We had the opportunity to pick the brain of LA's architect to the stars, David Applebaum. While some might think that an architect (especially during times like these) is a luxury, David reminds us that an architect should be trained to coax the most luxury and livability out of every square foot. While he couldn't reveal any juicy secrets of his famous clients, he did let us in on a few tricks to make any small space feel roomy.
- The theme to making a space seem larger is to always keep the eye moving. The easiest way to accomplish this is a serious editing job. And that step is the most difficult. Cramped and cluttered spaces feel smaller.
- A Murphy bed. This is an efficient concept since the bedroom is mostly unused during the day and the living room similarly unused during the night. In exchange for the extra effort of closeting the bed, one utilizes the space for its need when required.
- Dining tables can also do double duty for dinner parties at night and function as a work desk during the day.
- A rolling Craftsman toolbox is great for kitchen utensils.
- A framed mirror can give off the appearance of a window and a mirrored wall will make the room feel twice as large. In addition, a framed mirror placed on the wall perpendicular to a window will create the illusion of another window. Large or small, mirrors will break down the solidity of the walls on which they hang. My primary advice is to be creative, but not to overdo it.
- Another trick is to edit anything that looks heavy. That means replacing the shag carpet with one that has a low pile, wood or tile. It also means replacing thick drapes with blinds, shutters or a translucent, gauzy material.
- Paint is a great way to open up a small space and you can start by differentiating the ceiling color from the wall color. Another trick is to subtly vary the color of each room to accentuate the spatial differences. What's more, a certain luster will make a room look larger. And to take that one-step further--stripes are a fun way to keep the eye moving and make your rooms look larger.
- After you have removed those heavy drapes, borrow elements from both sides of the glass and extend your living space outdoors. Matching the materials, colors and elements on both sides of the glass will literally expand your room. For instance, if you match the tiles or decking of your exterior to the interior room, that room will look like it continues beyond the glass.
- An easy DIY project that targets the most under-utilized wall space of any home or apartment--the area that is just above the doors and windows. A shelf that circles the room just above the header of the doors and windows, like a halo, will provide heaven sent storage that you never knew you had.
- If you are really tight on space, things like stools, cleaning supplies and electronics might be forced into view. So buy the well-designed vacuum and the cleaning products that were designed by a professional.
--Thanks David!
[Image on first page from House Tour: Greg and Laura's Space Maximizing Bungalow]
Dining table as a desk - just as horrible as sleeping on a fold-out sofa.
view bromelia's profile
I agree-- it also invites clutter. Office work is not always simple to put away at the end of the day, so it's better to have a space that can be closed off or hidden away.
Otherwise, I think his advice was quite useful. I do question the need to always make things look bigger or more spacious. Sometimes coziness should to work its way into the picture, too.
view taritac's profile
I really enjoy the lines and color of the couch.
view eml35's profile
I disagree with the comments about using a desk/dining table. I've done it for 11 years and haven't used a "home office" in years. Candidly, it works for those people whose office needs can be confined to laptops, a small amount of supplies, a few binders or books, and small printers. (BTW - I LOVE my wireless printer - it's now in the bedroom closet.) It would be challenging if I had to have sample boards or other large items out all the time. Since my work is mostly on the computer, I just need a credenza or buffet with drawers (or baskets) nearby to hold office supplies and at least one section behind doors were I can stick (stuff) reference books or file folders.
view dcaries's profile
Dining table that doubles for dinner parties at night....Huh??
view peachpie's profile
dcaries, yes, I see your point. I guess I was thinking about how I work. I tend to make a HUGE mess when I'm working on a project or report and I can't move it until I'm done with it since I seem to have a strange spatial memory for lack of a better term. I can't seem to remember where I was when I return to a project if I've stacked up everything or put stuff away in drawers. I'm definitely an "out-of-sight-out-of-mind" kind of person, so if I put stuff away, it doesn't exist to me anymore.
view taritac's profile
i like the chair in the dining/desk area.
and yes it is very tiring to clean up the clutter so that the table can be used for something else.
i guess it takes certain needs for big workspace and effort to work on a dining table.
this is a pretty spacious home for an old southern california house. they really used the space wisely.
view Mr. Programmer's profile
I don't understand the tip about painting the ceiling a different color than walls. . . I know this is the norm but I've heard it can open up a small space to have the ceiling and wall color the same . . . that way the eye doesn't stop at the low ceiling line but keeps traveling across the room.
view Griffin's profile
cool murphy bed!
i dunno if a dining table can be used for an everyday desk, but i use mine for projects. every dedicated 'dining room' i've seen in my life looks abandoned 99% of the time.
i'd actually agree with the tip about ceiling and walls. i moved into my place and the walls, molding, and ceiling were the same color. it just looked weird and cavernous. even the guy moving out admitted it was a mistake. the convention of keeping the ceiling white and coloring the walls isn't an accident. not to mention, ceilings are a b*tch to paint.
view semolina's profile