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Jan2013-HMSC-SmallSpaces

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Monica Pitrelli

Thicha Srivisal lives in a 600 square foot condo in Singapore and has utilized various space-saving design tricks, such as removing walls and installing glass dividers, building a loft bed, and maximizing storage. Matt Levin lives in an 800 square foot condo that doubles as his office, using furniture with dual purposes and installing shelving in the stairwell for art. Anthony McCourt lives in a 958 square foot condo with his fianc辿e and has incorporated glass walls, wall-mounted lighting, and bespoke bookshelving in the electrical closet to maximize the feeling of space.

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SMALL WONDERSHOME 5352 January13 January13 WONDERS SMALL Its fair to say that many of us downsize when we move to Singapore, but thats not always a bad thing. Here are a few expats who were willing to open their homes all of which are under 1,000 square feet and share their tips and tricks for fitting everything in. Size: 600 square feet Type: Condo Parc Emily Location: Mount Emily Road Who lives there: Thai-born Thicha Srivisal (43), who owns Breathe Pilates Studio and has lived in Singapore for 16 years. Her take on the space: The apartment has high ceilings and is on the top floor. Its hard to find a one-bedroom place with this much space. I bought it for the flexibility it offered in the renovation and its unbeatable location. Im used to small spaces, so to me this is normal; Im happy with the size, but small spaces mean you must be very creative. Too small, too large or just right? The space is just right for a single person or a couple. Tip: Use the space under the stairs. Install built-in cupboards or place a chest of drawers, a console or a small wardrobe for storage. Tip: Remove stair rail to save space Tip: Remove walls and replace them with glassdividersandwindows.Largemirrorsare decorative and create the illusion of space. Thicha used the ceiling space to build a loft big enough for a queen-size bed Home #1 By Katie Roberts, Monica Pitrelli and Jess Smit
SMALL WONDERS 55January13 Thichas top choice for carpentry: Project File projectfile.com.sg Thichas plan for her next place: Thichas fianc辿 popped the question just as she had finished the renovation, changing her plans to move in. She imagines the home she and her fianc辿 choose will be a bit bigger, but still in a central location. Tip: Buy stools. Unlike chairs, stools can tuck under benches. Tip: A kitchen counter can double as a dining table and food preparation area. Think about the choice of materials wood rather than laminate, feels more like a place to dine. Thicha doubled the size of the bathroom by re- positioning the shower, but retained a feeling of space by using glass walls. Tip:Installstoragecupboardsunderneath andfeatureshelveswithmirrors. The toilet cistern is built into the wall and cabinetry was installed above and below the sink.
HOME 56 January13 No room for a dining table? Pull up a few bar chairs around PR Interiors Washington Alabama bar stand to create an informal eating area. Its weathered oak frame can be folded into smaller sections when youre finished eating and houses internal storage space (whether for liquor or linen!). $2,445; houseofanli.com Make the most of every inch of wall space in your living room with Montanas television console. Available in 42 colours, this storage system is fully customised, so youre guaranteed a perfect fit. Price on request; danishdesignco.com Instead of one big sofa, Thicha has arranged two chaises longues to maximise the space in her living room. This classic Shepparton design wont date, and its feather-down seat is as about comfy as they come. From $1,500; danovel.com If glass dividers arent an option, use mirrors to create the illusion of space, like this oversized one with antiqued silver frame. $595; Taylor B; 9651 0700 Even the area under the stairs works hard. This Elise credenza from Ralph Lauren is a perfect place to dump your keys and handbag in a hallway or entrance. And, its mirrored too. $3,595; Taylor B; 9651 0700 Steal Thichas space-saving style
SMALL WONDERSHOME 5958 January13 January13 Size: 800 square feet Type: Condo Southbank Soho Location: Lavender, Kallang River Who lives there: British space-saving furniture entrepreneur Matt Levin (41), with his partner. His take on the space: I moved from a London terrace house, so this is definitely smaller than my previous place but its bright and airy. This space doubles as my office, so I find it inspiring to look at the view across the city from the 19th floor. I get a smug satisfaction knowing that as its my bedroom and office, I have taken advantage of something others dont see as useful. Too small, too large or just right? Its just right if you plan it right. Small spaces can be more liveable than you would imagine. Tip: Use the stairs as a place to store and display art, especially if you have lots of glass and not enough wall space. Matt's stairwell acts as an impromptu art gallery, handy for tenants who are not keen to hammer nails into walls. Home #2 Tip: Rooms can have multiple uses.Theconceptofonejobinone spaceisoutdated;abedroomcan also be an office. Tip: Use furniture withdualpurposes suchasthisshelf- bed unit.
