“Urban areas in Asia are already congested, but that does not dampen the allure of living in the Big City whether that be Manila, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta or HongKong,” shares HGTV’s Small Spaces co-host and interior designer Tristan Jovellana. Based on research from Colliers International, the residential condominiums of Makati, Bonifacio Global City and Ortigas are experiencing a decrease in vacancies this year with more people opting to rent these spaces out. Tristan shares, “Every square meter or square foot commands a premium in cosmopolitan areas in Asia so we better gear up for more compact spaces and with those challenges, we have to design smarter, greener and, of course, with bigger and bolder style.”
Along with James Koh from Singapore, the two hosts feature small homes that have transformed into more living spaces with much creativity from the homeowners and their designers. Based on the living quarters Tristan encountered on his show and projects, he has some recommendations to help us maximize our compact living. In general, Tristan shares that residents should make scale a top priority, along with color and lighting. Investing in a few large items instead of several small pieces can result in a more spacious, organized and stylish room.
LIVING AREA
Use mirrors. When strategically placed, it instantly doubles the perception of space and increases illumination through reflected lighting.
Do not be intimidated by strong or vibrant colors for your accent wall. Lighting is key here. Keep it bright with natural or artificial lights.
Use seating that doubles as storage, as well as chairs that can fold up and can be easily stowed away.
Maximize the space. In one of the featured apartments in Singapore, the homeowner designed multiple levels in the living-dining areas to make the most out of her home, using platforms as stairs and storage.
DINING AREA
The dining area is not just for eating. It can double up as a makeshift workspace. Increase its functionality by adding convenience outlets nearby. A properly illuminated dining table or bar counter makes food and beverages look more inviting and increases your productivity as well.
For bar counters that act as dining tables in most small apartments or condos, fabricate overhang cabinets or floating shelves for more storage and design potential.
KITCHEN
Reflective or translucent surfaces increase the perceived depth of a space.
Frosted or back-painted glass for cabinet doors and the kitchen counter backsplash increase reflected light and enhance the illusion of space. Match this with stainless steel kitchen appliances for a more modern and industrial feel.
Feel free to play with color, patterns and materials on walls, tiles and cabinetry.
SLEEPING AREA
For some, a murphy bed is a good solution to small sleeping areas or bedrooms.
For those who prefer traditional beds, increase storage by tapping on the space underneath. Use plastic or aluminum containers that easily slide in underneath your bed for rarely used items.
BATHROOM
Most bathrooms are poorly lit, often with just one light fixture for the entire space, creating shadows in corners that make the space look smaller. Having two to three light fixtures in the bathroom can instantly make it feel bigger. Place one above the lavatory (you'll be able to shave or put on makeup better), one in the shower area (less chances of using the wrong bath product), and one above the toilet (for those who enjoy their “throne time” reading).
Layering with lights, through cove lighting, also increases the perception of space.
Opt for frosted or clear shower enclosures instead of an opaque shower curtain which visually cuts off the space.
For more of these insightful tips, you can catch Tristan Jovellana in HGTV’s Small Spaces, a show that tackles smart and stylish living in compact spaces. The 30-seconder design tips as well as the five-minute episodes air about eight times daily.
Special thanks to the Singapore regional office of Scripps Networks Interactive for the photos.
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