Belgium

October 20, 2014October 20, 2014

Simply Stunning, Sunny Studio

It’s hard to believe that Caroline Van Ranst’s Antwerp studio is only 430 sq ft. Designed by Komaan! Architecture, the space relies on a very light color palette, open floorplan and ample built-in storage, all of which make the small space feel much larger.

According to Remodelista, Van Ranst bought the place from a developer who had gutted the space, which had previously been split up into several small spaces. Rather than erecting new walls, Komaan! opted to keep the space open, dividing it with two wood and MDF-constructed structures. Both structures have tapered shapes to give interior room where needed (e.g. a shower) and skinnier where not. The floor-to-ceiling storage inside the structures allow for the rest of the interior to be pretty minimally decorated, thus keeping the place feel uncluttered and spacious.

The floors are white-painted strand board, another element that keeps the space looking big and bright (though we can’t attest to their durability or colorfastness). Like other material choices, the floor’s price was an important consideration.

This space is blessed with great light and a flexible floorplan, which gave Komaan! a lot to work with. That said, the firm’s smart choice of colors, built-in features and inclusion of minimal (but functional) furnishings demonstrate that size is just one part of the equation for making a space work to its maximum capacity.

Via Remodelista

February 20, 2014February 20, 2014

Keep it Simple Schuybroek

Least our readers think the only way to make a small space amazing is through hiding beds, moving walls and high tech gimmicks, let us point your attention toward Nicolas Schuybroek. The Belgian architect proves that style and interior design restraint go a long way in making a small space both gorgeous and livable.

His DT Appartment (translation: DT Apartment) is a small space that reeks of style and comfort. Rather than trying to do too much, it has a handful of meticulously chosen furnishings that fit just right into the space. For the two room apartment, there is little more than a comfy looking L-sofa, some side tables, a round dining table, some chairs, a desk and a bed. The space uses accents such as wide plank wood flooring and lots of marble to give it an opulent feel. (We’ll leave out our thoughts about the sink that floats separately from the rest of the kitchen).

Surely, none of this is cheap–especially the floor to ceiling marble shower stall and what is probably custom furniture. That said, one of the great things about a small space (we don’t have exact square footage, but would guess around 550 sq ft), is that the amount of materials is never that great, making high end finishes easier to justify.

images via NS Architects