We all have them – unused corners that could be spots for something useful, whether that’s lounging, working or even snoozing
FEATURE Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
Little gems
WITH THE RIGHT DESIGN, FORGOTTEN CORNERS OF THE HOME CAN BE TRANSFORMED INTO BEAUTIFUL SPACES
‘When you’re challenged with a narrow space yet want to increase the room’s functionality, built-in seating is an ideal solution. It’s the perfect way to maximise seating and conserve floor space. You could even add hidden drawers underneath the seats for additional storage, which is yet another benefit.’
‘If you have a corner that is too small for furniture, opt for a decorative approach with either a statement floor lamp, tall decorative candelabra or a few indoor plants, which can really brighten a room and add a fresh and summery feel to a home. Also consider art features, or a plinth with a vignette or ceramic vase on top.’
‘A sectional sofa is great for a corner or tight space. And when paired with a drinks cabinet, the corner also becomes a wonderful, private social space. This gives the larger room a range of uses from day to night, and from private family film time to social gatherings.’
BOOKEND
Create the cosiest reading corner in a bay window, using statement furnishings, along with colour, to make it the ideal nesting spot. ‘One of the biggest challenges with the house was that some of the spaces have atypical angles or large openings. We utilised the bay window for a sofa to make the most of the space,’ says Jake Arnold, founder, Studio Jake Arnold. ‘Since we were working with a smaller footprint we made sure the furniture had the right scale to not overwhelm the room – and complemented the seating with pleated fabric blinds.’
SECRET FILES
Get a stylish work-from-home space in a corner with a ‘floating’ desk and a simply designed chair. Choosing a cocooning paint colour will ensure it is somewhere that you will love working in. ‘For a home office suite opening to the lush courtyard, we reimagined the space and weaved in a fluid connection linking the office and its en suite through a palette of greens reflected in materiality,’ says Melissa Lee, co-founder of NYC-based design studio Bespoke Only.
BEAUTY IN CURVES
Echoing the design features in a room with your furniture choices can really elevate a small space. Here, the curves in the architecture of the bay window have been translated into a lovely dining area. ‘This room features a custom tan leather banquette that sits perfectly snug in the alcove,’ say Kirsten Dahl-Feathers and Carlie Ng,
