advertisement

How to carve out a cozy place

One big room can be boring. You could feel that way whether you live in a studio apartment, a micro-unit or even a more generously sized loft because there is no definition of space.

Whether you are considering a smallish condo with tall ceilings or a cramped apartment, just how aggravating one big room will be tends to be a matter of personal preference. Some might love everything open and free, while others prefer cozy corners and the function of space to be identified.

You can do a lot to define a sitting area. For starters, mark the territory with an area rug, as represented here. Interestingly, back in the day of generous mansions, a huge parlor would often be divided by Oriental and Persian carpets. It was the precursor to wall-to-wall carpeting. Carpet only became popular post-World War II with an explosion in homebuilding and a shortage of labor to build hardwood floors. Carpets could be rolled out and installed by less-skilled workers. So invest in an area rug that can create a mood and a color scheme.

Another trick to defining space is hanging a light fixture from the ceiling above a seating arrangement, as shown. The result is similar to a chandelier over a dining table or a lantern hanging in the foyer. It says "this is the entrance" or "this is the living room."

Select a fixture that offers good lighting under which you can accomplish whatever tasks are necessary in that space, such as playing cards or doing homework. Avoid designs that create a strong glare when people look up into the fixture.

From the boudoir we have been graced with the concept of folding decorative screens. Back in the day, a lady never removed clothing in front of strangers, and she could slip behind a screen to protect her decency. You've likely seen plenty of old comedies where a girl tosses garments over the top of a screen while uttering silly lines. Ornate carved and painted screens, simple Japanese shoji screens made from wood and rice paper, and modern iterations made from industrial plastic or curved plywood serve the same purpose: dividing a room with a screen that's easily moved.

You can also hang textiles from the ceiling or install a fabric screen that can be operated much like a cubicle cloth in a hospital. In a tiny studio, fabric can be an efficient way to hide away a bed or the sloppy kitchen.

A more costly way to divide up space is through use of specialty hardware, such as a Murphy foldaway bed. You might consider a custom built-in that will require the services of a skilled cabinetmaker. Expect that he or she will deliver the unit in pieces and then install it for you. You must communicate which mattress size you want so the builder can verify the dimensions. And be certain to include in your built-in an area to stash away pillows, blankets and sheets.

A bed is not the only built-in that can divide a space artfully and improve functionality. Open-back bookcases can serve as room dividers. You will want to find pieces that are finished on both sides. Alternatively, you can buy two bookcases and position them back to back in the middle of a space. The depth between them should be about 24 to 26 inches. When used in this way, the unfinished backs will not show.

• 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.

© 2017, Creators Syndicate

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.