Divide and define spaces in smaller homes
Repurposing space in a small home presents unique challenges. Those who live in a loft understand what I'm talking about.
It is tricky to create “rooms” in one, open space. When I was studying design in college, the Buckminster Fuller geodesic dome was the hot topic. What always disturbed me from an interior design perspective was how one could arrange a single open space into human scale areas with defined purposes.
Lots of people like wide open spaces, but functions still need to be clarified.
The job is not only difficult in a dome. Contemporary architecture often sets the stage with strong, open spaces and goes back to the Frank Lloyd Wright pattern.
Many of the post World War II ranch-style homes proliferate many U.S. cities today and typically had at least two rooms open and adjacent to each other. Some were separated from an entry by a built-in half wall or a decorative panel of some type. It was nothing like a formal foyer and generally the front door spilled right into a living room. You could often see the living room, kitchen and family room once you walked into the house.
In fact, these ranch models are now often the “starter” homes and removing walls is extremely common in those that were built with more separation. It is the best way to coax 900 to 1,200 square feet into feeling larger. However, there are also numerous ways to use furnishing to accomplish the same purpose.
Consider a few ideas beginning with that of defining space with an area rug.
What I particularly admire about this contemporary rug, pictured, is it uses a geometric shape to identify a “room” within open space. Think about how the oval or round rug might immediately shout “This is a new area!” in any square-shaped room.
Area rugs work effectively in foyers, living and dining rooms and transition spaces when used to create a new area. Be sure to use a nonskid pad underneath to minimize possibility of tripping when going from hard surfaces. You can also achieve the same idea on tiled floors by changing the tile size or color under a dining table or in an entry. The tile pattern can create an area rug without changing materials.
Another space-defining piece could be an open bookcase. Bookcases can be set in place to create a permeable “wall” between rooms. You can easily fashion your own foyer by incorporating a bookcase or two to one side of the front door. Bookcases might be used between an open living room and kitchen, between a kitchen and family room or in a bedroom to define a small home office or exercise area. In a large enough bedroom, a bookcase could also mark out the private area for two kids who share a room.
Another trick of the trade is to use a pair of chairs or a love seat with their backs to the entrance of the room as a barrier. Do not be fearful of blocking entry, just as long as there is left over space that one can walk through. That is often why a full-size sofa doesn't work as well in a smaller living room.
Please, if the furniture you own is not the optimum size for such a layout, refrain from pretending that it will work. Furniture arrangements function only when the dimensions are correct. Don't be lazy. Either sell incorrect pieces or give them away for a tax deduction and buy the right size.
Another more subtle way of creating rooms within larger area could be with lighting. Ceiling lighting can trace the borders of a room. In an apartment you might consider use of floor standing torchere lamps or even table lamps that sit on end tables, sofa back tables or even in a bookcase.
• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of “Small Space Living.” Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.
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