Kitchissippi Times
October 1, 2015 • 13
KITCHISSIPPI HOMES+CONDOS ADVERTISING FEATURE
7 design ideas to make the most of small spaces By Leslie Foster
Y
ou can make a space feel larger by incorporating a few key design elements that trick the eye. Whether you are decorating a studio apartment, a small room, or a tiny nook in your home, these design tips will help you make the most of your small space.
Use vertical space
Floor to ceiling drapes, cabinetry, shelving, and art will draw the eyes up and make a room feel more expansive. Jane Berry, Owner of Blueprint Homes in Wellington West suggests, “Use mirrors to reflect light into darker areas and open up visual square footage otherwise lost.”
A walkable neighbourhood with coffee shops and bakeries?
An area with big parks and lots of recreational centres?
Inner urban with pubs, clubs and restaurants?
Small town charm?
Authentic Chinese or Italian restaurants?
New home construction and kids playgrounds?
Use monochromatic colour schemes
Keeping your décor within the same tonal values will visually enlarge a space because the eye is able to move through the room uninterrupted.
PHOTOS BY MARK HOLLERON Independently Owned and Operated, Brokerage
Use built-ins and modular furniture units
Independently Owned and Operated, Brokerage
mattlove@Royallepage.ca MattLove.ca
Built-in banquettes, shelves, bookcases, and cabinetry provide custom solutions to maximize storage, contain clutter, and define the room without creating visual barriers or adding significant bulk.
Many innovative products are now available that increase the usability of a piece of furniture. There are coffee tables that convert by rising to dining table height, tables that serve as both desk and dining table, sofa beds in living rooms or dens, wall beds that convert to an office with storage, and
more. Islands can also be used in an office, laundry room or craft room. If you choose one with wheels or folding leaves, you can store it snugly against a wall when not in use, making your space feel larger.
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Maximize functionality
Make sure every piece of furniture maximizes function. “One of the golden rules of designing a small space is to make every choice matter,” says Ms. Berry. “By incorporating multi-functional furnishings into the overall design, you’re able to maximize functionality while using minimum square footage.”
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