HONOR THE FUNCTION
I always start by analyzing the function of a space. Whether it’s one room or 25, there is usually a well-defined reason for being in that room, and that’s what you’re after…a reason for going forward, for buying or finding what will define the function of that room.
Obviously a Dining Room needs that kind of furniture and a Library has to have bookcases, etc. That’s great if you have the space, but maybe the function is both a Library and a Dining area, where the choices of functional furniture aren’t very obvious at all. So let’s start with just one room, for after all, what works for the first studio apartment also guides you through the whole process with a big house. The rules don’t change, the space just expands, and you’ll be sooo glad it does!
One room…what do you need? Well, thinking about function, you need a place to sleep, eat, watch TV, work on your computer, cook, get dressed and you don’t want it to look as if you’re asking people over for a drink in your bedroom, which, of course you are. Right now, I’m going to let you in on a little secret…it doesn’t get any harder than this. Think about it…everything you need to live and work all jammed together in a tiny space and you want style on top of this???…verrry tricky.
So what do you choose to make this difficult place work?
Well, to begin with, every piece of furniture coming into this small space has to do double-duty, performing at least two, if not more, functions. You really have to look at furniture in a new way, seeing the pieces for all they can be, and don’t let the furniture give you any grief such as the Dining Room table’s favorite argument…”But I’m a proper Dining Room table” ! That kind of whining only gets the following stern retort- ”NO, you are not!!!! Maybe someday, but in this apartment you are a desk,(With one leaf dropped against the wall), and a console table with lamps and only occasionally, if I am stupid enough to actually think I can manage a dinner party in this crazy space, will you actually be a Dining Table, and that’s going to be rare, kiddo, rare!” Once the furniture gets used to its role, its usually very helpful, and this extremely useful table can function as a desk, a bar, a sideboard, a computer station, etc., (particularly if it is a drop leaf) You can even nibble breakfast at the end, dreaming of more space for the same rent….don’t despair….it will come, this is not forever, and believe it or not, later in life, managing several houses, kids, dogs, etc. this old Studio will seem like an oasis of calm.
Blair House 