SMALL WONDERS 61January13 Tip: Dont hide the outdoors. A view or just a window will immediately open up a room, so keep the curtains open and furnitureagainstthewall. Downstairs, the sofa doubles as a guest bed. The coffee table, also shown above fully extended as a dining table, can be stored underneath it. Tip: Don't waste valuable space with a large dining table. Buy a pop-up table for when guests arrive Matts top tip for sourcing second- hand furniture, art, kitchenware and more: Hock Siong & Co hocksiong.com.sg Matts plans for his next place: At the end of his lease, Matt intends to move to another condo in a different neighbourhood, with a quest to experience more of what Singapore has to offer. But given his nifty furniture, hes not yearning for anything bigger.
HOME 62 January13 Steal Matts space-saving style Multi-purpose furniture is what its all about. With lift-up leaves and internal shelving, the SM101 can be a six-seater table when you want it to be and nifty storage when you dont. Plus, its got wheels so you dont need to lug it around. $2,000; danishdesignco.com Lovethebed-cum-shelving unit in Matts apartment? Slumbershelves is available in single or queen size and is an itsy-bitsy 55cm deep. A nifty rotation reveals the bed or the shelves as you wish voil! $3,300; spacemanstore.com No space is wasted in Matts apartment. For an organised home, use boxes such as these on top of wardrobes, under beds or in cupboards. Kassett boxes; $5.90 for two; ikea.com/sg Matts office moonlights as a bedroom, but if you simply want a no-frills desk, the scaled down Milk Mini is skinny in all the right places and yet has storage, too. $2,000; danishdesignco.com A sofa bed need not lack style. Best upholstered in leather or faux leather, Citadine has a slim arm design and a comfy spring mattress. From $2,800; danovel.com
SMALL WONDERSHOME 6564 January13 January13 Size: 958 square feet Type: Condo Pavilion 11 Location: Novena Who lives there: British lawyer Anthony McCourt (28), with his fianc辿e His take on the space: We looked at a number of places everything from houses to walk-up shophouses before deciding on this one. Our agent told us that they had a great space to show us a condo with direct MRT access to the city and an amazing view. We arrived for a viewing around 6pm just as the sun was setting, came in through the lift and were won over by the view of the city skyline at dusk. Too small, too large or just right? This is smaller than what we were used to in London, but thats part of living in Singapore. Occasionally, it feels too small especially when my fianc辿e is pissed off at me! It can get cramped when guests arrive, and extra wardrobe space would be nice. But overall, its not a bad size for two people. Tip: Go with glass. Aglassentrancewayleading intothelivingroomallowsfor a seamless transition from one space to the next. Tip: In small living rooms and bedrooms, eliminate the need for lamps and end tables by using wall-mounted, ceiling or floor lighting. Tip:Buyhollowfurniture.Lookfor end tables, consoles and coffee tables with hidden interiors. Anthony's glass entranceway provides a quirky spot for guests to leave personal messages. Home #3 Tip:Usetheceilings and walls in utility rooms. Hang brooms and mops on wall- mounted racks, and save precious floor space by hanging a drying rack from the ceiling. Tip: Make every spacecount.Bespoke B o o k s h e l v i ng transformsthistiny electrical closet into a cupboard for books, DVDs and files.
SMALL WONDERS 67January13 Tip:Outfitastorage area with shelving, drawersandstorage units. The more organised it is, the more it will hold. Anthonys top tip for home furnishings: Taylor B for quirky pieces at wholesale prices 9651 0700 Anthonys plan for his next place: Though he is unsure as to whether his next home will be in Singapore or abroad, he would like to decorate it in a retro-chic style. Tip: Rather than a basic matte wall, a glass insert connects the living room andguestbedroom,making both rooms feel larger. Tip: When guests arrive, drop blinds for privacy.
