Since most Kenyan landlords have decided to squeeze us into such tiny spaces, we are then faced with the dilemma of trying to make our houses functional. I am one to know that this is such a nightmare and so I’d like to share some neat ideas that can turn these small spaces into havens.
Theme
First things first, you need to have an idea of the overall look you want for your house. Going on blindly is usually a recipe for confusion. Having a theme saves you time and eventually money. Magazines would come in handy at this point. Flip through them and pick a look that best suits your needs. Keep in mind though, that some ideas only work best in large spaces so try and pick ideas in scale with your space.
Theme
First things first, you need to have an idea of the overall look you want for your house. Going on blindly is usually a recipe for confusion. Having a theme saves you time and eventually money. Magazines would come in handy at this point. Flip through them and pick a look that best suits your needs. Keep in mind though, that some ideas only work best in large spaces so try and pick ideas in scale with your space.
Colour
Light colours posses the trick of giving your space added volume, Dark colours on the other hand do the opposite. The obvious colour choice would definitely be light colours. Beige, creams, and other light shades do the trick. This however can be foregone if you want a cosy and intimate setting. You’d then use more earthy and deep shades to achieve this.
Although painting the walls would be a way to go, its sometimes beyond our range, so bring the colour in by elements you have in your house. These elements are the soft furnishings (cushions, pillows, rugs, drapery). If you have the liberty of painting the walls, then by all means do so. You can choose to be experimental with this;pick one wall and paint it a different colour for visual interest or have a paint effect.
Light colours posses the trick of giving your space added volume, Dark colours on the other hand do the opposite. The obvious colour choice would definitely be light colours. Beige, creams, and other light shades do the trick. This however can be foregone if you want a cosy and intimate setting. You’d then use more earthy and deep shades to achieve this.
Although painting the walls would be a way to go, its sometimes beyond our range, so bring the colour in by elements you have in your house. These elements are the soft furnishings (cushions, pillows, rugs, drapery). If you have the liberty of painting the walls, then by all means do so. You can choose to be experimental with this;pick one wall and paint it a different colour for visual interest or have a paint effect.
Layout
A functional furniture layout should maximize on the space. Try and use the wall space as much as possible. Avoid placing furniture in the middle of the room. Use the hidden places for storage to avoid clutter. Custom make your furniture to have more than one use. For instant, a coffee table could double up as a book shelf; a bed could have storage space under, or a cooking counter could have storage space underneath.
Avoid buying bulky furniture that take up a lot of space. Stick to clean cut designs that will stand the test of time and are not too busy to the eye. Scale furniture to your space. If possible, have them in the same colour as the walls. Avoid dark shades as these appear heavier and make the space seem smaller.
A functional furniture layout should maximize on the space. Try and use the wall space as much as possible. Avoid placing furniture in the middle of the room. Use the hidden places for storage to avoid clutter. Custom make your furniture to have more than one use. For instant, a coffee table could double up as a book shelf; a bed could have storage space under, or a cooking counter could have storage space underneath.
Avoid buying bulky furniture that take up a lot of space. Stick to clean cut designs that will stand the test of time and are not too busy to the eye. Scale furniture to your space. If possible, have them in the same colour as the walls. Avoid dark shades as these appear heavier and make the space seem smaller.
Texture and pattern
Simple patterns are ideal; these are less busy to the eye. Keep them to a minimum. If you like floral design, choose light colours and small scale for this. If you are a geometric kind of person, keep it simple.
Simple patterns are ideal; these are less busy to the eye. Keep them to a minimum. If you like floral design, choose light colours and small scale for this. If you are a geometric kind of person, keep it simple.
Accessories
Its no secret what mirrors can do to an interior, especially a small one. They add space, light and drama. Hebattula bro’s sell mirrors at very reasonable prices. They can shape it into whatever design you dream of (well almost any design). Hang it on the wall and have it add space, beauty and still use it for dressing.
Wall paintings and other accessories should be in scale with your furniture and space. Very large pieces would make the space busier. You could choose one wall where you place a collage for your pictures and avoid the rest of the walls.
Its no secret what mirrors can do to an interior, especially a small one. They add space, light and drama. Hebattula bro’s sell mirrors at very reasonable prices. They can shape it into whatever design you dream of (well almost any design). Hang it on the wall and have it add space, beauty and still use it for dressing.
Wall paintings and other accessories should be in scale with your furniture and space. Very large pieces would make the space busier. You could choose one wall where you place a collage for your pictures and avoid the rest of the walls.
Lighting
This is such an integral part of design that is always overlooked. We’ve confined ourselves to the overhead pendant lights or fluorescent tube as the source of light for our spaces; yet, the kind of transformation alternative lighting would offer, is profound. Introducing lampshades, floor lamps, wall washers and other kinds of lighting would set an interesting aura to your space.
Experiment with hidden sources for your light, for instance, behind the head board or behind the sofa. You could take it a notch higher and use different colours to add visual drama.
This is such an integral part of design that is always overlooked. We’ve confined ourselves to the overhead pendant lights or fluorescent tube as the source of light for our spaces; yet, the kind of transformation alternative lighting would offer, is profound. Introducing lampshades, floor lamps, wall washers and other kinds of lighting would set an interesting aura to your space.
Experiment with hidden sources for your light, for instance, behind the head board or behind the sofa. You could take it a notch higher and use different colours to add visual drama.
I shall be expounding on each of these ideas in later posts.