In the frame
8. One of the secrets to making a
small space appear larger is by ensuring
the eye travels beyond the boundaries of
the room. Keep doors open and create a
focal point in adjoining rooms. It can be as
simple as allowing the doorway to frame a
wicker basket and shelf, both of which do
double duty as storage.
Master of illusion
9. Your tiny bathroom will appear to
have grown in size if you stick to white
and natural colours and materials. Tuck
in freestanding open storage shelves
wherever possible, so your eye travels
beyond them, providing the illusion of
space. It's a good idea to stock up on
attractive wicker baskets, in order to
corral the usual bathroom paraphernalia
of hair and beauty products.
Carve your niche
10. Make the most of a space-challenged
sleeping space with an all-in-one shelving
unit and elevated bed, with storage,
accommodating almost everything you wear.
Kitchen cabinets from IKEA form the base
of this bed, while the custom-built shelves
display prized possessions. Include narrow
niches on the shelving face for night-time
reads and odds and ends.
Spacious sensibility
You can easily re-create this open-
plan living space and give your entire
home a sense of natural flow. There’s
now room here for a dining table,
which also bridges the divide between
the kitchen and living areas. Cooking
is more fun, as you can socialise with
guests while you’re preparing meals.
Allow clean lines and a natural
co lo u r
sch em e
to
d om in ate.
C o u n terb alan ce
this
m od ern ,
m inim alist
look w ith
a
mix
of
refurbished
furniture,
personal
possessions and objet dart, which will
imbue your home with character.
Shelves and under-bed storage
provide a smart solution for a small
sleeping space and will help you keep
things in order, especially if you’re
not tidy by nature. So even though
your home may be small, there are
plenty of big ideas you can borrow
from this makeover to create space.
é
For more information
For flat-pack kitchens you can design online,
check out IKEA, www.ikea.com.au and
Flatpax, www.fiatpax.com.au or Bunnings
■
Warehouse, www.bunnings.com.au
Decorator’s tips
■ Furnish small spaces
with
simple, compact pieces, and leave
the details and patterns to scatter
cushions, floor rugs and the like.
■ Decorate with a combo
of
whites and neutral colours, and
highlight with just a ping of
single colour here and there.
■ Use the same pale flooring
throughout to give the illusion of
space and a sense of continuity.
■ Increase the available light
any way you can by using mirrors
to make the space seem larger.
■ Personalise your walls
with
black and silver picture frames
that unify your favourite photos.
Photography Per Magnus Persson/House of Pictures/Picture Media
