Small Wonder
If it is true that space is the ultimate luxury, then designing for a small space must be the ultimate challenge. Fortunately, as this 25 square metre apartment in Shanghai by Qisi Design shows, there are plenty of design tricks to maximise function and style even in tiny spaces.
First and foremost, use a limited palette of materials and colours. In this case, natural wood veneers, white walls and glass partitions help to lighten up the space, whilst the grey walls in the open plan bathroom make it cosy and recede from view.
Secondly, use multiple levels to create separation without interrupting the flow. The sunken living area and the mezzanine sleeping loft are clever ways to use the tall ceiling space, at the same time offering plenty of clever space-saving opportunities, from wardrobe space under the staircase to the built-in bench style sofa in the living room. There is also a discrete study area tucked away in the corner of the mezzanine, which offers valuable privacy in an open plan space.
Thirdly, maximise the use of outdoor space. This apartment benefits from having a small yard, but unfortunately as it is part of a conservation building the walls and windows cannot be opened up to provide easier access. Instead, the architects cleverly widened the external window ledge into a bar at the same level as the slim counter table in the middle of the kitchen. Thus, when the window is thrown open on a warm evening the owners can enjoy an almost seamless indoor-outdoor dining experience.
This apartment is a great example of how good things can come in small packages, thanks to intelligent interior design.
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Product Inspiration
Go with natural textures and light colours to maximise the sense of space. Try the Dining Chair from Mater and the Drum coffee table from Dare. The Strong outdoor stools from Desalto would be perfect for bar outside.
Simple, minimalist lighting work best with small spaces. Go for the Liuku suspension light from Mater over the kitchen counter, the I-Club small wall light from LZF in the bedroom and the Carrie portable LED lights from Menu for the outdoor space.
Wall mounted accessories, such as the Cloud Cabinet from Fredreik Roije, are great for small spaces. It is also a good idea to use wallpapers such as the Concrete Weathered Moss from NLXL to create a sense of cosiness in enclosed areas such as bathrooms. The Saturno plant holder from Formae would look great hanging from the tree in the yard.
