Small Space? Think Big San Francisco Chronicle

Small Space? Think Big
San Francisco Chronicle

As host of BBC home makeover show "House Doctor", Ann Maurice has developed a knack for finding the potential in less than ideal homes. Recently the longtime Bay Area resident was able to put her talent to use closer to home with this SF studio renovation. The cramped floor plan and slanted ceilings of the original unit left much to be desired, but with a few major and minor changes, Maurice was able to breath new life into it...

073009 small space chron2.jpg Big changes included lowering the floor into the crawl space below, increasing the ceiling height a full two feet. Not a possibility for many of us, but smaller changes like adding a floating sideboard in the entry and using lots of reflective surfaces work for renters too. Our favorite small space solution was the ingenious idea of hiding the TV in - wait for it - the kitchen island. Yup! It can still be viewed from the living room, but doesn't become the focal point of the area - a great idea for frequent entertainers or infrequent television watchers. See more images of this renovation and get lots of other useful tips from Ann Maurice at SFGate.