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Thinking big in small spaces Thinking big in small spaces
Thinking big in small spaces ofA conversation with Julia West, Part 1 Small spaces seem to be the big thing these days. As baby-boomers seek simplicity in smaller, uncluttered spaces, and young up-and-comers seek affordable living in minimalist condos and lofts, small spaces have become the new trend in homes. Julia West, owner of the design studio Julia West Home, tackles small space living with simple suggestions for helping you make the most of the room that you have. We sat down with her and got the following helpful tips:Q: Is the furniture you design for small spaces part of a larger trend?A: Yes, and I believe that this is a trend that is growing fast and will continue to grow. Smaller spaces in new and existing housing are a part of the reason for the trend as are the significant number of people downsizing. The latter are principally the beginning of a baby-boomer move toward retirement and are an interesting case in point for me because they are experienced users and buyers of furniture and have exacting standards both as to design and quality.I believe strongly that furniture should earn its keep by justifying the use of a scarce resource, by offering the widest possible range of uses and also by having the satisfying appeal that's the reward of attractive design and clever function. Such a reward is enjoyed by consumer, maker and designer alike. A conversation with Julia West, Part 2 Q: How did the collection start?A: It got started when I realized how much I dislike the conventional coffee table; it takes up space and does little except collect dust and a lot of household mess. Generally made at 16 to 18 inches high, coffee tables aren't comfortable relative to the conventional sofa or chair because you have to stretch and reach down to place or retrieve objects. So the first small spaces furniture that I designed addressed this problem by using a nifty mechanism that elevated the coffee table from its conventional height by bringing the top surface both up and toward the user where it rests securely before the sitting user with a relationship that's similar to that when one is sitting at a table or desk in a dining or desk chair.So the coffee table enables eating, working with pencil and pad or laptop computer and lots of other things too; jigsaw puzzles, crafts, and so on, all while seated comfortably in chair or on sofa. The inside of the coffee table is also set up to accommodate those tasks having a number of configurations to store papers, pens and pencils, the laptop and even a few hanging files for the work in progress, as well as games, puzzles, wrapping paper and all of the gadgets and booklets related to a quiet evening in front of the TV. Imagining some of the things that that coffee table didn't do, led me to think about ways in which other pieces of furniture might give service to the user and how that could be done.Q: What's in the works?A: We've been playing around for a couple of years with armoires that provide surprises. One example: traditional storage on shelves or a hanging rod with specific functional twists like a slide-out baby changing table, a second glide at keyboard height, and deep drawers in the bottom section for diaper pail and other storage, all useable later for a TV or monitor, full-width desk and places to accommodate a printer/fax/copier, paper, books and files.We continue to muse on all the ways that the traditional armoire, chest of drawers, coffee table, end table, sofa table, dining table, desk, bed and so on can serve the user so that we wring the greatest utility out of the space the furniture occupies. The uses go beyond the home to the cottage, office and school. We're presently working on furniture for schools, offices, tiny buildings and other tiny spaces.- Credit
- Arren Williams
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A touch of pink A touch of pink
A touch of pink ofMaster bedroom With room for two, the resolutely feminine home that Jodi Fisher shares with her daughter, Caia, is a sweet retreat from Vancouver’s urban hustle and bustle. At just 1,600 square feet, the petite house required some smart small space planning. Here’s how interior designer Rosemary Sleigh packed in the elegance, with Jodi’s inspired eye for art and decor lending personal glamour. A king-size bed is striking within the modest dimensions of the master bedroom, especially with a tall, sparkling bespoke headboard. Amplify the dramaHave fun with scale and details. Here, hot punches of pink introduce personality to the otherwise calm, dove grey space. In this lighthearted home, furniture choices and placement are deliberately bold. “In a small space, the pieces you select should be robust and daring,” says interior designer Rosemary Sleigh, “enough to anchor the zones.”Repeat, repeat, repeat!Successful small-space decor is an exercise in design fundamentals. The easiest example to glean from the Fisher home is repetition: the grey-on-grey palette, numerous black accents, rounded shapes, layered fabrics, and luxurious textures like smooth silk and fluffy wool. Add a smattering of one-off glam accessories, and you’ve got a poised look that begs to be emulated. “Good design principles are especially critical in a small, open plan,” says Rosemary.Let it sparkle“When working with any small space, look for ways to draw the light into the farthest reaches,” says Rosemary. In the bedroom, the custom-made quilted headboard evokes a starry night, thanks to a constellation of tiny mirrors embroidered right onto the fabric. Daughter's bedroom White and pastel pink set a girlie tone in Caia’s bedroom. A wrought-iron four-poster, twinkling chandelier and faux fur throw make the room fit for a little princess.