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objects of design: space-saving furniture

Heaven-sent for those living in small spaces!

space matters: tiny apartment transformer

Here’s a design riddle for you: how do you fit 24 rooms in a 30-square meter space?

Change the walls to make the small space transform in 24 different ways!

This was the concept behind the design of this apartment. By incorporating moving walls and foldable components, Architect Gary Chang of Hong Kong has definitely made the most out of his small space. See for yourself in the video above.

The “one space fits all” idea is not new to us. The bahay kubo demonstrates a simple version of this concept where one space is used as a living,  dining, and a sleeping area by folding, unfolding, removing, and adding furnishings. However, Chang’s design incorporates more sophisticated strategies and components to suit today’s complex lifestyle.

I wonder if in the near future this would become the standard, as we see more and more condos being built in the city. I doubt it, though, because it would still be relatively expensive locally. Pricey steel tracks and lightweight wall systems were used for ease of movement. But Chang’s solutions are definitely ingenious.

Check out his other project The Suitcase House Hotel which used a similar design concept.

space matters: small space solutions

{dining area with brick wall – inspired by new york lofts}

Terence Conran, one of my design idols, once said that “the central dilemma of living in a small space can be best summed up by a single word: stuff.” For this cozy condo in Pasig, however, the designer found ingenious ways to fit and organize all of the owners’ and their children’s possessions in a limited amount of available space.

Luckily, the condo unit had a high ceiling so the designer was able to convert the extra room above the dining area and above the bed in the master bedroom into storage. With a trusty stepladder always on hand, the owners hide a lot of their belongings in these converted storage spaces.

{storage above dining area}

{additional storage below living room seating}

{left: clerestory windows let light & air in; right: cabinets on other side of the wall}

{left: closet space spanning whole wall; right: storage space above bed}

{left: kids’ room; right: cute shelves for children’s books}

I love how the designer cleverly placed storage solutions all over the condo – like above and below furniture and on wall partitions. It was obvious that the unit’s design was well planned and that storage was a big factor in the design process. I wouldn’t mind living in a small space if it was as chic and as organized as this!

diy tips: conquer your small space dilemmas

Like what hoa said in her comment here, condo spaces are becoming smaller and smaller. The average size of a studio unit is around 30-40 square meters, but can go as small as 20 square meters. As the space becomes more compact, it’s much more challenging to fit everything in and make your space look and feel comfortable. Here are some ideas to help you make the most out of a small space.

1) GET REAL!

Before you start doing or buying anything, you have to re-assess your lifestyle in the light of your small living space. A small space will require you to sort of have a lifestyle change. You can’t expect all of your belongings from a 100++ square meter home fit a 40 square meter studio without looking like a storage room. This means, take only those that are essential. When you want to buy something new, you have to give-up something to make room for it.

2) THINK MORE-IN-ONE

When buying furniture, incorporate pieces that have multifunctional features—an ottoman with storage which can be used as a coffee table, an occasional seat for the living area, an additional seat for the dining table and, for some models, a single foldaway bed (check Dimensione).

3) BE CREATIVE!

Storage doesn’t only come in the form of built-ins. You don’t want to fill your space with built-in cabinets because this will make your interiors look more like a walk-in closet or a pantry than a home. Be discreet with your storage. Consider fitting large drawers under your bed frame and using seats (stool, ottoman, and even upholstered sofa) with hidden storage. Maximize small corners. Instead of an end table, consider a slim chest of drawers which has more storage space. Above all, take only what is essential (see #1).

4) OPTICAL ILLUSIONS

How to make your small space look bigger? First, simplify interior elements to minimize visual clutter. Use less color contrasts (go monochromatic), less details, and less number of furniture. If you want color and details, limit them to just a couple of accent pieces.

Second, maintain an open plan layout. Avoid using dividers or screens because they just chop your small space into several minute spaces. Instead, define areas by arranging your furniture into groups and adding an element that will emphasize their centers such as an area rug or a pendant lamp.

Third, blur elements that signal boundaries/space limits such as walls, corners, and edges (photos above). Choose accent lighting over general overhead lighting. Accent lamps create a play of light and shadow that create depth, while general lighting make everything visible, and accentuating all four walls and corners of your little space. Add depth to walls by placing a large mirror, especially the tall kind (door height), that seem to create a door on the wall leading to a different room.

5) BE TRANSPARENT

Avoid bulky-looking furniture and add depth to a space by going for “transparent” pieces—a dining table with a clear glass top, chairs with a see-through backrest, and buffet cabinets with frosted glass doors.

