BY CAITLYN NG LI YUIN
liyuin@ocision.com
When it comes to dealing with compact living spaces, a few handy tips to visually open up the area and reduce clutter is all you need in order to create a perfect living environ to come home to.
A comfortable living environment presents a welcoming respite from the hectic pace of modern life, but sometimes, the phrase 'the bigger the better' isn't always a good thing.
With limited space in key areas, developers have had to create a range of housing units with varying sizes, some of which can be smaller than usual. So if you find yourself the proud owner of a studio unit, always remember some important rules for the interiors: keep things simple, the furniture should be basic and follow a clean style.
Nick Fong and Alex Lee, the founders of Nu Infinity, have come up with some handy design tips for those who are staying in compact homes.
"We believe in understanding exactly what our clients want, solving their problems and providing them with an avant-garde approach to the whole designing process," Alex enthused.
1) It's all in the colours
Cool, soft colours such as spring lilac and pale mint bring about a feeling of spaciousness and airiness; warm, rich hues such as pumpkin-orange and brick-red will give you the impression of a snug and cosy room. Deciding on the right one would depend on the effect you wish to achieve.
A rule of the thumb would be to paint the walls in shades of white, opening up the room and imbuing it with a sense of sophistication. For a pop of colour, make a statement wall by painting one of it with blues, greens or greys, as those colours have the ability to make it seem as though the walls are receding.
2) Keep it small
Furniture pieces should be kept simple and small, so that more floor space can be seen, thus giving the illusion of a larger area. For example, you can opt not to have that bulky coffee table and instead, replace it with a mix of side tables in various shapes to create an 'artsy' environment.
Even that large sofa set you can do without, as you can choose to have upholstered stand-alone chairs or place large comfortable throw pillows on the floor. Being able to move things around will allow you to feel like constrained and cramped.
3) Choose smart storage
While regular cupboards are great for storing plenty of items and keeping dust out, they will take up floor space easily. There are alternative solutions you can turn to: storage shelves built into walls, cleverly integrated above-door shelves, and racks that are custom-made to fit perfectly underneath staircases.
Even your sofas and ottomans can have spaces within them for magazines and other miscellaneous items, becoming the perfect furniture with its dual usage. Did you also know that your windows can function as a clever storage space?
"Windows can be an excellent substitute for people who want to dry their clothes in a cramped space, but it can be quite unsightly to see wet garments plastered all over. Take to installing foldable window slats that can double up as racks for all your apparel when pulled downwards," Nick said.
4) Open up!
If your unit happens to have really high ceilings (lucky you!), there is also the option of you creating an entirely new space. There is now the option to use extensions in order to create a mezzanine floor, giving the impression that your small space has a double level.
This can be used as an extra storage space, a spare bedroom for more adventurous guests, or even a mini library. While it may look easy to construct, safety should always come first, while a professional should be consulted on the best materials and method to use.
You can choose to look at a small living space like you would a jewellery box: filled with valuable gems, it becomes a wonderful place and a joy to behold!