“The space doesn’t feel small at all because of the layout, high ceilings and lots of light.” -JODI FISHER, HOMEOWNERBe playfulSmall children are a unique consideration when designing compact spaces. Streamlined living zones with lots of open space between furniture keep chaos under control as little ones race around. Creating a superplush and nifty nest (like the four-poster bed in daughter Caia’s room, heaped with pillows and a faux fur throw) means kids have a special spot to play and rest – although Caia says, “I love Mom’s princess room the best.”“The decor is really feminine – girlie, actually – and that’s just the way we like it.” -JODI- Credit
- Christina Symons
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Condo style: 9T6 Condo style: 9T6
Condo style: 9T6 of9T6 living room Cool, sophisticated and urban - that's how Mike Niven of Mike Niven Interior Design sums up his direction for the 9T6 condo development's model suite in downtown Toronto.9T6 - The bachelor pad416-484-9600; 9t6condos.comThe site - Toronto, Queen Street West & St. Patrick StreetThe specs - 222 units; 460 to 1,405 sq. ft.The price tag - $190,000 to $600,000The designer - Mike Niven, Mike Niven Interior DesignThe architect - Atkins Group Corp. ArchitectsThe developer - Camrost-Felcorp 9T6 bedroom "It sort of plays on a boutique hotel feel," Mike says of the model suite's master bedroom. Mike fashioned a headboard from a dark wood folding screen, and dressed the bed in the same dark chocolate and cream scheme that permeates the rest of the condo. A series of black and white photographs are the perfect complement to this almost achromatic space. 9T6 kitchen The kitchen, a custom design from Mike Niven specifically for 9T6, is the heart of this highrise condo. Opening onto the living room, the kitchen boasts white quartz countertops and a mirrored backsplash. "The bottom part of [the backsplash] is frosted just to give a linear component," Mike says. "It's a simple detail, but something a little different." Stainless steel pulls - harmonious with the stainless appliance suite - pop against dark wood cabinetry.- Credit
- Brett Walther
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Condo style: Lumiere Condo style: Lumiere
Condo style: Lumiere ofLumiere condo master bedroom The definitive contemporary condo in downtown Toronto, the Lumiere model suite's ultramodern aesthetic comes courtesy of munge//leung: design associates. Lumiere - The mod pod 416-591-7700; lumierecondos.comThe site - Toronto, College & Bay streetsThe specs - 326 units; 601 to 1,262 sq. ft.The price tag - $300,000 to $675,990The designers - Alessandro Munge, Sai Leung, Munge/Leung Design AssociatesThe architect - Rudy Wallman, Wallman ArchitectsThe developers - Menkes Developments and Lifetime Urban Development Group Lumiere dining area The sleek and unique linear kitchen arrangement stretches the length of the open concept living and dining area. "At the end of the day, it's no bigger than a standard kitchen, but it is very unique in that it feels a lot bigger," says designer Alessandro Munge. The contrast between the two-toned white and wenge cabinetry sets a dramatic tone that continues throughout the suite. Defining the dining area is a showstopping 60s-style light fixture that hangs above the round glass-topped Herman Miller table. Lumiere bathroom In the bathroom, a semi-recessed vessel sink rises from a marble countertop atop cabinets with a strikingly pronounced vertical wood grain. "We've chosen to answer people's concerns about counter space," says Alessandro. "We've reconfigured the arrangement of the toilet and maximized the width of the cabinets." Lumiere guest bedroom Even at 870 square feet, there's room for a queen-sized bed in the suite's guest bedroom. Here, munge//leung chose a walnut-framed bed, topped with a silver-grey felt headboard.- Credit
- Brett Walther
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25 space-saving tips 25 space-saving tips
25 space-saving tips of25 space-saving tips Nothing makes you feel more cramped in your living space than clutter and confusion. Follow our tips to help you minimize the mess and tidy up your space.1. Add shelves above doorways.2. Banish room-darkening shadows with additional light fixtures.3. Put glass shelves across deep-set windows.4. Use a chest or an ottoman with storage inside as a coffee table.5. Put low bookcases along a sofa back: they'll double as a sofa table.6. Keep the flooring throughout a small space the same for visual continuity.7. Line a room with a shelf high up on the wall.8. Keep window treatments simple.9. Run a low bookcase underneath windows.10. Stretch your space to the outdoors by making a patio or deck comfortable and welcoming.11. Place a large bucket for magazines next to your favourite chair.12. Line a hallway with bookshelves.13. Use a wicker hamper as both an end table and storage space for blankets.14. Buy a coffee table with a drawer for remotes.15. Carve out shallow display space between wall studs.16. Use fewer, larger pieces of furniture and accessories to reduce visual clutter.17. Choose sofas and chairs with plain or textured upholstery rather than vibrant prints.18. Install shelves around a window.19. Add window seats with lids.20. Run shelves up to the ceiling.21. Buy a magazine rack or stack magazines in flat-bottom baskets underneath a console or coffee table.22. Take advantage of wasted space with corner bookcases.23. Think monochromatic.24. Eliminate obstructions: the further you can see into and through a space, the larger it'll seem.25. Arrange furnishings to avoid blocking views of windows and doors. -
