Think small when it comes to interior design
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.