Over the years, I have consulted on the construction and design plans for various houses, townhouses, condos and apartments. While they were all different in size, they all had one thing in common: a need for great design and to feel like home.
To focus on one area in particular, small spaces can be a tricky task to tackle.
When it comes to smaller spaces, you first have to address what things you can actually change. If you do not own your space and you are renting for now, you may feel quite limited in the impact you can possibly make.
using upgraded finishes in countertops and cabinetry can add a luxurious feel to a small space. pait a small table with an interesting mirror to create an entryway
Renting
While you don’t have much control over your structural finishes such as cabinetry, countertops, tile or flooring, you do have the power to turn negatives into positives.
Lighting can be upgraded or changed, as long as you save the original fixture to replace at the time you move out. Bringing in a unique wooden chandelier or a little bit of sparkle can really transform a dull space. Painting your space a new bold color or even warming up the walls with a neutral can be a great and inexpensive way to make the space your own. These two options should always be discussed with your landlord before you make the leap so you can be sure to not void your deposit.
Some easier ways renters can make their residence feel more like a home are to incorporate area rugs with bold designs, throws and pillows to pop some color in and brighten up the surroundings, and especially incorporating live plants, even if it is a small arrangement that you change out weekly.
One dramatic change we often use for renters is an electric fireplace/media console. This is a fantastic piece of furniture that will not only serve as a base for your TV and media players, but it is the best way to add warmth (literally) and coziness when most times there isn’t the possibility of having a fireplace.
Yeager Design offers a line that comes in all shapes and sizes, plugs into a regular electrical outlet, and uses no more electricity than a hairdryer. They are so lifelike that even you will forget it isn’t a real fire. And the best part is, you can take it with you when you move out!
reclaimed wooden chandeliers and pendants add a variety and an eclectic feel to an open-plan space and provide essential lighting for the day-to-day tasks in a home
Owning
On the flip side of the renting spectrum, you may be a landlord, and you find yourself having trouble renting your spaces or attracting the right kind of renter.
On a recent project in South Charleston, we worked with a client on a new building that would be commercial spaces on the bottom and apartments for rent above. Our client was seeking a more professional renter that would be able to call the space their home and take care of it as such.
To make sure she could attract her target audience, we chose to make the apartments a bit more luxurious than what is often seen on the rental front.
Beautiful but affordable off-white cabinetry paired with granite tops and stainless steel appliances set the tone for a larger, open-plan space. Porcelain tile in a wood-grain color and pattern was used throughout the space to not only give the renter a sense of wood and warmth, but also to be a durable and affordable flooring application.
It was decided early on that my client wanted to furnish a one-bedroom apartment as well as a two-bedroom. As a whole, we felt this was important because it could attract large companies to use the spaces as a drop space instead of wasting money on hotels.
Medium-size sofas and chairs with darker fabrics were chosen to fill the space with comfort and warm textures. Layers of pillows, throws and area rugs were installed along with interesting art and worn, reclaimed wood tables and mirrors to create interest and add personality.
The bathroom was also a key area to address in our furnishing design project. We chose a unique louvered-door single vanity with a soapstone top that immediately gave the room a custom flair usually not found in a rental space.
Upon completion, the furnished apartments were rented so quickly that the client is considering furnishing more apartments and making it an option to her renters.
using a unique vanity of reclaimed wood with a stone top can add interest and warmth to a cold bathroom
Key design principles
No matter what your small-space circumstances may be, your goal should be to design using these four key principles:
Scale: Remember to address the scale or size of your furnishings as to not overpower your small space. Use a mixture of sizes in your pieces and you will create a space that feels appropriate and harmonious.
Layering: Use our “layering” technique for warmth. Think of it like this: Layer your home for warmth the same way that you would layer yourself to go outside in cold weather and still keep warm. Layer your home starting from the floor up — rugs, pillows, throws, art, mirrors, accessories, plants, pictures, etc. These are the things that make a place feel like home.
Balance: Balance is essential when addressing a small space. Try to only put out the most favorite of your accessories and personal items. Sometimes “less is more” in a space that can easily look disheveled or cluttered when only a few items are out of place.
Variety: Try using fabrics and finishes of woods that are different from one another that will make the space interesting and add a creative, eclectic feel. Also, mixing metal finishes is a great way to keep the areas up-to-date and transitional.
As always, if you are in need of help with your space, you can reach out to a designer who not only can point you in the right direction but give you updated information on trends and new and exciting resources to get them from.
Also, if you are interested in the rental spaces featured in this article, please feel free to contact Yeager Design to be put in contact with our client. Remember, great design is within reach for everyone. No matter the space or the budget, it’s only a phone call away!
– To see more pictures of the projects featured in this article: SPM Apartments
– To read the full article: http://www.wvgazette.com/article
