Dornob | Design Ideas Daily

Exemplary Interior: How to Make 380 Sq Ft Feel Spacious

Posted: 03 Sep 2013 10:00 AM PDT

small space interior

Less is more when you need to make the most out of a small space, and this apartment shows how using a few materials and making smart layout choices can lead to a lovely and open-feeling home.

small apartment staircase

Designed by Alan Chu (images by Djan Chu), this Sao Paulo abode features white brick walls, a black spiral staircase and light-colored pine built-ins and platforms to keep the space bright, simple and multi-functional.

small pine built ins

Most of the wooden elements are stacked to one side, serving as shelves but also storage spaces while leaving other walls open and light and the plan itself also largely open to being rearranged as needed.

small unit floor plan

The lower level serves all primary daytime functions – kitchen, dining space and living room – with a thin balcony on the exterior face of the building and a fold-out couch sleeper for lounging or guessts.

small wood elements bedroom

The upper floor houses a minimal but elegant bedroom, a darker and more relaxing space. The project was made for a single occupant, but could house two as needed.

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Worknest: Multi-Functional Desk Celebrates Simple Wood

Posted: 02 Sep 2013 04:00 PM PDT

wood desk detail

Its designer no doubt wants to impress you with the various features and accessories available along with this desk, but first: step back for a moment and admire its detailing instead.

wood simple desk cut

Wiktoria Lenart used a recognizable set of table saw cuts to create functional grooves running parallel to each edge, but these in themselves are somehow also pleasing to the eye, their usage aside, and seem to fit the unfinished look of the piece.

wood desk in use

In a similar fashion, by using dimensional lumber there is a tie-in to wood in its semi-raw form usually found hidden behind the walls of buildings, or relegated to planks on an exterior deck left to weather in the elements.

wood desk white accessories

But to be fair, Lenart has a larger purpose in mind: this rawness is meant as a backdrop for clipping, hanging and otherwise attaching elements that will enhance the usability and appearance of the desk on demand, from side panel shelves to hanging flower pots.

wood simple desk inspiration

WORKNEST office furniture design by Wiktoria Lenart from Wiktoria Lenart on Vimeo.

She also shows off images of her inspiration, which while not always obviously relevant, are certainly engaging and perhaps of an aesthetic spirit with the finished product. That said, the reader will have forgive this author for still thinking the desk as an object in itself is the best part of this project.