One-room Living

By Chirag Sharma

Photography: Courtesy World Wide Web

.

Ingenuity and imagination are two great qualities that can transform even the most stringent space into a beautiful come-hither dwelling. Given our metropolitan space constraints, here are some trendy ideas for one-room living... 

A host of trendy design n décor options and strategies can help you find space and make it appear bigger. Try these:

.

.

Dividing / demarcating space visually:   Playing with colour, texture, pattern, form and size is the key to visually expanding space and demarcating it.

·      Firstly, plan out functions and positioning. For example, you could start at the window – would you like to sit by it or sleep by it? Similarly, would you like your bedroom to double up as your living room by day and the like? Once priorities have been decided upon, walls, floor and ceiling colours can easily be divided with splashes of colour and changes in texture.

·   These are a strong décor element that can be used to create a vibrant and warm atmosphere that distinctly marks out the different areas visually – the dining counter, the kitchenette, dressing area and so on. However, adequate care should be taken to ensure that the various textures and colours finally merge harmoniously to influence the entire decor as a whole.

·    Where there is the boon of a high ceiling, a loft could be created dividing the room to create additional space.

.

.

Light: This is a very important aspect especially when one has to perform several functions in a single wall-barred room.

• Skilful lighting can work wonders to create distinct zones within a one-room apartment.
• General lighting should best be avoided and
• Mood lighting with strategically placed up lighters, table lamps or even task lighting that captures the essence of the décor could be used to subtly affect the mood of the distinct areas within the same room.
• Dimmers are a clever option.

.

.

Furniture and Fixtures: While there is a wide selection of furniture that camouflages or doubles up for multi-functional use, the lesser the furniture the better! Rather, it is better to have only as much as is absolutely needed.

• For example, a wall unit that could double up as a storage unit cum partition could be an ideal item for a one-room affair!
• Foldaway furniture items reduce clutter and enhance space. But a word of caution here: make sure that you have the space to stack away loose folding furniture items like coffee tables and chairs before you decide to pick them up!
• Built-in systems are generally the best.
• Free standing units, when placed at right angles to the wall make a commendable option.

While deciding on furniture, consider versatile storage options for optimum space – both, functionally and aesthetically.

.

.

Spot Pointers:

• Make good and stylish use of windowsills.
• Use floor space to stack books in a trendy style
• Use mirrors
• Use Lightweight and scaled down furniture
• Use lighter material for your soft furnishings.
• Use lots of shelving – at the back of cabinet shutters, in corners, etc
• Alter small habits and develop the art of compromise – sitting on a floor cushion instead of a sofa, eating at a kitchen counter, and the like.
• Learn to discern your purchases of accessories and artefacts.

Ultimately, it is an ‘eye for detail’ that takes the cake in transforming a single multi-functional room into ‘home’. Techniques like trompe l’oels (three-dimensional paintings) and faux finishes can be cleverly used to further enhance the ambience.