathroom laundry Not sure where to put the washing machine? Consider concealing it in joinery under the bathroom vanity, or in the kitchen if room allows.
Vertebrae Architecture 11. Open furniture and shelves Open furniture and storage consume less space than freestanding pieces. Minimalist design pieces, like the lighting and seating in this apartment, also help to enhance the feeling of space.
Architology 10. Retractable bench In narrow kitchens such as this, a retractable surface is an innovative idea. When pulled out, it provides sufficient space as a kitchen bench or dining surface. This kitchen also features a lift-up cupboard that reveals (or conceals) appliances, so when closed, the wall is comprised of seamless joinery. Also note that doing away with cupboard handles, knobs, and other protruding fixtures helps to reduce clutter.
9. Single-wall kitchen The single-wall (or single galley) kitchen is popular in small spaces, particularly open-plan apartments, as it eliminates the need for extra space for an island bench. A dining table or mobile breakfast bar (depending on room size) can provide more bench surface if needed.
8. Modular furniture Modular furniture is a great choice for compact apartments. Not only can it serve as sofa, guest bed and ottoman, but it also provides more seating than perhaps a standard sofa and armchairs might.
7. Recessed alcove Recessed shelves and alcoves can be used to set objects into walls or joinery, reducing the physical and visual space they consume. Here, the television has been recessed into an alcove, diminishing clutter. In addition, a panel of joinery stretches the length of the room while the built-in desk also helps to maximise functionality and liveability. A mirror at the end of the room enhances both light and visual space.
De Bjorn Concept 5. Double-purpose divider One of the best ways to make a compact space as functional and liveable as possible is to have architectural and design elements do double duty. This bedroom features a platform bed with under-bed storage, while the built-in home office also serves as a room divider, separating the bed from the rest of the apartment.
Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture 4. In-stair storage If the compact apartment has stairs (perhaps to an elevated bed or loft), then transforming the steps into drawers is another great way to boost storage space and conceal clutter.
3. Under-floor storage Building storage spaces into the floor of an apartment is a great way to hide various bits and pieces, especially those that aren’t used on a regular basis. Here, a raised bedroom floor provides additional storage.
Barely there Small-space staircases are not only small in footprint, but can have low visual impact as well. The staircase in this Israeli home is so discreet you may need to pop your glasses on to spot it. Note: In Australia balustrades must be constructed wherever the difference in height between one floor or surface is greater than one metre from an adjoining floor or surface. In the case of many of these staircases, a simple glass balustrade would keep the aesthetic the same while conforming to Australian safety requirements.
Goes both ways The open stairs leading to this loft bed are reminiscent of a ladder, but provide extra stability and safety, while the climbing wall on the right is a fun-filled alternative route. Note: Stairs can be open or closed. Closed stairs have a solid riser, and you can’t see in through the staircase, while open stairs mean the risers, or part of the risers, do not exist.
Gregory Phillips Architects Another staggered-step design can be seen in this London mezzanine. The way the treads have been painted gives the staircase a sculptural elegance.
14. Indoor-outdoor table Want an indoor-outdoor table, without having to lug it around? This table slides outdoors through a slot in the wall, allowing use outdoors in warmer weather or indoors in cooler weather.
14. Indoor-outdoor table Want an indoor-outdoor table, without having to lug it around? This table slides outdoors through a slot in the wall, allowing use outdoors in warmer weather or indoors in cooler weather.
12. Fold-down table bar Want a fold-down table to use for drinks or food when you’re entertaining? Or even as an alternative standing desk? But not quite willing to sacrifice the space for a permanent structure?
10. Pull-out dining area The kitchen can double as a dining area with a pull-out dining table. Store it under a kitchen bench, and then pull it out for a dining table for everyday dinners or entertaining. This particular table also functions as a kitchen bench for preparing meals. The double-sided set of pull-out drawers can hold kitchen essentials in the front three drawers.
9. Extra kitchen prep space The pictured kitchen sink holds a double basin, but laminated wood and ply boards that fit over the sinks create extra prep space when the sinks aren’t in use. Use the extra space when you’re cooking, and then pull the boards back out when you want to wash up. An ideal setup
Tamara Armstrong 8. Coffee table storage Another space-saving solution for the living room is a modular storage unit that functions as a coffee table or even extra lounge seating if required. Best used if you’re not planning on keeping many decorative items on top of your coffee table.
6. Space-efficient stairs If you don’t like the idea of climbing up a ladder to your loft bed, perhaps try space-saving stairs. In general, staircases can take up a lot of space, so smart designs like the one pictured can be a genius idea. Or if you don’t want to put your bed up high, you could consider storing possessions you don’t frequently need to access up in a loft or mezzanine area instead.
4. Storage walls This storage wall, which acts as a wardrobe in the same house, can be accessed when the retractable bed is hoisted up. When the doors are closed, you would barely know the wall is being used as a wardrobe. While it may be more handy to have your clothes in the bedroom, there’s nothing stopping you from using other walls to house them.
3. Retractable bed If you have limited floor space, but relatively high ceilings, a retractable bed can be a smart solution. In this clever tiny, the bed is raised and lowered remotely so the space below can be used for other purposes during the day. This option may be chosen if a ladder is impractical due to mobility issues, or if you just don’t like ladders. While retractable beds aren’t the cheapest option, they do add significant comfort and practicality to small spaces. When this bed is needed, the remote-controlled hoist and track system that’s built into a full-height storage wall lowers the bed down to rest, turning the lounge room into a bedroom. There’s no folding or packing away involved either.
2. Fold-down standing desk If you won’t be working from home all that often, but want to give yourself the option, a fold-down standing desk could work well. Here, a panel folds down from the wall to make the pictured standing desk. When it’s not in use, it allows for full use of the couch below.
AVAVA Systems 15. Location: San Francisco, USA Why we love it: We love the use of timber inside and out of this modern teen retreat. Adding an extra bedroom couldn’t be easier.
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