Bay Area Interior Design Newsletter: Max Out Your Space
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
SMALL SPACE, BIG IMPACT. If you live in the city, it’s likely that lack of space has haunted you at some point during your time here. Owning a smaller scale apartment or house provides the opportunity to take a closer look at how your space is utilized. There are countless ways to squeeze more function out of a room, no matter what the size. Read on for my favorite designer tricks that will make the most of every precious square foot.
The Stella shelf from Oly Studio provides great vertical storage.
Dual-purpose Furniture. Think of every furniture purchase as a chance to bring more function into your space. Instead of just buying a console table for your entryway, think about what other function this piece might serve. Could you use it as a writing desk? What about stashing a small ottoman underneath for additional seating?
Smart Space Planning…makes all the difference. Group your furniture together to create intimate seating arrangements. Many times furniture is placed too far apart to hold a real conversation. Resist sticking sofas and chairs directly against the wall, as this is not always the best option. A well-planned room will feel more spacious and will provide more function. (Hint: You may need a professional for this!)
Think Vertical: Use Height for Storage. This is one of the first things I notice in a client’s home when I look at storage issues. Often, people simply overlook the height of their ceilings and the amount of storage that this can provide. Look for furniture pieces that take advantage of that height. Not only will higher pieces add variety and interest to the space, they also bring the eye upwards and can enhance the feeling of spaciousness. Consider buying antiques or vintage pieces, as often they were built to provide more storage (in the place of closets).
Foldable, Collapsible Furniture. Look for pieces that can be folded and tucked away when not in use. Instead of buying 8 dining chairs, think about buying 6 and purchasing two foldable chairs to stash in the closet. You won’t need to sacrifice style, as many furniture manufacturers make good-looking foldable options.
A Niche Interiors custom coffee table uses a vintage gurney to create a functional and foldable table.
**Check out more tips from a San Francisco Interior Designer or Check out our Bay Area Interior Design Services!**
Tags: apartment space saving, city living tips, interior design tips small spaces, interior designer san francisco
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