Due to the current cost of housing, developers and home owners are constantly searching out creative and intelligent uses for space. Homes are becoming more efficient in size in order to appeal to a wider variety of home buyers. With Vancouver’s introduction of Micro Housing, homes could soon be less than 300 square feet and the need for good design and smart furniture choices will become increasingly important. In order to achieve maximum utility in a home, you need to consider not only how a floorplan creates efficiency but also how design items and furnishings can make the space more efficient.
A smart space starts with a good architectural floorplan design. Maximizing space, while maintaining smooth traffic flow, is key. Hallways can be one of the largest sources of wasted space while door openings and swings can negatively impede the home by interrupting wall spaces or blocking traffic flow. Sliding or pocket doors can often help efficiency and new designs and hardware make them better to look at than in recent history.
Increased ceiling heights can make a small space feel much bigger while also creating opportunities to create overhead storage. Large windows will bring in natural light as well as help create a feeling of bringing the outside in. And of course, although the outside space is not counted in the square footage of the home, it can have a huge impact on the living space of the home by providing additional areas for gathering.
Beyond the architecture of your home, there are also other design tools which can help make a space function better. Things like a ‘lazy susan’ in cabinet corners, pull-out pantries, bathroom vanities for added storage, and custom sized shelving can vastly improve the use of every square inch. Pre-wiring electrical into walls, and providing extra backing on the drywall, allows for wall mounting of televisions and electronics thus eliminating the need for large entertainment centres.
In terms of furnishing your smart space, create a look that is aesthetically consistent. This will allow the eye to flow freely from one space to another thus making the space appear larger. Stores like Ikea or The Container Store offer a variety of space saving solutions, while Urban Barn offers a variety of furniture options that are designed specifically for the condo lifestyle.
Looking for small spaces that are well designed for inspiration? Check out HQ* in South Vancouver or Drake in Calgary – two communities with small homes, yet very functional plans.
Cameron McNeill
*Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale.
