- STORAGE, STORAGE, STORAGE. We love to buy things, accumulate stuff and we hate throwing things out. Providing a space for everything and more is ideal in small spaces, it will not only keep the unit looking clean and tidy but also functional as well. Invest on built in cabinetry to maximize spaces.
PROJECT: PARK WEST, BGC 34 square meters, 1 Bedroom
The tiny kitchen / dining area which is also the first thing you see when you walk in the door.
The existing cabinets of the small kitchen are replaced with built in wall to wall cabinetry, to keep everything out of sight. This resulted to a pantry cabinet as well as extra cabinet for storage for suitcases, which is important since this unit will be leased out. The countertop was extended on the remaining length of the wall to maximise counter space, built in provisions for the microwave as well as the fridge keeps everything organised and tidy. The hanging cabinet running above the kitchen counter provides even more storage. A retractable range hood is also a good addition to keep the look clean and tidy.
- BRING IN MORE LIGHT. It is typical for these condo units to have very little windows and the already small unit is even made smaller by placing a room divider. Nothing beats having natural light to make your space bright and cheerful. It is not only good for your wellbeing but will open up your space visually.
PROJECT: PARK WEST, BGC 34 square meters, 1 Bedroom
Living Room
Bedroom
The wall of the bedroom is taken down and replaced with aluminium frame and glass to let the light in from the bedroom. The unit despite its size is a corner unit and the corner windows can be found in the bedroom. By opening the wall up, the tiny living area feels bigger by having views of the city and beyond.
The bathroom door is replaced with a frosted glass sliding door to bring light in. You won't feel claustrophobic now in the small bathroom.
- OPEN SPACES UP. It is typical for small condo units to be divided into even smaller spaces by disguising another room as a bedroom by putting up a divider. This is not only absurd but eats up prime square footage in a small unit. Although some people prefer to have their privacy by having dividers or partitions; personally I prefer to keep the space open to not only maximise the space but also to make the small unit multifunctional.
PROJECT: GRASS RESIDENCES, QC 24 square meters, 1 bedroom
The ugly divider
By removing the divider, the space is changed completely and feels bigger. The sleeping area is on a raised platform to separate it from the rest of the space. Underneath it are storage compartments for suitcases as the owner travels a lot.
- FLOOR TO CEILING MIRRORS. I am sure you have heard of the saying that to make small spaces feel bigger put mirrors. Yes it might be correct but there is more to it than that, so much so that sometimes placing mirrors can make a space feel smaller. So what is the proper way of putting mirrors then??? Mirrors reflect light and its surroundings, thereby, giving an illusion of more space. Proper placement of mirrors is crucial to small space design. One has to create new vistas where there is none. Another aspect of mirrors is reflecting light and as I have mentioned earlier, we want to get as much light in a space where there is none, so mirrors can help.
PROJECT: MORGAN SUITES, Mckinley Hill 25 square meter Studio
Dysfunctional Space
By placing big mirrors on the rear wall, the small space seems to already double in size visually and it is brighter. A bespoke floating stainless and glass dining table, designed by yours truly, is the piece de resistance in this space. What looks like a 6 seater is actually just a 3 seater dining table.
PROJECT: PARK WEST, BGC 34 square meters, 1 Bedroom
Narrow and dark living space
Reflected view of the dining nook from the living area
you can see the reflected view of the bedroom from the dining area / kitchen
The reflected view of the laminated bathroom wall with backlight, the mirrors not only opens the narrow space visually but brings in light to all corners of the unit. The full length mirror tricks the eye and mind that the space is actually bigger than it is.
- BUILT INS TO MAXIMIZE SPACE. Due to limited space, off the rack furniture are not ideal for small spaces, one would be lucky to find a piece of furniture to fit their minute area like a glove, most of the time, a lot of space is wasted. The solution built in furniture! Though this may be the most costly option but it is more practical in the long term and your space can fully be maximized.
PROJECT: AVIDA MAKATI WEST, Yakal Street 20 square meter Studio
Before the transformation
Despite the limited floor area, the client had a tall order, she wanted a double bed with a pull out single bed for visiting guests; a fully functioning kitchen; a dining/work table; tons of storage for clothes, bags and other items since her business is importing these to sell locally, so the unit will double as her showroom as well.
Of course we delivered above and beyond what is expected. We repositioned the kitchen counter and provided a raised built in table with hidden outlets. Ample storage for food and kitchen implements are provided as well as provisions for a microwave and other necessary appliances. Having a unified color scheme ties this entire space together.
Here you can see every space, nook and cranny was utilized to provide storage from pretty much every imaginable items, from perfumes to watches and jewellery; clothes to shoes and bags. This is only possible by having built ins as one can adjust the final size to fit small spaces and odd corners.
- HAVE A UNIFIED THEME OR LOOK. One cannot have so many things going on in a tiny space. Having a unified theme, look or color scheme will keep everything cohesive and visually clean.
PROJECT: GRASS RESIDENCES, QC 24 square meters, 1 bedroom
When i first saw the space!
Having a unified color scheme using two types of wood laminate to tie the unit together. The new built in kitchen cabinetry with marble countertop and backsplash, built in appliance as well as hidden storage for everyday items, is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
By keeping things simple and clean, in terms of decor and accessories, makes the space welcoming and feels more spacious.
The built in TV wall with backlight is the central focal point of the space. Its position is perfect for both the bed and the sofa. The use of indirect lighting also gives added appeal to the unit.
The new custom kitchen cabinetry with marble top counters and built in appliance as well as hidden storage for everyday items, is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The use of arabescato marble turns this small kitchen corner into a luxurious nook. This space is the first thing one sees when one enters this unit. They say first impressions lasts, this one will definitely give you a good one.
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In conclusion, it is actually harder to design small spaces compared to big ones. One has to fit all the design requirements of the client in a small area but a true designer will always be up for the challenge. Working with small spaces helped me come up with innovative storage solutions as well as eye catching unique design strategies. Keep on designing guys, lets make the world beautiful, one space at a time.
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