Small spaces: Expert solutions Small spaces: Expert solutions
Small spaces: Expert solutions ofProfessional help for small spaces Most of us have one – a small space, that is. Whether it's a hallway, living room or entire home, areas low on square footage needn't also be low on form, function and style. Check out what our experts have to say on how to make the most of it. Furnishings should be multifunctional, like a coffee table that comes with roll-out footstools for extra seating or drawers for storage. Cathy Burnell, Decorator, the Decorating Shoppe, HalifaxUse as much floor-to-ceiling wall space as possible for built-in cabinets and shelving that provide storage and/or display. Opt for leggy furniture instead of boxy or skirted upholstered pieces to create a light and airy feeling. Ilona Feldman, Design consultant, IMF Design Concepts, HamiltonInstall adjustable rods and shelves in a small closet. It allows you to adapt to seasonal and lifestyle changes while maximizing space.Evelyn Wild, Professional Organizer and Design Consultant, California Closets, Concord, Ont.Exchange swinging doors with sliding doors to free up floor space. Minimize furniture, clutter and heaviness. Monica Kuhn, Architect, Toronto Colour is one of the best tools for a small space. The trick is to keep walls and large items the same or similar colours. The line is blurred between them, decreasing the mass of the furniture and increasing the volume of the room. Mitchell Freedland, interior Designer, VancouverImage courtesy of Restoration Hardware.- Credit
- Christy Wright
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How to: Survive a small space How to: Survive a small space
How to: Survive a small space ofSmall solutions So, you've moved into a new home only to find out that it seems a lot smaller than you originally thought? Here are a few small space survival decorating tricks to make your new space not only function better, but look stylish: 1 Choose consistent colours and tones that blend evenly. If you tend to gravitate toward darker, richer tones of woods, paint colours and fabrics, then stick with that look throughout your entire space. This will help to make the space visually appear larger and keep you focused on a direct decorating scheme. 2 Be practical with the size of furnishings that can fit into a room. Today's small condos are not made for big three-seater sofas, highboy dressers, formal dining tables and large-screen TVs. This is where the value in custom-sized furniture can really pay off. 3 Add grandeur without taking up space. Items such as large pieces of art, a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, floor-standing mirrors and tall, hotel-style headboards can add a sense of roominess to any room without taking up valuable floor space.4 Invest in pieces that travel well. A six- by nine-foot area Persian rug, good artwork, stylish lamps and a comfy armchair are elements that can add style to your new space, yet travel to a new home and fit in almost any other room in the future.5 Keep draperies a similar colour to the walls. By choosing fabrics which are just a little lighter or a little darker than the paint colour chosen for the walls, you will create a soft look to frame the windows and help to visually keep the space appearing open. 6 Remember the rules of wood: darker colours for furniture and flooring tend to imply a masculine, solemn or sophisticated look to a home while lighter toned woods imply casual, fun and contemporary. Choose a look you are drawn to and stick with one wood tone throughout your space. Tiny tips 7 You can widen the look of a long, narrow room by adding a floor-standing mirror, or hanging a large mirror on a long wall. If the mirror is near a window, it will reflect more light into the room and help to brighten it up. 8 Define the various spaces within a loft with area rugs. Help to create smaller spaces within a larger space by adding area rugs in a living room setting, dining room and home office area. The rugs will help to ground each area and define its use. 9 The 66-inch sofa bed is invaluable. It is large enough to lay down on as a sofa and can sleep two (as it's a double-sized bed when pulled out). Remember to keep the upholstery somewhat neutral in colour and buy the best quality you can afford. Dress up the sofa with trendy-coloured pillows and throws for a variety of looks throughout the year. 10 Check out new technology: Flat screen TVs, stereos that hang on the wall and small computers will add a high-tech look to your space without taking up valuable floor space. Think of it as useful art.- Credit
- Karl Lohnes
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Get organized: Living well in small spaces Get organized: Living well in small spaces
