Cop these brilliant design ideas that bridge the gap between style and versatile function.
Urban lifestyles are getting increasingly fluid and flexible, and it’s only sound to think outside of the proverbial box when it comes to our dwellings. Not only do multi-functional furniture and fixtures take up less space, they also transform and adapt to suit ever-changing needs.
THE WRITE TOUCH
INVEST IN A MURPHY BED
Beds are clunky and take up plenty of space. Especially in guest rooms where it isn’t often utilised, a Murphy bed that can be folded up and hidden frees up space when it is not occupied. Folding it up in the day also keeps dust and dirt from gathering underneath, and makes cleaning the floor a breeze.
SEATING THAT WORKS DOUBLY HARD
If you love having friends and family over, a built-in dining bench could prove ideal for squeezing in extra guests while taking up less space than regular chairs. Make it pull double duty with additional storage, as this chic industrial design does.
SETTEE MEETS SHOE CABINET
The entrance foyer of this executive maisonette flat is turned into a welcoming and savvy space; a shoe cabinet is thoughtfully combined with a cosy settee that allows everyone to sit while putting on and taking off their shoes.
CREATE A FUNCTIONAL FEATURE WALL
Use vertical space like shelves and cubby holes to display your knick knacks, or even large objects like a bicycle. This movable chevron-panelled design is a feature wall, a display case and storage space all at once. A nifty sliding door allows its contents to be hidden from sight for a sleek, clutter-free look.
SMOOTH TRANSITION
Segregating areas of your apartment with sliding doors allows it to be converted into an open living area when the doors are opened.
MAKE ROOM FOR PLAYFULNESS
Turn your child’s room into a whimsical haven for both work and play. Circu’s quirky and exceptionally designed collection, including a Dream Desk, an adorable cloud-inspired stool and a swing sofa that draws on Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland, turn a child’s study space into an inspiring and fantasy-like playroom.
WRITING ON THE WALL
Coating walls with chalkboard paint creates a writable surface for notes and messages, or a canvas for doodling when inspiration strikes.
CENTRAL SYSTEM
There are plenty of ways to utilise a kitchen island: Use it for food prep, as a storage unit, or as a breakfast bar. It also makes for a cosy spot for intimate gatherings, especially if you have an open kitchen layout. Pair it with a dining table to form a continuous surface for food preparation and dining.
NOW YOU SEE IT
In a brilliant design move that alludes to a sense of openness while offering privacy, “smart glass” or electrochromic glass is used extensively throughout this walk-up apartment. These demarcate the living spaces and turn opaque with the flick of a switch.
WALLS THAT WORK FOR YOU
Pave the way for a layout that is kept open and free-flowing with flexible spatial configurations. In this living room, a movable wall that divides the main living hall and the dining area can be swung open for extra room or closed for more privacy.
MULTI-TASKING, FOLDABLE AND MOBILE FURNISHINGS DON’T JUST MAKE PRUDENT USE OF PRECIOUS REAL ESTATE, THEY ALSO ALLOW YOU TO CHANGE UP YOUR INTERIORS IN A JIFFY.
TEXT MICHELLE LEE
