Think small when it comes to interior design

posted on Thursday, 21st February 2013 by Simon Cavelle

Installs  Interior Design 

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Small can be surprisingly beautiful. Large kitchens are luxurious, but once you've cooked in one you will soon realise that the more compact a workspace is the more efficient it becomes and the less legwork is involved in preparing a meal. As long as the space is well planned and careful consideration given to real living, then the easier and more economic it is to run. 
 
As the square footage of our cities become more expensive it's a challenge for the designer to get more out of every space. There is nothing new about this, super yachts and private jets can have luxurious interiors but are by their nature small. Developers cleverly reduce the storage space so that an unfurnished apartment seems large. When the purchaser moves in with their wardrobes, bringing with them everything from ski gear to riding boots, things become a little more cramped. 

A contemporary space
The brief for this apartment on the third floor of a stucco fronted Victorian terrace in Bayswater was to develop the interior into a clean contemporary space that would comfortably accommodate the client who worked in the city yet would spend weekends in his country home. 
 
The colour scheme is intentionally monochromatic to maximise the natural light and give a feeling of space. The choice of textures and finishes is gently masculine as is the bias towards technology, which is not overly complicated but practical. The focal point in the living room is the full height smoked 'glass' panel in which sits the super slim Panasonic 55-inch LED smart TV; the speakers are Amina plaster-over Evolution AIW 550E while a Paradigm Millenia sub woofer has been hid behind the sofa, so that the space remains slick and clean. The generous cream leather sofa offers commodious seating and brings reflected light into the space. 
 
The bedroom is small but well planned so that good storage for clothes is offered by way of a built in wardrobe in fumed oak, which is also used in the headboard and floating bedside tables, both of which are under lit with LED fittings. A screen is also provided which swings snugly out of the way when not in use. The colour palette follows through from the living room so that the spaces sit together as a whole. An Ad notam TV is supplied in the bathroom so that the match can be watched while enjoying a relaxing soak and the room is maximised by the use of texture, discreet lighting and mirrored storage.
 
Similarly, the kitchen is carefully thought through so as to allow storage for all gadgets, so that little has to remain out on display and the finishes seamlessly flow into the living room. 
 
The client is delighted with the completed project and finds living in the flat relaxing and enjoyable. Great attention to detail has been given to areas often overlooked by developers, such as high quality hardware and radiators. The success of this type of project proves the adage of quality over quantity. A successful project such as this shines a light on how good design, attention to detail and a realistic consideration to how people actually use a living space, can reap big rewards. Small can most definitely be beautiful. 
 
Visit Simon's web site Scarib Design for more wonderful designs.
 
 

Simon Cavelle

Simon launched London based SCARIB Ltd in early 2008 and was short-listed for the commercial section of the International FX Design awards in 2010.

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