Get organized: Living well in small spaces ofGetting started Janet Hennick's mission is to make people's lives easier. "You know that feeling you get when you open a drawer and can't find what you're looking for?" says the organizational consultant. "It creates so much anxiety and wastes so much time. I develop a plan to solve disorganization so my clients can focus their energy on achieving their goals." For those clients, Hennick's Toronto-based company, J.R.H. Creative Concepts, is a godsend. She helps them sort through overstuffed closets, set up home offices and even sift through stacks of photo albums. Then she teaches them how to manage the mayhem on their own. Here, she shares her ideas for creating order – in even the smallest of spaces.Q Getting organized is such a huge task that most people don't know where to start. What do you suggest?A The first thing you have to do is say, "I'm in trouble and I want to organize my life." Then you start with the area that stresses you out the most. For many people, that's a toss-up between the home office and the kitchen. If you start putting bills on that one little table in the kitchen, things are going to get lost. What creates stress is when things get scattered all over the house.Q Once you've decided which area, then what?A I create zones; no room should have more than three. In a kitchen, you'd have an eating, a cooking, and a pantry or storage zone. The key is to keep things in their zones. For instance, in the kitchen, I set up a binder that contains phone numbers and papers. I also like using the fridge. Put invitations and a calendar there so you can see them. Everything has to have a place, and you have to condition yourself to take two seconds to put things back where they belong. Organizing advice Q: What home organization mistakes do people make?A Holding onto things. The biggest culprit is paper. I know people who've had recipes for 15 years that they've never used. And most people keep stacks of magazines. My rule is, if you haven't read them in three months, send them to the hospital. If you haven't looked at a piece of clothing for a year, send it to a charity. Q OK, so you've established zones, parted with the insurance policy on the 1977 Gremlin and are ready to organize. What tools do you need?A A Daytimer -- it's the bible. You need to make time for everything in your agenda -- for meetings, but also for filing and meal planning. If the chaos in your spare room is bothering you, schedule time to organize it. Q: What are other useful home organization tools?A I love clear plastic storage bins. You can see the contents right away. You can put wrapping paper in one, and mitts and hats in another, and stack them in a closet or in the basement. I also like clear plastic garment bags. In a small room, you can put sweaters in an airtight bag and gloves and scarves in clear boxes that can all go under the bed.Q A plastic box is great in a closet, but what about in a living room?A There are lots of beautiful wicker baskets. In small living spaces, look for items that do double duty. If you don't have a linen closet, for example, use a trunk to store linens and to sit on.- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Buying guide: Condominiums Buying guide: Condominiums
Buying guide: Condominiums ofCondo conundrums Condos can be an urbanite's go-to living choice for various compelling reasons. First-time buyers often find condos more affordable than houses. Busy career folks like the fact that maintenance is taken care of by building management. Hipsters love the fact that condo buildings are often located downtown near all the action. Single women may prefer them for peace-of-mind amenities like security and concierge service. But amid fears of a softening real estate market, are condos still a smart investment? Here are three things to consider before buying.Price rangeYou know the old real estate adage: location, location, location. Condo prices vary across provinces, cities, and neighbourhoods. Here are the average sticker prices for resale condos in six major cities. While they’re indicative of the big picture, remember that prices diverge greatly depending on location.Montreal: $188,000Toronto: $360,125Winnipeg: $184,836Edmonton: $260,837Calgary: $311,816Vancouver: $387,032NOTE: Prices reflect April or May 2008 average purchase prices for resale properties defined as condos within the Metropolitan areas, except where noted. Montreal price reflects median, not average price. Toronto figure is for the downtown region. Sources: Greater Montreal Real Estate Board, Toronto Real Estate Board, Winnipeg Realtors, Realtors Association of Edmonton, Calgary Real Estate Board, The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver.Maintenance feesYou’ll never have to worry about replacing the pavers on the rooftop patio, mowing the lawn in front of your townhouse, or replacing light bulbs in the garage while you live in a condo. But convenience comes with a price, of course, in this case: monthly condo fees. When you buy into a condo, you own the inside of your unit. The outside of your unit and the land surrounding all the units is owned collectively by you and all the other condo owners. The general maintenance and insurance for these “common elements” are covered by everyone's monthly fees, as are utilities (most of the time). The more amenities your condo development boasts – concierge? extensive fitness centre? landscaped green space? – the more you’ll pay in fees. In Toronto, typical condo fees average 40 to 55 cents per square foot of your condo."Freehold" townhouses, meanwhile, don’t have maintenance fees. When you buy a freehold townhouse, you own your property indoors and out, and you alone are responsible for its maintenance. Resale considerations Resale considerationsRemember that single-family houses remain the housing stock of choice for