HOME 68 January13 Steal Anthonys space-saving style Drawers on either side of the PR Interiors Queensland coffee table provide the perfect place for hiding your stash of magazines and remote controls, while the egg- like Obo ottoman has a hidden interior to store all sorts of belongings. Coffee table, $1,550; houseofanli. com. Ottoman from $480 (depending on fabric); danovel.com. Maximise even the smallest alcove with bespoke built-in shelving. The ladder is a slick add-on ensuring your favourite books are always within arms reach. Price on request; designintervention.com.sg Outfit storage areas and bedrooms with shelving, drawers and hanging space using Montanas c u s t o m i s e d wardrobe solutions. Price on request; danishdesignco.com This subtle yet stylish Takeru wall lamp eliminates the need for lamps and end tables. $350; danishdesignco.com eL This Portis wall-mounted drying rack saves floor space and folds away when not needed. $29.90; ikea.com/sg

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Jan2013-HMSC-SmallSpaces

  • 1. SMALL WONDERSHOME 5352 January13 January13 WONDERS SMALL Its fair to say that many of us downsize when we move to Singapore, but thats not always a bad thing. Here are a few expats who were willing to open their homes all of which are under 1,000 square feet and share their tips and tricks for fitting everything in. Size: 600 square feet Type: Condo Parc Emily Location: Mount Emily Road Who lives there: Thai-born Thicha Srivisal (43), who owns Breathe Pilates Studio and has lived in Singapore for 16 years. Her take on the space: The apartment has high ceilings and is on the top floor. Its hard to find a one-bedroom place with this much space. I bought it for the flexibility it offered in the renovation and its unbeatable location. Im used to small spaces, so to me this is normal; Im happy with the size, but small spaces mean you must be very creative. Too small, too large or just right? The space is just right for a single person or a couple. Tip: Use the space under the stairs. Install built-in cupboards or place a chest of drawers, a console or a small wardrobe for storage. Tip: Remove stair rail to save space Tip: Remove walls and replace them with glassdividersandwindows.Largemirrorsare decorative and create the illusion of space. Thicha used the ceiling space to build a loft big enough for a queen-size bed Home #1 By Katie Roberts, Monica Pitrelli and Jess Smit
  • 2. SMALL WONDERS 55January13 Thichas top choice for carpentry: Project File projectfile.com.sg Thichas plan for her next place: Thichas fianc辿 popped the question just as she had finished the renovation, changing her plans to move in. She imagines the home she and her fianc辿 choose will be a bit bigger, but still in a central location. Tip: Buy stools. Unlike chairs, stools can tuck under benches. Tip: A kitchen counter can double as a dining table and food preparation area. Think about the choice of materials wood rather than laminate, feels more like a place to dine. Thicha doubled the size of the bathroom by re- positioning the shower, but retained a feeling of space by using glass walls. Tip:Installstoragecupboardsunderneath andfeatureshelveswithmirrors. The toilet cistern is built into the wall and cabinetry was installed above and below the sink.
  • 3. HOME 56 January13 No room for a dining table? Pull up a few bar chairs around PR Interiors Washington Alabama bar stand to create an informal eating area. Its weathered oak frame can be folded into smaller sections when youre finished eating and houses internal storage space (whether for liquor or linen!). $2,445; houseofanli.com Make the most of every inch of wall space in your living room with Montanas television console. Available in 42 colours, this storage system is fully customised, so youre guaranteed a perfect fit. Price on request; danishdesignco.com Instead of one big sofa, Thicha has arranged two chaises longues to maximise the space in her living room. This classic Shepparton design wont date, and its feather-down seat is as about comfy as they come. From $1,500; danovel.com If glass dividers arent an option, use mirrors to create the illusion of space, like this oversized one with antiqued silver frame. $595; Taylor B; 9651 0700 Even the area under the stairs works hard. This Elise credenza from Ralph Lauren is a perfect place to dump your keys and handbag in a hallway or entrance. And, its mirrored too. $3,595; Taylor B; 9651 0700 Steal Thichas space-saving style
  • 4. SMALL WONDERSHOME 5958 January13 January13 Size: 800 square feet Type: Condo Southbank Soho Location: Lavender, Kallang River Who lives there: British space-saving furniture entrepreneur Matt Levin (41), with his partner. His take on the space: I moved from a London terrace house, so this is definitely smaller than my previous place but its bright and airy. This space doubles as my office, so I find it inspiring to look at the view across the city from the 19th floor. I get a smug satisfaction knowing that as its my bedroom and office, I have taken advantage of something others dont see as useful. Too small, too large or just right? Its just right if you plan it right. Small spaces can be more liveable than you would imagine. Tip: Use the stairs as a place to store and display art, especially if you have lots of glass and not enough wall space. Matt's stairwell acts as an impromptu art gallery, handy for tenants who are not keen to hammer nails into walls. Home #2 Tip: Rooms can have multiple uses.Theconceptofonejobinone spaceisoutdated;abedroomcan also be an office. Tip: Use furniture withdualpurposes suchasthisshelf- bed unit.
