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One floor plan, two very different homes
That living situations and personal preferences shape our homes is no secret. Just how much these factors influence furnishing becomes evident in these two apartments. While having identical dimensions and floorplans, a family of four lives in one, the other is a single household. The two homes that are quite different. Still, there's a lot in common: clever solutions, creative ideas and tons of inspiration!
Storage in full, flawless view
Storage solutions always involve a balance between open and closed. For belongings you want everyone to see – and minimise dusting in the process – a glass cabinet makes a show of it (while more prosaic storage can be discreetly stowed higher up).
Let storage double as decoration by keeping your tableware in a glass-door display cabinet, speeding up table-setting and freeing up space in the kitchen.
Multitasking workspaces
A home office that fits into another space seamlessly is a good thing. In this dining room, a wall hung organiser unit for work necessities and an extra chair for dinner guests tucks behind an extra wide window curtain.
Just roll away the office chair during parties to use to desk as a bar, sideboard or buffet.
In a kids room, be sure to have a second seat at the desk for friends and siblings because its just as much for play as it is for homework.
Hallways, grand entrances and quick exits
Hallways show off your household priorities: the family needs a pinboard for info and schedules, structured storage and easy-to-grab hooks. our single wants last-minute outfit checks and a calm organised spot to feel welcomed home.
One way to manage limited floor area is by going vertical for hallway storage. Extend the closed storage capacity with a cabinet near the ceiling, adding space for seasonal items.
Risk of a morning-rush traffic pile-up? Give everyone their needed share of hallway space and hooks – adjusted for individual height – to minimise checkout time.
When you're little, most of the home is out of reach (some with good reason, mind you). To level the playing field somewhat, add a step stool: hallway multitool, leg-extender – and apparently two-kid seating, too.
Bathroom efficiency vs zen-seeking sanctuary
A single bathroom for a family of four will inevitably be a busy place, but clearly dividing it to suit activities – laundry corner, toothbrushing station, shower area – simplifies logistics. If you don't have the next waiting to be let in, on the other hand, focus on creating a place of relaxation and spa-like comfort.
Turn bathroom storage into geometric style expression by arranging towels, boxes and accessories into colour blocks.
Everyone and everything tucked in for the night
Under-bed storage is genius at work: adding storage (and cool look) to your bed without requiring an inch of extra floor space. When storage isn't a critical issue, you're free to go all-in on cosiness instead. Like making sure you have a plush rug to land your feet on in the morning, making it just that much easier to get your day off to a good start.
With bulk storage hidden under the bed, use the wall above to be a snapshot of current reading tastes. Picture ledges and books form a decorative display, naturally changing over time.
