The Mastery of Space

CEBU, Philippines - The Webster dictionary defines comfort as "a state of physical ease and freedom from pain and constraint." It, also, refers to the act of easing a person's feeling of grief or distress. And there are ways to achieve both, especially for creating better living spaces.

In homes especially, comfort is often achieved by space - ambient space.  The more space there is, the more comfortable.

Hong Kong has one of the most expensive property rates in the world. It means that flats or condominium units are sold or leased at very high prices for relatively small spaces. This gives architects in Hong Kong a big challenge: to maximize the positive use of every inch of space.

Maximum space utilization is not only achieved by simply arranging the furniture well.  But the better, more lasting approach is to innovate ways along proper architectural principles. Qualified architects and interior designers can really help.

The ideas that follow are not just from a professional's point of view. To a good degree, these are based on actual, personal experience from living in both a small studio and a two-bedroom flat, where the master's bedroom could only fit a wardrobe rack and a double-size bed.

Five points to consider in making small spaces look bigger:

Keep it plain keep it simple.

The popular phrase "finding order in chaos" does not necessarily apply in planning for small spaces. When choosing furniture, it is best to keep everything in the same shade. If the dining table is of a dark wooden shade, then the same shade shall prevail for the rest of the furniture. Different tones of the same shade work to unify the whole space. This makes everything look as one and gives the feeling that there is a lot more space to move about in. An important thing to remember is to use relaxing colors (consult an architect or interior designer on this).

Focus.

Find one focus in the room - like the big window, for example. Windows are always a good focal point. It's always relaxing when the eyes don't have to busy on different things all at the same time. If a good view isn't available, good draperies or curtains can help. Or, blinds may be used; it creates horizontal or vertical lines that could either make the space look wider or seem to have a higher ceiling. Plus, blinds do not require washing.

Bigger can be better.

This is a big contradiction to the old wisdom that says smaller furniture is best for small spaces. Truth is, a four-seater dining table fitted in a space that can actually allow for an eight-seater makes the impression that the space can only hold just that. Which also means the family of more than four may have to take turns at mealtime. While a big dining table, for example, can take a lot of space, it can also very well serve as an extension of the kitchen and as an area for preparing food; aside of course from the fact that it allows space for studying, writing and other table works.

Separation of spaces.

In general, it's good to create boundaries, if the space allows. For example, open kitchens are a norm, but cooking can be quite messy.  The kitchen is a work area, so long as it is kept tidy and clean most of the time. It's better to screen it from the other parts of the house, especially where guests are received, like the living room. Screening it off does not mean putting up a solid wall. Rather, it's finding a way to divide the area but still giving it transparency. Screening a part of the kitchen hides the mess in the kitchen, so you can still cook while entertaining guests.

Storage.

Storage, storage and lots of storage. Keep the clutter away, hide them in closed shelves or cabinets. Remember that open shelves or book stands are open because it's for those things that you want to put on display. Do you ever wonder why hotel rooms are always so nice and well designed? Well, they only put out what you need and all the stuff is always where they should be. Ample amount of closed and open storage keeps everything organized, giving actual useable space where you can rest and work comfortably.

Architecture is capable of changing the course of life through mastery of space and, in the process, manipulating the experience. A mansion or a hundred-acre lot are no guarantees of comfort. A person who has everything only needs a small place to live so long as he is comfortable there.

Editor's Note: The Writer is a Cebuano architect who had worked in Hong Kong as a design architect, heading projects doing architectural design, site development planning, hardscaping design, interior design and other such services. His responsibilities included concept development to design execution. He has recently returned to Cebu to practice his field of expertise. (FREEMAN)