THINK SMALL
Versatility and inventiveness key when decorating in teeny spaces
“I can’t wait to move into a bigger place.”
It’s the most common complaint I heard while working in the contracting business, and it continues to be at the top of the list now. People are drawn to large, luxurious spaces — rooms where they don’t need to think about the dual function of a furniture piece, or question where their grandmother’s china cabinet will fit in their living room.
Most people who say they cannot create the home of their dreams attribute it to lack of space. But the thing is, most of us have lived in a small home or apartment, or have that small room that is difficult to deal with. The real beauty of small spaces is versatility: We can become inventive with our techniques and learn how to do more with less. We double up on the functions of spaces and furniture. We co-ordinate decor and colours to make it feel larger. And needless to say, we become creative with our use of storage.
“Small spaces require a more thoughtful approach,” says Veronica Martin, founder of the Ontario interior design firm Veronica Martin Design Studio. “It is easy for some people to think in a two-dimensional sense, but to maximize small spaces you must visualize the entire space in a three-dimensional format, starting with the floors to the walls and up the ceiling.”
In small condos and apartments, it’s important to include storage but also to maximize your space. Martin encourages clients to extend their millwork to the underside of the ceiling, which provides more storage without sacrificing square footage.
Another important element in small-space living is to maximize efficiency, such as traffic. Martin suggests that her clients “combine activities where possible.”
“Don’t be afraid to update the floor plan and combine rooms,” she says. “You would be surprised how much freedom you have with a new condo prior to construction, especially if you haven’t signed the papers yet! If two rooms can share the same circulation space, you end up with more square footage.”
In the past, Martin has combined a walk-in closet with an ensuite to use the space more efficiently. That gave the client more room to work with and made getting ready in the mornings much quicker.
For colour schemes, texture combinations and other decor, Martin recommends homeowners embrace dramatic hues. “I wish I could erase the notion that dark colours make rooms feel smaller. With the right balance between furnishings, accessories and lighting, a dark room can feel larger,” she says.
Wallpaper is also gaining in popularity — large-scale floral prints, full wall murals and beautiful bold patterns are just a few things that are now available. Martin hopes they will replace the need for colour blocking accent walls: “In a small space, it is important to make a big impact, and these wall coverings do the trick,” she says.
There are lots of ways to make a small or narrow space feel larger. Mirrors are a typical suggestion for opening a narrow space, but Martin tries to push her clients to do more.
“If floor space is at a premium, then I encourage clients to develop wall panelling or other architectural elements to give interest on the walls and ceiling without cluttering the floor space,” she says.
When it comes to selecting large furniture pieces such as couches for a new condominium or apartment, Martin says she focuses on the needs of the client, as well as the primary use of the space.
“I always suggest picking the main piece of furniture for the room, and then we work around it. If a large sofa is ideal for my client’s need, then we make it work by filling the space with smaller double-duty items like an upholstered ottoman, or a side table that’s also a stool,” Martin says.
For those who are downsizing, Martin urges they begin thinking about it before making the actual commitment.
“I have many clients that have downsized and the amount of furniture they must leave behind always surprises them,” she says.
Martin suggests homeowners pick the main pieces they can’t live without, such as an heirloom or a comfortable chair.
She says that when downsizing, many items need to perform double duties.
“The dining room table might also function as your work zone, your sideboard might store your dishes and printer, and your guest room might also be your TV room with a pullout sofa.”