Small Space Solutions from Architect Andrew Wilkinson Metropolitan Home

The new issue of Metropolitan Home features an "Apartment Life" section showing some of architect Andrew Wilkinson's work. Along with presenting his redo of a 600 square foot apartment, he offers some great small space solutions and ideas that make lots of sense for small home dwellers - especially those thinking about reconfiguring their space. Jump below for the short list:

1) Take advantage of deep closets by adding shelving at the back. The article states, "Closets deeper than 24 inches are prime candidates for double duty storage. For a 36 inch deep closet, use the front part for hanging and the back 12 inches for an adjustable shelf system for seasonal storage or shoes. Access the shelves by pushing aside the hanging clothes".

2) Use below-counter height cabinets in the kitchen and avoid floor to ceiling cabinets. Wilkinson says that by keeping cabinets low, you help promote the perception of a larger space. Cabinets close to the ceiling reduce the ceiling surface area, giving the room a smaller appearance overall.

3) Consider using storage cabinets to separate rooms instead of walls. Wilkinson points out that adding a wall to seperate space takes up around 4 inches. He suggests using a storage piece instead. A 13 inch deep piece is 9 inches wider, but the difference can be split between the two rooms and "the volume of storage gained is quite substantial".

For the entire article, pick up the October issue of Met Home. For more on Andrew Wilkinson, visit his website.

Top Photos: Left, by Walter Lee and Right, by James Shanks. Photo below by Walter J. Lee. All via Wilkinson Architects.

Wow, I looooove that kitchen - the way it is arranged and decorated, it actually looks like a large space! :)

posted by ara133photography on September 8th 2008 at 4:32pm
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Makes me crazy when photos of "fabulous" small spaces (like the top two) just happen to have ridiculously high ceilings. Seems like that's cheating! Show off some brilliant designs for small spaces that DON'T have that bonus space. Then again, maybe I'm just being cranky... and maybe I should replace the word "crazy" in sentence #1 with "jealous." : )

posted by ljbmonkey on September 8th 2008 at 4:52pm
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Thanks. Love seeing small done well.

posted by quiltmaster on September 8th 2008 at 5:21pm
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like the dividing wall suggestion...

posted by JonathanB on September 8th 2008 at 6:30pm
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I spoke with Andrew Wilkinson about 4 years ago when I was looking for a new home. I had seen a wonderful little apartment on Bleecker Street that he designed for a young couple, and it blew me away. It was only 400 sq feet, if that big, but it felt luxurious. I called him, and he could not have been nicer or more charming. He appears to truly love what he does. He's not cheap, but he certainly respects a budget, and he loves to get the most for your dollar.

posted by mb_unionsqr on September 8th 2008 at 6:52pm
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I hate to be negative but I find those very ugly in many ways. Very choppy and bad materials.

posted by LoriSF on September 8th 2008 at 8:56pm
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This is all well and good when you have money and are in a situation where you can make structural changes. The majority are not in a position to do stuff like this.

posted by jooly on September 9th 2008 at 5:01am
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