Creating space is the holy grail of renovations, particularly when redesigning an older style or heritage home. Older homes tend to have much smaller rooms, each with a designated purpose, whereas the modern style is to have large, open, multi-function spaces such as an open plan kitchen, dining, family room. Interior Designer, Amanda Richmond shares some of her top tips for creating space. Amanda is the leading Designer for Balance Architecture + Interior Design.
Create a view
Create a view from room to room, overlooking a lower level from an upper level or create the classic view, looking outside to an exterior space from your interior. Create surprising juxtapositions, reveal views and bring light into the interior.
Use Colour
Colour helps to visually move between spaces – remember that darker colours advance, lighter colours retract. Find richness in plain materials and contrast textiles against leather.
Define spaces
With the use of contrasting materials you can better define spaces, such as darker skirtings, architraves and flooring against lighter coloured walls.
Define individual spaces
A clever way to achieve this is to use half height partitions, such as for a toilet within a large bathroom.
Create fluidity
A fluid movement through the space helps create the illusion of more space. This can be achieved by contrasting open plan spaces with overlapping wall planes or structural members. Some great examples are:
A glass balustrade staircase intersecting a void
A contrasting colour or material for ceiling rafters
Glass screens animated by the movement of water
With years of experience at renovating heritage buildings Amanda Richmond offers a unique perspective on the creation of space. Contact Amanda directly to discuss how she can help you with your next renovation project.