Anyway, in the mean time, I
am trying to plan as best I can for my new space.
Part of the reason I fell in
love with the flat is because it is so far removed from some of the boring
modern boxes I had seen. However, the character of the flat does make it harder
to furnish!
Dad has been a lifesaver -
going in and measuring up for me. We did some space-planning this weekend; planning furniture around every low beam, sloping wall and low ceiling. I have
been watching George Clarke’s amazing spaces for inspiration. I figure, if they
can create such awesome living spaces in caravans and narrow boats, my two bed
flat should be a breeze.
I think storage is the main
thing that will be a problem in the flat, and with relatively little space, I
need to make sure I make the most of every nook and cranny. This has meant
sacrificing some of my initial favourite pieces of furniture for alternatives
that work better in the space.
For example, I really wanted
the large Hemnes 3 door Ikea wardrobe to go with my day bed in my second room.
The problem was the room layout, as I also needed to fit the day bed, a desk
and a chest of drawers in there, and with a low sloping ceiling, this was a
tough task. However, by choosing a smaller wardrobe with sliding doors, I am
using the alcove space, allowing for a bigger chest of drawers and more storage
elsewhere in the room.
In the master bedroom, I
have gone for a bed in which the whole mattress pops up to reveal storage
underneath. I think this will be ideal for bags, mops, brushes and even and
ironing board – all chunky bits and pieces that have no home without a store
cupboard.
Finally, the mezzanine was
also perplexing me. It is such a lovely space, and I think it is the thing that
really gives the flat that “wow” factor. However, it is obviously awkward to
furnish as it is in the slope of the roof. It was also tough to decide what to
use this space for. There is no protective rail at the edge of the space to
stop people from rolling off, so not ideal for sleeping.
My solution is to use Kallax shelves from Ikea. They should sit perfectly along the back wall of the
mezzanine and can then be filled with books – creating a stylish shelving
system and allowing easy access to my many books and DVDs! If I can put a rug
up there too and maybe even a beanbag or low chair, it will be perfect as a
little reading/music den. I am also considering hanging my guitar on the wall
up there, so it becomes a great little creative space.
Anyway, I will stop rambling
on now. Needless to say, I am really rather excited about getting my keys, and
have all my plans in place to transform my lovely little Chorlton flat! Now I just need those keys...
