April 15th, 2009
I Heart… Bachelor Apartment Living
I’m in awe of this apartment. It’s only 400 sq ft, but because it’s so clearly planned out, it doesn’t seem all that small at all (judging from the pictures anyway). It has a really well thought out and carefully arranged floor plan which is something I can definitely vouch for. Having been living in small quarters for the past four yearsi I’ve definitely learned that planning and zoning is key to a successful living space. Aesthetics aside, design isn’t just about making something pretty; it’s about creating something that’s functional, meets your needs, and ultimately, something that makes you feel happy and want to spend time in the space you’ve created.
This apartment was featured in the Summer/Fall 2003 Special Issue “Small Spaces” of Canadian Style at Home magazine. And while it’s slightly outdated and the decor isn’t to my taste (not a fan of layered shades of brown, it’s too murky for me and not very youthful. Nor am I a fan of things that are woven. I don’t mind wicker in very, very small doses, but all over it gives me grandma vibes), design style aside, I can really appreciate how this tiny apartment is laid out and the careful planning it must have taken to create such a cohesive, flowing and uncramped space.
View looking into the apartment from the entrance.
Above is the floor plan for the space. You can really see how tiny the space actually is; it definitely doesn’t come across in the actual photographs – a testament to the skill of the designer!
I love the idea of creating a little bed nook. One thing I’ve always hated about living in a bachelor apartment (where everything is one big room – kitchen/bedroom/living area) is having my sleeping area as part of my living area. I like to have my own separate sleeping space. And when a 1 bedroom apartment isn’t possible, this is a great alternative – using screens to divide off a secluded area. The only thing that would drive me crazy is the bed being pushed right against the wall; it would be a nightmare to make. :P
I love that they also used the back of an existing piece of furniture (a storage cabinet) as a headboard and mounted a floating shelf with task lighting for bedtime reading. It saves extra floor space that a night table would have taken up. I highly vouch for the floating shelf as a night table. I installed one in my current apartment, and while it doesn’t look nearly as beautifully accessorized or uncluttered as the shelf aboveii, I love mine so much. I have a queen sized bed (yes, I realize that’s not practical in a small space, but it’s all I’ve got at the moment) and a keyboard in my bedroom, which left no space for extra furniture.
View of the opposite end of the bed nook which houses a small desk. You can also see their closet space which is concealed by a fabric curtain. I like the idea of removing chunky closet doors in a small and instead using a curtain. It has a much softer and dreamy look for a bedroom, and also saves space that would have had to be allotted for opening the door.
The dining and extended kitchen area. Unfortunately there aren’t any photographs of the kitchen (or washroom) from this apartment, so this is the only glimpse we get. It’s an interesting use for an armoire – as a place to conceal extra dishes and appliances, but hey, if it keeps the ugly hidden, it works for me.
The living area. I’ve always loved using unconventional pieces as coffee tables. These woven stools are wonderful. They have a nice round shape (the last thing needed in a small space is some chunky piece of furniture which takes up more visual space than necessary) and also work double duty – they can be used as extra seating.
And last but not least, storage! I’m blessed in my current apartment with having many huge closets so storage isn’t a huge issue for me, but I know I won’t always be so lucky. Visually appealing storage on the other hand can be quite the feat though. I love open shelving – it lends a more airy and flowing quality to the space, while giving you the opportunity to display beloved items, but I also fear it for myself personally. I have a lot of stuff. And not all of it is pretty. I like what they did here by adding areas of frosted glass to the doors to conceal the less gorgeous items.
So now that I’ve blabbed your ears off, any thoughts on small space living? Could you do it? While I’m a big pack rat, I’ve always dreamed of the perfect small space. With the proper organization, space planning, and furniture, I think it can work really well. Small does not have to allude to cramped.
Images via Small Space Style.
- I think my current apartment is around 500 sq ft – the largest space I’ve had to date. My smallest apartment was about 300 sq ft; my bed was literally in my kitchen. It was beside the stove/oven. (»)
- Among other things, I’ve got a stack of books I’m reading, hand lotion, my alarm clock, my journal, and a few photographs. (»)
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Ally » 15 April 2009
I definitely think small spaces can work with the right organization, etc. I like having space and not being claustrophobi-sized (my own made up word, but it works) but I also like nesting and being comfortable, so I think I could live in a small space.
That space is beautiful (planned) for sure… but yeah, all the brown and wicker is murky and outdated as you said. Warm though, s0rt of.
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