Our purpose is to improve people’s quality of life through design, aesthetics and spatial planning—giving a space a sense of belonging.
No matter where in the world you live, the place you call “home” should tell a story of who you are. Your home goes beyond the structural foundation that provides shelter; it’s so much more. Your home welcomes, gives a sense of security, invites guests inside, engages your senses, and gives a feeling of belonging. “Sense of Space” is derived from the history of Dutch interiors; to the Dutch, “home” meant the house but also everything that was in it and around it, including the people, and the sense of satisfaction and contentment that all these conveyed. We approach each space with a passion, process and design expertise to create a place that you are proud to call home.
The key considerations of Sense of Space:
Flow of Space
How you move from room to room and within each room helps to establish a sense of purpose for your space; using it’s fullest potential. How you intend to use each room at different times a day is largely considered to design a layout that is functional and visually appealing. For example, your kitchen/living/dining area may function as a breakfast nook in the morning, an office in the afternoon, and a place to host a dinner party in the evening. It is also important to understand architectural restrictions and opportunities, priorities for using each room, and your personal style.
Connect with Color
Color is where your story begins. Consider how you feel in different spaces. Have you ever fallen in love with a space that was mainly neutral tones; it’s minimal, clean look and feel, only to then be surprised that you were attracted to a space over flowing with rich, deep, bold colors? Color is an external expression of all the emotions we feel, from serious to playful. It’s not about what’s right or what’s trending, it’s about what color palette you want to live with. Color not only comes from painted walls, but from wallpaper, tiles, accessories, furnishings, artwork and plants. Color is the story. If you are looking to turn your space into sanctuary that emanates calm and relaxation, or that boosts creativity and vitality, it begins with color.
Let there be Light
Lighting influences how you experience every part of your space. Lighting is an essential ingredient and should be considered at the beginning of design process. That is when we will consider a combination of ambient lighting, accent lighting and task lighting. Playing with natural and artificial lighting can lift your spirits, heighten energy for productivity, or create a soothing ambience. And, a mix of light sources adds textures and tones, and establishes functional contrast.
Furnishings + Functionality
Your foundational pieces, such as the sofa, bed, dresser and dining table, are the larger investments in your home. Because these items require a considerable part of your space and budget, they should be timeless. Adding a “statement piece” is another way to express your identity; this might be a vintage coffee table, an overlarge chandelier that fills your dining area, or a piece of unique artwork for the entry way. Furnishings ideally should serve a function as way to provide purpose, for example, a coffee table may have a bottom shelf for books or magazines; a bed may have drawers underneath for storage; a butcher block in the kitchen can serve as additional counter space or a high top with counter stools.
Personal Touch
Showcasing personal pieces and accessories can ultimately make your home stand out. We will help you find, curate and arrange accents to give personal touches that will tell your story. My own apartment is a visual collection of momentos from places I lived and traveled to – a ceramic bowl I purchased in a boutique shop in Sardinia; a Mid-Century Poole tea set from England; a silver vase given to me by a friend from Rome; a necklace I bought and wore in Barcelona; a framed photograph of the Lower East Side, taken by a friend in NYC; and so much other inspiration. Accentuate your space with whatever evokes positive memories and brings you happiness.
Small Spaces
Is your space small? Or, is there an area in your home that feels crowded or cramped? For most of us living in an apartment, spaces usually need to serve multi-functions – the second bedroom may be an office/guest room; the dining table may also be a projects area; the kitchen is a place to cook, eat and entertain guests. And, don’t forget a balcony can be extension of the living room. We use organizational skills and tips, multi-functional furniture, and use of color and lighting to create more space.