the majority of buyers, so if you’re approaching your purchase as an investment foremost, and can afford the cost and maintenance of a house, that may be the smarter long-term choice.However, if you’re looking for a great place to call home, especially if you don’t have kids or want to avoid the hassles of house maintenance, a condo is probably right for you, right now. Some smart upgrades to enjoy today – and help you sell later – include:• Stainless-steel appliances and deluxe countertops (granite, limestone, marble, Corian or Silestone) in the kitchen• Hardwood, or eco-friendly cork or bamboo flooring throughout the unit• Quality lighting (ditch the builder’s basics that came with the unit) throughout the unit. Add function with potlights, flair with chandeliers or other pendant-style lights – and put everything on dimmer switches• Sleek glass or neutral stone-clad floors and backsplash in the bathroom, high-end hardware (faucets, hooks, towel rods etc)Remember, most condos are at their best when conveying a feeling of expansiveness (especially those on the tiny size!) and modernity, so plenty of natural light, neutral wall colours, gleaming floors and tasteful, on-trend accents will make yours attractive to potential buyers once you’re ready to move on – whether to a house or another condo.- Credit
- Yuki Hayashi
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Video: Decorating for small spaces Video: Decorating for small spaces
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Small space design Small space design
Small space design ofOur best small space design and decorating solutions for your home. Small space survivalTurn your small space into a place with big style.Design lesson: Small space strategiesKimberley Seldon shares her design principles for maximizing space in your home.Hideaway designDesigner Peter Fallico shares some space-saving solutions that'll make your small space work hard and look good.25 space-saving tipsBig or small, make the most of the space you have.Thinking bigSmall space living means less is more. Find out how to work with the space you have.Get organizedControlling clutter is the key to living in a small space.Designing for small spacesDesigner Kimberley Seldon showcases six rooms that illustrate the principles of small space living.Design lesson: Small is beautifulDesign diva Kimberley Seldon helps you make less seem like more!Design lesson: Playing with patternHow to use pattern in a small space without being overwhelmed.Professional help for small spacesSmall space struggles? Our experts come to your rescue.Small spaces: Living roomsSimple solutions for designing a small living room.- Credit
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Peter Fallico's small spaces Peter Fallico's small spaces
Peter Fallico's small spaces ofHideaway design Peter Fallico is no stranger to space-saving concerns. As a furniture-design graduate and the host of Home To Go and cohost of This Small Space, both on HGTV, Peter makes a living solving design dilemmas. However, the true test of his abilities came recently during the final stage of renovating his 850-square-foot one-bedroom flat located on the main floor and in the basement of his 1930s Toronto triplex. The challenge: combining the functions and sensibilities of a home office and a dining room in one 10- by 11-foot space. From the start, Peter aimed to uphold the room's classic, clean-cut charm dictated by its original cast-stone fireplace. "I wanted the space to be viewed as a sophisticated dining room, not to scream office," he says. "I also wanted it to maintain a masculine library feel."Since the techy look of a computer didn't mesh with Peter's elegant vision, he came up with the ultimate solution: a hideaway home office and storage area concealed within a handsome wall-to-wall built-in cabinet. "It killed two birds with one stone," says Peter, who also planned to use the cabinet for storing china and table linens. Keeping in mind all the things the unit had to accommodate, Peter ordered a set of stock cabinets from Merillat, a cabinet manufacturer. Once delivered, he assembled the upper and lower cabinetry, then added the crowning glory -- a slab of grey-and-white Carrara marble that serves as a counter/desktop. "Because the cabinetry is made of cherrywood, I was concerned about the room looking too dark and heavy," says Peter. "That's why I offset it with the light-colour marble – it adds a very classic look. The glass cabinet doors also help lighten the load."To further maintain an open, airy feeling, Peter limited the room's palette to neutral hues, including oatmeal for the dining chair fabric and taupe grey for the walls. And the cherrywood cabinet, mahogany dining table and walnut floors all contribute to the room's appeal. "They're different woods but work well together because they're all the same tone," he says.Though the room's focal point is the inviting round dining table paired with a glass chandelier, Peter has yet to use the space for formal dining. In the meantime, he's happy to have the table serve him in another capacity. "It's great for doing paperwork," he says.- Credit
- Allison Young
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Gift guide: We shopped till we dropped to find the best gifts for all the home lovers on your list; Going green: Make your home look freshly festive with do-it-yourself projects featuring lush greenery like moss, silver sage, myrtle and ferns; Decor... more -
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