5 tips for small space design

1. Design with Dual Purpose

Choose furniture and features that do more than one job — like benches with storage or kitchen islands that double as dining tables. The entry bench wraps into the living space. This adds guest seating to the living space, creates an eye catching focal point that grounds the living room and keeps everything light and airy. See our Heart-Line Project

2. Embrace Vertical Space

Use height to your advantage. Tall shelves, vertical art, and high cabinets draw the eye upward and make the space feel larger. Even in spaces with standard 8’ ceilings, colour blocking can help trick the eye. The use of the black around the entry bench/tv creates a vertical column that focuses the eye. The white entry wall fades away making the space feel larger.

3. Prioritize Natural Light

Keep things bright and airy. Large windows, light finishes, and minimal window coverings go a long way in expanding the feel of a room. In this design we stack the living room and dining space side by side creating a continuous path of circulation in front of the furniture. This is strengthened by the book matched window and door on either side. And when you’re sitting at the table or on the couch your view is automatically directed towards the outside.

4. Define, Don’t Divide

Instead of adding walls, define spaces using lighting, rugs, or ceiling details to keep flow open but organized. Pay attention here, notice that the entry and kitchen have a continuous tile floor while the living and dining spaces have warm hardwood? That’s intentional. We go a step  by incorporating a ROUND area rug in to ground the furniture in the living room and dining space.

5. Customize to Fit

Off-the-shelf solutions don’t always work in tight spaces. Custom millwork or built-ins can maximize every inch. Weather it’s the fun and functional entry bench, the record display art wall or the morning coffee station, millwork can elevate any space when done right.

Need help with your space? Reach out today.