I am always so happy to see vertical take the place of horizontal especially when it gets the job done in a space saving effort. The CaseFile storage system from Case Furniture of London is the design of Matthew Hilton which makes the best of small spaces while still offering function. The flip down desk, shelf, drawer combination only uses about a square yard in its 72 x 18 inch footprint or 1840 w x 460 d x 2140 h mm for the metric readers. CaseFile is available in a number of different configurations using horizontal components from standard shelving, a 2-drawer unit, and a bureau or a media unit. Available in walnut or oak veneers.
I am a big fan of lofts and frankly enjoy living in the heart of the city. There you can be surrounded by great restaurants, theaters, shopping, art galleries, and coffee shops. It's not all glamorous though. The tradeoff is always less space when you are in so close.
A smaller apartment or loft space creates additional challenges when decorating. Most of us have more stuff than we need and yet we want to cram it all into our home. Another challenge is having one large open space. As humans we like to have some break in the routine where we dwell. Being able to escape to a study, or a TV room, may be just the rest and relaxation needed to recharge the batteries. Further, you may have a roommate or child and need privacy even though a loft is small.
One tip for such challenges is using room dividers. There are free standing versions as well as sliding door versions that can create a room when you need one. Another handy idea is using sliding doors for pantries or closets. This frees up having a door that must swing outward to open and close. Often times, there is no room for the door to swing to. There are some very stylish room dividers on the market. The two models pictured here are from Raydoor. New York City designer Luke Siegel founded Raydoor to create panels that transmit light and provide dampening of sound.
Here is a really fun and light futon sleeper sofa from Innovation that is perfect for anywhere there is a need to sit, sleep, or both. The "Wing" is right at home in a modern environment from the living room to a spare bedroom. The back of the Wing works on a ratchet system and can be fixed in several positions from upright to flat with minimal effort. In addition both ends of the seating surface also adjust in the same way giving a cool look to the sofa or head support when lying down, hence the name. A supple leather look vinyl gives the appearance and feel of leather without the maintenance or high price. Appx. $600 US
When you think of a "futon", you get visions of a wooden frame and a puffy cushion in a generic, usually unattractive fabric. Innovation has a different idea of the futon convertible sofa bed that makes much more sense for a dressy "non dorm room" environment. The Innovations line of up to date models has a crisp clean look that easily unfolds to make sleeping surface in one easy step with nothing to lift or detach. The set shown here even has a fold down chair that makes the sofa sleeper into a small L shape sectional perfect for serious lounging at a very reasonable price. Innovations leather look and micro fiber coverings offer care free cost effective upholstery that will take years of use.
For me, I appreciate small spaces and in particular, their central location to urban centers and cultural venues. When you have that great place in the city, you will most certainly get visitors. So how do you accommodate guests when you have a very small space such as a loft or apartment? That is where optimizing your furniture comes in. There are many pieces on the market today that serve multiple purposes. One of my favorites is the sofa bed. I think sofa beds offer terrific functionality when needed and provide day to day living requirements of being a great piece of furniture to lounge on. You will not always have overnight guests, but if you do, it is nice to offer them a place to sleep. Also, if your spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend misbehaves, you can send them out to the sofa for a good nights sleep! Pictured here is a sofa bed from Design Within Reach. The Twilight Sleeper Sofa retails for $1,650 and comes in the following colors: dark grey, autumn, grass green, and light blue.
