Size inconsequential in decorating, given you possess bold flair
Renowned interior designer Ros Byam Shaw is set to publish her new book, "Perfect English Small and Beautiful," next month. The book, published by Ryland Peters & Small for £40, is already resonating with readers, being hailed as the most popular among Byam Shaw's works.
The inspiration for the book came from Byam Shaw's visits to tiny yet beautifully designed houses for magazine pieces. The book features houses, many under 1,000 sq ft, that showcase the potential of small spaces.
One of the houses that inspired Byam Shaw was furniture restorer Guy Marshall's home in Shropshire, which was only 11½ ft wide but filled with Georgian furniture and other items. Byam Shaw and her husband, Richard, moved from a larger east-Devon, Tudor-era house to a smaller one due to the book commission.
In the book, Byam Shaw offers plenty of ideas for small-space living. Here are some universally effective creative solutions for maximizing space in small houses that might align with the principles found in her work:
Creative Solutions for Small Spaces
Optimize Vertical Space
- Use shelves or storage units that extend from floor to ceiling to maximize vertical space without cluttering the floor.
Select Multi-Functional Furniture
- Use furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as sofa beds or ottomans with storage, to reduce clutter and increase functionality.
Utilize Hidden Storage
- Incorporate furniture with hidden storage, like hollowed-out coffee tables or benches with storage compartments.
Lighting and Color Strategies
- Use light colors on walls and floors to create a sense of openness and spaciousness.
- Employ layered lighting techniques to create distinct areas or zones within a room.
Rethink Room Layouts
- Consider open-plan living to create a sense of continuity and flow between spaces.
Incorporate Mirrors
- Use mirrors strategically to create the illusion of larger spaces by reflecting light and images.
Minimize Clutter
- Keep only essential items and curate personal belongings to maintain a clean and organized living space.
Creating ceiling height in small houses can change the room according to Ros Byam Shaw. Some owners of small houses featured in the book have remedied the limiting ceiling height by removing the ceilings and extending spaces vertically to the rafters.
Large pieces of furniture can look just as handsome in small spaces, provided the ceiling height allows. The appeal of small houses is due to feelings of snugness and cosiness, as well as lower heating bills. Even the Brutalist architects of the Barbican included a barrel-vaulted ceiling in their smallest flats to create a feeling of openness despite the modest square footage.
Byam Shaw's book, "Perfect English Small and Beautiful," is a must-read for anyone looking to make the most of their small living space.
- Ros Byam Shaw's new book, "Perfect English Small and Beautiful," offers a wealth of ideas for those looking to optimize small spaces, drawing inspiration from her visits to beautifully designed small houses.
- In line with Ros Byam Shaw's work, creative solutions for small spaces can include utilizing vertical space, incorporating mirrors, minimizing clutter, and rethinking room layouts to create an efficient and cozy lifestyle at home.
