Our flat layout is a long rectangular shape.
Thus, it feel narrow and long, more like a corridor than a living room.
This particular layout was one of our main concerns before signing on the Option. But my wife likes the location so much and I thought maybe we can figure out a way to re-design the layout so it feels more spacious. Indeed, this has become one of the most challenging issue in our renovation.
Together with our ID, these following methods were applied to create a more squarish spacious feel to the living hall.
1. Colour Scheme
Found some useful resources paint supplier's website. There is also a simple video commentary of the effective use of colours. The following is a summary.
How to raise ceiling?
Colours can be used to change the size of your home. You may use 3 different shades of colour to make a low ceiling appear higher. Simply use the strongest shade of colour on the base of the room, then paint the medium shade of colour for the walls, and finish off with the lights tint of the colour for the ceiling.
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| Choice of colours in Living Room |
We chose the 3 different shades of Cream for the florr Magnolia yellow for the wall and white for the ceiling. We wanted an earthly version of the european classic feel. What do you think of the effect?
How to create width in you hall?
A long narrow hall will appear shorter and wider if the end walls are decorate with a dark or warm shade of colour, and the side walls with a light or pastel colour.
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| Choice of colours in for the End Wall |
The end wall was painted with a Dark Cocoa colour to try to make the living room feel wider.
2. Feature Window & Glass Door between the Kitchen and Living Room
Our ID guy proposed this glass door and feature window to allow break the long walls of the living room.
It also allowed for visual communication for the people in the kitchen and the living room. My wife agreed to the idea saying that it will allow her to monitor he helper cooking while she is in the livving room.
3. Floor Tile orientation
The tile chosen was a creamed coloured homogenous with light brown streaks running in 1 directon.
Our ID recommended that the brown streaks run across the width of the living hall to make it look wider. But I feel the effect was not obvious as the brown streaks were too faint.
Also See
Kitchen design concepts and specifics
Choosing right fan for your room
Glass door and kitchen living window
Chandelier Lights
