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MAKING A LITTLE SPACE GO A LONG WAY

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:50:45 +0000

The common grouse among flat-owners is not having enough of space. Well, this is a problem one has to live with. But, is finding space such a problem? Not if you get your priorities right – and if you do, you’ll discover that there is enough space after all, with some to spare for future use. The remodeling expert was asked by the owners of an HDB Point-Block Apartment to design a “comfortable, but not too flashy” home for them and to leave space for any ideathey may have in the future.

The owners, a young couple with not children (yet), adopted a practical approach to the design – why waste space when you don’t need to?

As you will see from the layouts of the living, lounge and dining rooms which the designer presented, the emphasis has been on providing the maximum comfort in the minimum amount of space. Lot of space all round. The counter top is in laminated red. Black and white tiles for the background, grey and green for the flooring which the designer though would create a modern and slightly “daring” kitchen.

MASTER BEDROOM

This was basically a combination of normal bedroom furniture which had been bought by the owners before they decided to seek our expert’s advice. However, a color scheme of pastel grey, peach and beige was suggested to complement the furniture which has a pinewood finish.

CLINIC DESIGNS

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:36:35 +0000

The idea was to design a clinic with a difference. It was to be place where patients could feel are ease and not be intimidated by impersonal whites walls and narrow hallways. It had to have a feeling of warmth: it had to be cozy. The clients wanted a design which incorporated contemporary elements that would fit into a harmonious, functional whole. This was the brief which William Lim Associates, affirm of architects, urban planners and development consultants, worked from. The team was determined to break away from the stereotype-image that many people tend to have about clinics. They have certainly succeeded.

The focus of the design is on the main reception area. The visitor is pleasantly surprised when he walks though the short entranceway and encounters an open space, with curved partitions that form a circular section. These partitions are kept low enough to allow a series of concentric rings to “fall” from the centre and “spill” into the surrounding rooms. The approach has made the small waiting room appear larger than it actually is.

The centre of the ceiling is positioned away from that of the waiting area to create a sense of movement towards the reception cum dispensary counter.

Varying shades of peach make up the color, the effect of the shooting scheme is heightened by golden glow of the indirect incandescent lighting. Furniture pieces in charcoal grey lamination provide the lift to the monochromatic scheme.

THE EXPERIMENT

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:30:06 +0000

A room was converted into a music den. This is Andrew’s pride and joy. Here he spends many hours experimenting with the latest sound systems. He had always dreamed of having a room like this – now it’s finally come true. Worked round a black and white theme, the effect is stunning and dramatic. Matching black and white accents were included with touches of brass for contrast.

Bedroom

In this is a queen-size bed, a credenza and a wardrobe-cum-dresser. Color scheme: blue. This can also be used as a guestroom and has a pullout bed-sofa and card table (a mahjong table, too, if required). There is a small dresser with the wardrobe. The color scheme proposed: brown and gold. If you study the layouts closely, you will discover that while space has been utilized, a lot has been saved. That’s sensible planning.

Lounge

In the lounge is a three seater sofa, two armchairs and a settee – all upholstered and covered in brown-pink fabric. The wallpaper is pastel pink with a monochromatic “island” carpet. Tables and side-tables are in light-textured wood to blend with the pastel scheme. There is a small panel on one of the walls to give an illusion of depth and help to “frame-up” the setting as a whole with some artwork and potted plants to make things cool and cozy.

Dining Area

Six people could sit quite comfortably and enjoy their meals at the space-saving dining table. The table is also in light wood to match the lounge furniture. Right beside it in a corner, is a cabinet for cutlery, crockery and some decorative items. A tall plant near one wall sets off the theme. Notice how the continuity from the lounge is a maintained? There is a sideboard (3ft high) next to the tall plant which can be used as a display cabinet. A large piece of artwork on a wall which faces the dining set is recommended, and a low pendant lamp over the table.

THE SUITABLE BEDROOM

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 15:25:31 +0000

This is a small room and the designer though the best way to show up its features would be to limit the amount furniture in it. A warm color scheme was selected to give the room a larger appearance. A small carpet-rug to match the decor: thin, sheer curtains with gold and pink trimmings. The transparent affect allowed a view of the balcony outside the windows and door. A single twin-bed was put in instead of a queen-size one because of space restrictions, with a side table next to it and some plants. The small, gold table lamp helped greatly to set the mood. The interior “make up” of a flat or a house can be unique and beautiful without spending a great deal of money if a designer uses his innovative ideas well. The reward is that the owners are totally satisfied.

STUDY

A study was requested the owners and since the rooms have been fully utilized, the designer decided to use the space on the balcony for this purpose. Good thinking, because the balcony is seldom used by the owners. Full-height, sliding glass doors seal off the balcony and a series of collapsible doors on either side provide-privacy, when needed. Within is a writing desk and chair, bookshelves with drawers. And, to give it a cozy feeling, a small carpet and throw-cushions have been put in as well as a reading lamp on a side table. If more coziness is desired, include bamboo chick or slim, vertical blinds to cut off the sunlight. There’s also room for an easy chair.