There’s an art to designing a home or room with angles—here’s how the pros do it. 

From angled walls to tight corners, a space that isn’t a perfect box can seem daunting to style. Luckily, a little strategy can go a long way.

“Oddities in homes are what make them seem interesting,” says Tori Brownrigg, an interior designer with Begrand Fast Design in B.C. 

Brownrigg, alongside fellow designer and creative director Nicole Begrand-Fast, was put to the test while designing the penthouse suites at Movala, a luxury lakefront property in Kelowna, B.C. Between narrow layouts, columns, and corners of all types courtesy of kinks in the buildings’ shape, the designers had to get creative with their California-inspired design. 

Here are the strategies the duo used to maximize the spaces while introducing a heaping dose of experience-focused luxury. 
 

1. Scale

When you’re working with angles, “every inch counts,” says Begrand-Fast. That said, maximizing space doesn’t necessarily mean having to use small-scale furnishings.

“You can still have a big shower, for example, it just needs to be scaled properly,” she says.

In the penthouses, the primary ensuite bathrooms are tucked behind strategic millwork walls that separate them from the bedrooms. Although the bathrooms appear narrow, luxe design touches (like the shower’s privacy wall) keep the space looking airy.

2. Lean into the 'oddities'

An angled wall or quirky nook may require some extra thought, but it can provide an opportunity for a design statement. 

“Make it a moment,” says Begrand-Fast. Rather than letting these spots fall by the wayside, take advantage of them. An angular closet could be great for a vacuum or offer a spot for strategic hooks and hangers. 

A kink in the design of the building ended up helping the penthouses feel even more spacious by unintentionally dividing the space in two. “It feels like a home where you have two floors,” says Brownrigg.

3. Shift your perspective

Quite literally looking at your space from a different view—such as a floor plan—can help you visualize the layout better. “It’s okay to have an angled wall, but it can be hard to see that from a regular point of view,” says Brownrigg.

A tight corner or angled ceiling, for example, can be a great spot for a reading nook or niche.

“Be open to out-of-the-box, unconventional layouts,” adds Begrand-Fast. You may have to play around with furnishings to find what works best for you and your lifestyle. Keep in mind what’s important to you in your design, be it doorways or sightlines. 

In this bedroom, the bed had to sit perfectly at the end of the room. Not only does that placement offer beautiful views of the lake, it creates a natural privacy barrier. 

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