{"id":10145,"date":"2021-06-29T14:29:21","date_gmt":"2021-06-29T18:29:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.organizedinteriors.com\/blog\/?p=10145"},"modified":"2021-06-29T17:44:05","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T21:44:05","slug":"tiny-space-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.organizedinteriors.com\/blog\/tiny-space-design\/","title":{"rendered":"This Tiny Space Is Carefully Customized For Comfort"},"content":{"rendered":"

All Brian Care cared about was having a home base in Canada that was comfortable and maintenance-free.<\/p>\n

Brian\u2019s occupation as a designer involves international travel that can have him away from home for months at a time.<\/p>\n

\"tiny<\/p>\n

Owning a condo or house wasn\u2019t practical, considering how little time Brian would get to spend in his home during the year. Brian didn\u2019t need much space, nor did he want much. A tiny space was all he required.<\/p>\n

Brian shared a home with good friends for many years. When they moved, they made sure that a dedicated space was available for him. On the lower level of their new house, Brian was offered an area that was just shy of 274 square feet.<\/p>\n

What Brian needed for his tiny space<\/h3>\n

Brian\u2019s tiny space just had to be functional and include certain essential components that made it feel like home.<\/p>\n

With the help of Organized Interiors design consultant Micheline Young, the two embarked on transforming an unfinished space in a new townhouse into a safe, comfortable place for him to land each year.<\/p>\n

The finished space had to accommodate Brian when he came back to Canada for a few months, which included making space for his most cherished possessions.<\/p>\n

Downsizing for a small living space<\/h3>\n

To start with, Brian had to get rid of a lifetime of possessions. Large, antique, pine furniture pieces went to friends. He pared back his wardrobe to just the basics.<\/p>\n

\u201cI sorted everything and didn\u2019t bring anything that I questioned about ever needing or using again,\u201d says Brian.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt some point, I came to realize that<\/strong> if I was to put anything in storage, I might as well get rid of it.<\/strong> I\u2019ll never remember where it is or never bother to pull it out again. It was actually very liberating.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"small<\/p>\n

Brian decided to keep some mirrors, a pine bench, a chaise, and an easy chair.<\/p>\n

Bringing Brian\u2019s design to life<\/h3>\n

From day one, creating the tiny space design was a collaborative effort. \u201cSince Brian is a designer, he was able to convey his ideas very clearly,\u201d says Micheline. \u201cMy job as a designer for Organized Interiors was to interpret his thoughts into reality.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lots of sketches of possible layouts were drawn up before exact measurements helped to determine the best possible options.<\/p>\n

\"custom

Custom bathroom cabinetry provides all the room needed for storing toiletries and supplies.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cOften, architects and designers don\u2019t know how a space needs to function for a client,\u201d says Brian. \u201cFunctionality was the key to creating a totally livable and workable space under 274 square feet.\u201d<\/p>\n

Good communication was key<\/h3>\n

For much of the project, Brian was in Mexico and he and Micheline connected on a regular basis.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot knowing the engineering aspects of custom cabinetry<\/a>, it was really helpful to have Micheline troubleshoot,\u201d says Brian. \u201cCommunicating with her was easy and I always felt that she had my best interests at heart.\u201d<\/p>\n

There were lots of back-and-forth emails, many site visits, and numerous changes, according to Micheline.<\/p>\n

One example of adjustments that were made involved a wardrobe<\/a>. A standard wardrobe is 24 inches in depth, but the placement of the pot lights was 22 inches from the back wall. Micheline was able to alter its positioning to solve this dilemma.<\/p>\n

She was also able to size the drawer depths and cabinets to Brian\u2019s specifications to accommodate specific items.<\/p>\n

Getting the kitchen space ready<\/h3>\n

Brian pre-ordered a refrigerator and a sink so that they had the tangible items and measurements to work around.<\/p>\n

Panels were added, adjustments were made, and unexpected solutions actually provided more space in the food prep area.<\/p>\n

\"tiny<\/p>\n

He got rid of his blender and food processor and bought a Magic Bullet\u00ae, which does both functions and takes up little space.<\/p>\n

\"kitchen<\/p>\n

Brian uses a single induction cooktop, which also saves space and slides out of the way easily. A combination microwave\/convection\/broiler\/air fryer oven covers the rest of Brian\u2019s cooking needs.<\/p>\n

Customizing the storage cabinetry for a small living space<\/h3>\n

The custom overhead cabinets were perfect for storing items that weren\u2019t required on a daily basis.<\/p>\n

Baskets and wooden boxes were included in open spaces above the bed and under the television for easy access.<\/p>\n

\"custom<\/p>\n

\u201cThe advantage of custom cabinetry is that you can customize each piece for what you want it to contain,<\/strong>\u201d says Brian.<\/p>\n

Refining the tiny living space\u2019s d\u00e9cor and lighting<\/h3>\n

New rugs were purchased to complement the furniture that Brian decided to keep. He only kept photos and mementos that he couldn\u2019t bear to part with.<\/p>\n

Instead of a backsplash in the kitchen, he plans to incorporate cherished pottery pieces.<\/p>\n

Remote-controlled downlights were added above the bed, as well as on the cabinets to light Brian\u2019s workspace at night.<\/p>\n

\"remote-controlled

Remote-controlled downlights and upper cabinets above the bed keep the small space functional.<\/p><\/div>\n

Because Brian chose to limit his wardrobe to a black palette, he needed excellent lighting in his closet. As Brian says, \u201cNothing looks good under poor lighting.\u201d<\/p>\n

The finished space is really comfortable and cozy, according to Brian. \u201cEverything has its place. My things fit perfectly into the cabinetry. I couldn\u2019t be more pleased with the overall functionality and how it all turned out<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

5 crucial tiny space custom design considerations<\/h3>\n

Brian\u2019s experience with Organized Interiors taught him that there are five things anyone looking at having a tiny living space designed should consider<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Design:<\/strong> When working with a knowledgeable designer, a plan will naturally evolve, and ultimately reflect the client\u2019s tendencies towards a specific style.<\/li>\n
  2. Function:<\/strong> When dealing with limited square footage, consider how a space is to be used and adapt all design sensibilities towards that outcome.<\/li>\n
  3. Materials:<\/strong> When choosing materials and finishes, considerations like functionality, cost, availability, and personal preferences will all come into play. Assess all pros and cons before making a final decision.<\/li>\n
  4. Plumbing and electricity:<\/strong> It\u2019s ideal to work with your existing infrastructure. If your utilities aren\u2019t conducive to your design plan or add to the aesthetics of the overall space, it\u2019s best to have them modified by a professional.<\/li>\n
  5. Trust your designer:<\/strong> Brian\u2019s last piece of advice is, \u201cCarefully choose your professionals. Check references and reviews. Be open to suggestions. Be clear about your expectations. Be patient and be appreciative.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Get started on your tiny space design<\/h3>\n

    Just like Brian, Canadians are increasingly embracing small space living<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Brian is happy he worked with Organized Interiors on his tiny space design and you\u2019ll love what we can do for you, too.<\/p>\n

    From concept to completion, we can reconfigure your tiny space for maximum efficiency. Schedule a free design consultation<\/a> with us.<\/p>\n

    Please share this post if you found it useful.<\/em><\/p>\n

    See also:<\/h4>\n