  • 5. SMALL WONDERS 61January13 Tip: Dont hide the outdoors. A view or just a window will immediately open up a room, so keep the curtains open and furnitureagainstthewall. Downstairs, the sofa doubles as a guest bed. The coffee table, also shown above fully extended as a dining table, can be stored underneath it. Tip: Don't waste valuable space with a large dining table. Buy a pop-up table for when guests arrive Matts top tip for sourcing second- hand furniture, art, kitchenware and more: Hock Siong & Co hocksiong.com.sg Matts plans for his next place: At the end of his lease, Matt intends to move to another condo in a different neighbourhood, with a quest to experience more of what Singapore has to offer. But given his nifty furniture, hes not yearning for anything bigger.
  • 6. HOME 62 January13 Steal Matts space-saving style Multi-purpose furniture is what its all about. With lift-up leaves and internal shelving, the SM101 can be a six-seater table when you want it to be and nifty storage when you dont. Plus, its got wheels so you dont need to lug it around. $2,000; danishdesignco.com Lovethebed-cum-shelving unit in Matts apartment? Slumbershelves is available in single or queen size and is an itsy-bitsy 55cm deep. A nifty rotation reveals the bed or the shelves as you wish voil! $3,300; spacemanstore.com No space is wasted in Matts apartment. For an organised home, use boxes such as these on top of wardrobes, under beds or in cupboards. Kassett boxes; $5.90 for two; ikea.com/sg Matts office moonlights as a bedroom, but if you simply want a no-frills desk, the scaled down Milk Mini is skinny in all the right places and yet has storage, too. $2,000; danishdesignco.com A sofa bed need not lack style. Best upholstered in leather or faux leather, Citadine has a slim arm design and a comfy spring mattress. From $2,800; danovel.com
  • 7. SMALL WONDERSHOME 6564 January13 January13 Size: 958 square feet Type: Condo Pavilion 11 Location: Novena Who lives there: British lawyer Anthony McCourt (28), with his fianc辿e His take on the space: We looked at a number of places everything from houses to walk-up shophouses before deciding on this one. Our agent told us that they had a great space to show us a condo with direct MRT access to the city and an amazing view. We arrived for a viewing around 6pm just as the sun was setting, came in through the lift and were won over by the view of the city skyline at dusk. Too small, too large or just right? This is smaller than what we were used to in London, but thats part of living in Singapore. Occasionally, it feels too small especially when my fianc辿e is pissed off at me! It can get cramped when guests arrive, and extra wardrobe space would be nice. But overall, its not a bad size for two people. Tip: Go with glass. Aglassentrancewayleading intothelivingroomallowsfor a seamless transition from one space to the next. Tip: In small living rooms and bedrooms, eliminate the need for lamps and end tables by using wall-mounted, ceiling or floor lighting. Tip:Buyhollowfurniture.Lookfor end tables, consoles and coffee tables with hidden interiors. Anthony's glass entranceway provides a quirky spot for guests to leave personal messages. Home #3 Tip:Usetheceilings and walls in utility rooms. Hang brooms and mops on wall- mounted racks, and save precious floor space by hanging a drying rack from the ceiling. Tip: Make every spacecount.Bespoke B o o k s h e l v i ng transformsthistiny electrical closet into a cupboard for books, DVDs and files.
  • 8. SMALL WONDERS 67January13 Tip:Outfitastorage area with shelving, drawersandstorage units. The more organised it is, the more it will hold. Anthonys top tip for home furnishings: Taylor B for quirky pieces at wholesale prices 9651 0700 Anthonys plan for his next place: Though he is unsure as to whether his next home will be in Singapore or abroad, he would like to decorate it in a retro-chic style. Tip: Rather than a basic matte wall, a glass insert connects the living room andguestbedroom,making both rooms feel larger. Tip: When guests arrive, drop blinds for privacy.
  • 9. HOME 68 January13 Steal Anthonys space-saving style Drawers on either side of the PR Interiors Queensland coffee table provide the perfect place for hiding your stash of magazines and remote controls, while the egg- like Obo ottoman has a hidden interior to store all sorts of belongings. Coffee table, $1,550; houseofanli. com. Ottoman from $480 (depending on fabric); danovel.com. Maximise even the smallest alcove with bespoke built-in shelving. The ladder is a slick add-on ensuring your favourite books are always within arms reach. Price on request; designintervention.com.sg Outfit storage areas and bedrooms with shelving, drawers and hanging space using Montanas c u s t o m i s e d wardrobe solutions. Price on request; danishdesignco.com This subtle yet stylish Takeru wall lamp eliminates the need for lamps and end tables. $350; danishdesignco.com eL This Portis wall-mounted drying rack saves floor space and folds away when not needed. $29.90; ikea.com/sg