6) ADD TEXTURE NOT CLUTTER

While it is encouraged to keep interior elements simple, you are not discouraged to give your space a theme and personality. Decorate with your belongings. If you love reading, use your books to decorate your shelves (top image).

Combine surface materials and introduce simple accent prints so your interiors won’t look dull and boring. Natural texture is not limited to wood. Indigenous materials (below) such as coco shell, crushed bamboo, buri, rattan, and abaca, blend well with wood. Use them for accent pieces if you want to maintain a clean modern look. Combine these with metallic accents to add a “kick” and to avoid monotony.

7) RENDER YOUR SPACE WITH LIFE

Use plants for decorating (above). Apart from adding color and texture to your interior, plants help clean your indoor air. For those who do not have a balcony where you can occasionally expose your plants to sunlight, choose plants that can tolerate low light levels. Examples of low maintenance indoor plants (based on my experience) are sanseviera, yellow water plant, some types of bromeliads, and dracaena.

space matters: a swanky bachelor’s pad

For our male readers, here’s a modern design for a bachelor’s pad created by Frenjick Quesada and Hisako Hirayama of Design HQ. What makes this condominium space unique is the unexpected Filipino twist added into its design. This space shows how modern design can be both high in style and big in personality. Read on to know more.

This bachelor’s pad features a clean modern design. Although the condominium space is undeniably masculine, elements of warmth and comfort were consciously integrated by reflecting the owner’s personality and interests onto the design.

A dramatic palette of chocolate brown and warm grays renders the space. Complementing textures of wood and leather were contrasted with stainless steel and other metallic accents, creating a cozy environment for relaxing while, at the same time, being a chic space for entertaining friends.

The client is an avid reader and has a wide collection of books. So, instead of storing the books inside closed cabinets, we decided to showcase them as an integral part of the interior design. Different types of built-in open shelves were carefully added throughout the unit to keep the books organized while making them a part of the interesting composition of the interiors. 

There were shelves fitted above the windows, together with a customized step ladder, to maximize the space.

In both the entertainment area and the bedroom, there were drawers built under the ledges to further improve the functionality of the space.

An interesting feature of the design is the Filipino bone-and-wood inlay applied throughout the interiors. This detail was made modern by using customized linear patterns inspired by the client’s Arturo Luz painting displayed in the dining wall. The patterns, reminiscent of the art deco style, were applied to drawer faces, the coffee table top and key furniture pieces. 

Another unique use of the bone-and-wood inlay is its application as a monogram on select chairs, spelling the client’s initials in Braille. The same approach was used for the main bookshelves, whose decorative wood panels have inlays that spell “books”.  A star pattern was also developed for some drawer faces, since the client’s name literally translates into the word “star”.

*photos by Erik Liongoren courtesy of Design HQ

space matters: a bachelor’s pad

Here’s something for the guys–a design for a bachelor’s pad.

The owner is a young economist currently pursuing his doctorate degree in UP. For several years, he was based in Bangkok (we want to go there!), working for the International Labor Organization. Now that he’s back in Manila, he finally got himself his own place. Because his loft-type condo unit is quite a challenge with it’s compact size, he asked for the help of an interior designer to maximize the space.

Like most men (i’m not sure if you’ll take my generalization on this, considering that I only have four male friends!), his space requirements and personal style are very simple and straightforward.  His designer seemed to understand this and made functionality as the main focus of the design. Everything incorporated into the space has its purpose. While aesthetics is equally important in order to create a visually comfortable space, it is only secondary.

The design paid attention on fitting everything into the small space. The designer’s strategy to make the interiors look bigger is easy–keep things simple, compact and, most imporatantly, clean and organized. As for the decor, he went for a contemporary theme with hints of Asian textures and details. His own stuff were integrated into the design to make the space look and feel more personal. His books and dvds are displayed on open shelves both in the living area and the bedroom. A series of framed buddha images and a pair of miniature tuktuk, which he acquired from Bangkok, were used to accessorize the unit. In addition to these, a couple of plants, such as a potted dancing lady orchid and a cut leaf from a bird’s nest fern, complete the modern tropical ambiance. 

If you want to get this contemporary look for your guy’s space, here’s the list of the stores which you can refer to:

          Living area furniture: Edia and AGP

          Computer area furniture: Edia

          Mirrors, dining set, and bed frame: 1903 Furniture, MarketMarket

          Lamps: Azcor

          Accessories: Rustan’s and Crossings Department Store