“What are the 4 important things I should prioritize for my condo or small home? Should they focus on Storage? Comfort? Safety? Lifestyle?”
Being an interior designer for more than a decade, I have worked with different types of spaces that come in different sizes as well. Name it and I’ve seen spaces as small as 20sqm that should fit everything in it. I find it challenging and amusing at the same time. If you are designing your condo or small home here are some tips to consider:
- First priority is to define the function of the space and determine its users. How many will live in that home? What are their needs and wants? Is this a weekend home, 2nd home or a permanent residence? With this in mind you can allocate space for their particular lifestyle. Ex: Do they fo to work and spend most of the time sleeping in this space? Then I suggest more of a relaxing comfy bedroom. Is it intended as a dormitory space for your kids? Then you need working tables and study area.
- Second tip is to use a multi functional piece like sofa-bed with storage, a bed to desk furniture, a center table that can also be used as ottomans, etc. Having this 2 in one, 3 in one or all in one piece saves a lot of space and serves its purpose well.
- Third most important thing is storage, storage and storage. Any space will look cluttered if you don’t have space to keep your things. Storage space doesn’t have to be huge cabinets that will take up all your precious space. You can conceal this under your bed or use an overhead cabinet so you can still use the same area for other things. One trick I do with storage is to make the doors “invisible” by doing a camouflage. For example, I design a layered wall that acts as an accent without people noticing that it’s also the door to my cabinet.
- Fourth tip is to have the right proportion and pieces of furniture. You cannot afford to have an impulse buy, measure your space and make sure that you will get fits perfectly on your space. Customize if you must. It will give you that overall balanced look and serves same function as oversized/readymade furniture.
Living in a small space does not mean living out of style so choose items carefully. Remember, every square meter is important and every inch counts so whatever you put in your small home matters.
Aside from shelves, what other stylish pieces can serve as storage?
You may use ottomans or bench with storage, chest type center table where you can put your stuff inside, divider with inches can also the trick.
What accessories can I place at home to make it more cozy (without breaking my budget)?
There are lots of accessories that you can put to decorate your home and make it look cozy without breaking your budget. Look for existing souvenirs from your trips and getaways. Print your favorite pictures and frame them. These mementos will add character to your home, at the same time are good conversational pieces. You may also add some carpet, throws and throw pillows for that plush comfy look.
I have kids at home, and it’s hard to pick out furniture. Do you suggest any furniture materials/types that are safe for my children?
For homes with kids, safety is our primary concern. Rounded edges are your friends. Avoid sharp corners when choosing your furniture. Nowadays, furniture and accessories intended for outdoors are likewise suitable indoors. Considered to withstand severe weather conditions, these furniture are certainly tough enough for the playroom. Indoor/outdoor fabrics are great for upholstered pieces that get a lot of wear, not to mention – spills.
I like having my friends over to my small condo. But, they always sit on my bed. What can I do?
If you are the type who wants to keep your bed private, you might want to put a divider that separates your bedroom from your living area. If that is not possible, another option is to put an ottoman at the foot of your bed so that your friends will sit there instead. You might want to put an area rug with bean bags and huge pillows to attract them to sit around and hang out on that area.