Designers have a new take on how to maximise space usage.
One of Nu Infinity's beautifully designed spaces that allow for maximum natural light exposure.
“The bigger, the better”, so the saying goes. While this may hold true for many things such as food portions, your bank account and sometimes even hearts, this wouldn’t be a good thing for your waistband or even the size of furniture in a compact residential unit.
Imagine trying to squeeze that brand new sofa set, coffee table, TV cabinet, chest of drawers and chaise lounge into a 600 sq ft studio, and you have yourself a recipe for a massive headache. Keeping things simple, the furniture basic and following a clean style is key.
Nick Fong and Alex Lee, founders of Nu Infinity, were on hand to present their talk titled 'Small is the new big' during a recent StarProperty.my Own It forum at Tropicana Metropark Property Gallery. Tropicana Metropark's latest project is Midori Flexi Suite, with built-up ranging from 435 to 798 sq ft and indicative prices starting from RM350,000. These design tips shared will certainly come in handy for these suites that face the recently completed 9-acre Central Park.
A comfortable living environment is always a welcoming respite from the hectic pace of modern life, and the dynamic duo understand what it's like to create a harmonious blend of well-rounded designs.
"We decided to venture into this business together out of passion for what we do. We believe in understanding exactly what our clients want, solving their problems and providing them with an avant-garde approach to the designing process," Alex said.
All in the colours
Rooms appears larger with a bright colour palette. ID and photo by Nu Infinity.
First off, when you walk into a room, start by deciding what effect you want to achieve. If it’s spacious and airy, then cool and soft colours such as spring lilac and pale mint are the way to go; warmer and richer shades such as pumpkin-orange and brick-red will give you the impression of a snug and cosy room. However, the rule of the thumb would be to paint everything in shades of white to open it up and make it feel sophisticated.
If whites feel bland to you, add a pop of colour in the form of one statement wall; blues, greens and greys have the ability to make it seem as though the walls are receding. To further enhance the room, a well-placed mirror will do much to solve many deco dilemmas. It could reflect and amplify light, expand walls, as well as break up visual clutter.
Go small
Rooms with small furniture pieces lessen clutter. ID and photo by Nu Infinity.
The furniture pieces should be kept simple and small so that more floor space can be seen, thus giving the illusion of a larger area. Do away with bulky coffee tables and instead use a mix of side tables to create an 'artsy' environment. Sofa sets can be replaced with upholstered stand-alone chairs or large throw pillows on the floor, allowing guests to choose where in the room they would like to get comfortable. Being able to move things around makes you feel less bound and cramped.
Smart storage
Room with wall space for built-in cupboards. ID and photo by Nu Infinity.
While regular cupboards are useful in storing lots of items and keeping the dust out, they will take up quite a bit of precious floor space. Why not start making use of alternative solutions such as storage shelves built into walls, cleverly integrated above-door shelves and racks that are custom-made to fit perfectly underneath staircases. There are even sofas and ottomans that open up to reveal spaces for your magazines and other miscellaneous items. They function the same, and your guests will be impressed by how much extra hidden space you have!
For extra brownie points, did you know that your windows can also function as a clever storage space? Where conventional wisdom once dictated that clothes needed to be hung outside for faster drying and better ventilation, there are plenty of ingenious ideas that suggest otherwise. "Windows can be an excellent substitute, but it can be quite unsightly to see wet garments plastered all over. Take to installing foldable window slats that can double as racks for all your apparel when pulled downwards," says Nick.
Open up!
Finally, if you're feeling particularly adventurous, and your unit happens to have really high ceilings, then why not create an entirely new space altogether? Many people are now turning to extensions to create a mezzanine floor. These give the impression that your small space has a double level, which can be used as an extra storage space, a mini library for your abundant book collection or even a spare bedroom for your more adventurous guests! While it may look easy to construct, safety should always come first, and a professional should be consulted on the best materials to use (wood, bricks or cement).
A small space is akin to a jewellery box; fill it up with just the right gems, and it can be a wonderful place full of discovery, and a joy to behold!
