At Arocordis Design, we often collaborate with clients who have eyes bigger than their stomachs, or honestly, home design ideas bigger than their budget. If this sounds like you what do you do in cases like that? Whether a new custom home, addition, or major renovation this mindset applies equally well. As Vermont architects, we advocate for and design harder-working buildings and spaces that do more than one job. This short article focuses on interior space planning and design but also can be applied to the design of an overall new home or large addition or wing.
What does doing more than one job mean? Well, toss out single-use rooms like a dining room or a formal entry area. Work to integrate that dining function into a flexible open space living area. Create a mudroom that doubles as the main entry. With ideas like this, we can help you cut out some of those single-use rooms from your space program and save hundreds of square feet, which can reduce overall construction costs by tens of thousands of dollars.
But after we hone your space program, what do you do then? We recognize small spaces can be a challenge to design, but with the right tips and tricks, you can maximize the potential of your space and create a functional and stylish home. In this blog post, we will share top design tips we advocate for in our design process with clients to maximize their modern-inspired small home and space design.
1. Create Zones and Connect Spaces Together
Creating different zones in a series of small spaces can make the entire home feel more spacious, functional, and organized. Use the ceiling heights and soffits, furniture, and rugs to define different areas and zones, such as a living room, dining room, and workspace. This will create a sense of flow between spaces and make the interior of the home feel less cluttered and unified.
2. Don't Be Afraid to Go Vertical
When you have limited space available, it's important to use every inch of your home. Consider going vertical with your design by using floor-to-ceiling shelving, built-ins, hanging plants, and artwork. This will draw the eye up and make the space feel bigger.
3. Choose the Right Lighting Design Approach and Optimize Daylighting
The right lighting can make an enormous difference in small home designs and harder-working interior spaces. Use multiple light sources, such as floor lamps, table lamps, overhead lighting, low voltage under cabinet, and recessed cove lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can also use similar lighting to highlight the architectural features of your home. This can add drama, function, and a sense of style to everyday living.
Use dimmer switches to adjust the lighting and create different moods in the space. Strategically placed exterior lighting on walkways, near exterior doors, garages, and on porches can further enhance the night-time experience, safety, and indoor-outdoor connections. Don't forget well-planned and located windows and doors on the exterior that maximize daylighting and views of outside spaces. All of this together will help maximize your whole house design with its smaller spaces.
4. Maximize Storage
Storage is key in a small space and or a smaller home. Look for creative storage solutions such as under-bed storage, built-in shelving, under-stairs, and wall-mounted cabinets. Use vertical space to your advantage and make use of every inch of your home.
5. Incorporate Multi-Functional Furniture
Furniture that serves multiple purposes can be a lifesaver in a small space and home. Look to use pieces you can use also for storage, seating, and sleeping. For example, a sofa bed or a storage ottoman that doubles as a coffee table can save space and add functionality to your home.
6. Use Folding and Stowing Furniture, and Pocket Doors
Folding furniture is a terrific way to save space in a small home. Look for folding chairs, tables, and desks that can stow away when not in use. Consider built-ins or kitchen cabinets with work surfaces that fold and slide away into hiding places. This will give you more floor space and make your home feel less cluttered while upping its flexibility. Pocket doors used strategically can maximize the use of limited floor area in bathrooms, closets, and other spaces.
7. Use Light Colors
Using light colors on walls and floors can make a small space look bigger and brighter. Light colors reflect more daylight, making the room feel airier and more open. Whites, creams, toned off-whites, and light grays are great color choices for small spaces.
8. Add Mirrors
Mirrors can create the illusion of more space by reflecting light and making the room feel bigger. Place mirrors strategically to reflect natural light and create a sense of depth in the room. They also can enhance daylighting and the airy feel of a room or a series of spaces.
9. Use Textures and Patterns
Textures and patterns can add depth and dimension to a small space or focal points in rooms within a small home. Use patterned wallpaper, or a textured rug to add interest to the room. Consider the use of varying surface materials from drywall to wood or to stone to create spatial highlights or focal points. Keep the patterns and textures simple and cohesive to avoid overwhelming the space.
10. Keep It Simple
In a smaller home with smaller spaces, less is more. Avoid clutter and keep the interior architecture and design simple and streamlined. For furniture, make a statement with a few hard-working pieces with multi-purpose flexibility, and keep the rest of the decor minimal. This will create a clean and uncluttered look that will make your space feel bigger.
By following these design tips, you can maximize the potential of your smaller spaces and create a functional and stylish home. Remember to create zones, go vertical, and choose the right lighting and daylighting approaches, along with maximizing storage. To further unify your small home and space design, consider the use of mirrors, incorporate multi-functional furniture, use folding and stowing furniture, and pocket doors. Be sure to use light colors, strategically used textures and patterns, and most of all keep it simple.
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Ready to plan the design of your dream home? Arocordis Design can help bring your vision to life. Our team of experts specializes in small, energy-efficient, attractive, and flexible home design. This is perfect for vacation homes, weekend cabins, accessory dwelling units, or homes for couples starting a family or empty nesters wanting to simplify.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you maximize your use of space and create a functional and stylish modern-inspired home with harder working spaces. With our residential architectural services, you can trust that your project is in expert hands. Don't wait, let's start together on your dream home today!