Small Spaces for Modern Living: Making the Most of Your Indoor Space [Hardcover]

Caroline Atkins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 28, 2003

To maintain these trim, contemporary residences in fine style, you need the newest storage devices and cleverest space-saving solutions. They re right here, in an indispensable guide. The ideas are many and fresh, from cupboard hideaways to loft areas. Every room is covered, with information on design layout and planning, a recipe for success, and checklists.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

In this copiously illustrated title, Atkins, a writer and consultant for a variety of high-profile shelter publications, offers a guide to creating stylish, functional interiors that make the most of small spaces while leaving uncluttered "breathing room." Addressed to design novices, the introductory sections take readers through the stages of renovation planning, with sections about assessing the space and basic design principles of color and light. A summary of several common styles, with lists of corresponding materials, furniture, and accessories, closes the section. Subsequent chapters are organized according to living areas, including children's rooms. Sidebars with space-saving solutions and suggestions for building materials that work best for various areas of the house appear throughout, while a representative successful room closes each of the final sections. The text occasionally veers into trite common sense; to reduce kitchen clutter, for example, "do not let dishes accumulate." But the wealth of sharp color photos and practical hints makes this an attractive, useful resource for anyone facing an interior-design project. Gillian Engberg
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

Many of us misuse space through ignorance and habit. We are so used to stand-alone bookcases and other pieces of furniture it no longer occurs to us that much more would be accommodated with a little redesign. This book from the "Sunday Times" shows exactly what can be achieved with a little innovative thought. Cupboards, shelving, drawers and more are all displayed in the lavish illustrations, offering inspirational ideas to declutter your home and open up your living space. It outlines planning and prioritising, design principles and then proceeds, room by room, to give clean contemporary suggestions for every age group and style of living. See where you can save room such as under the stairs or in wardrobes, in the hall or landing to give yourself roomier living areas and more space to entertain and enjoy life. Give yourself back your home and not only free it from clutter but your life too. - Lucy Watson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Hamlyn (October 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0600609553
• ISBN-13: 978-0600609551
• Product Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,798,230 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

63 of 63 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive look at designing for small spaces, January 22, 2005

By 

A reader (Paris, France) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Small Spaces for Modern Living: Making the Most of Your Indoor Space (Hardcover)

Over the years I've collected quite a few books on designing for small spaces. What I really like about this title is that it combines the best features from the wide array of books available on this subject matter. It doesn't just present you with intriguing ideas and cool photographs; it also provides important design concepts, so you truly understand the design solutions presented. The book starts with assessing and planning your space, then discusses a variety of applicable design styles (rather than just the often-sterile, minimalist/modern look so many books feature!), room-by-room ideas, and options for special circumstances (such as an attic or galleried space). The book is also laid out very well and is a joy to read and reread. My only complaint is that I wish there were photos of every idea mentioned!

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Small Spaces, major possibilities!, January 23, 2007

By 

S. Beck - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Small Spaces for Modern Living: Making the Most of Your Indoor Space (Hardcover)

This book is fantastic! Unlike a lot of books on the market, it will really help you develop YOUR OWN space to suit YOUR OWN wants, needs, and taste.

The first few sections are devoted to helping you really examine your own living situation: What are your basic needs for your space? What are your not-so-basic needs and wants that will make your space suitable to you? Now, what have you got to work with? How is the space defined? What are your limitations on changing it? And, how would you like it to look? Atkins asks very clear cut questions that will help you evaluate what you and your home are capable of.

The next few sections are on basic design principles that work in any area. Use of color, lighting - both natural and artificial, furniture, and your own home's architectural features (doors, walls, windows) are explored.

Finally, every room in the home is given it's own chapter. Every nook and cranny is scrutinized for maximum use of space. From layout to furniture to walls and floors, there is helpful advice on EVERYTHING. Large, colorful photos and examples abound; and there are even case studies that show a room and explain why and how it works.

There are a few things about this book that I think put it above others in the same category. First, it really does help you evaluate what YOU are capable of in your own space. Second, there are helpful hints in the sidebars on nearly every page, which can be quickly referenced time and time again. And third, it covers areas that are often overlooked by other design books, such as hallways, stairs, and the occasional terrace.

For someone who can only afford a new coat of paint to those about to take on a major renovation, anyone can and will find some useful advice in Small Spaces for Modern Living.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Small Spaces for Modern Living, March 18, 2007

By 

Renee "Renee" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Small Spaces for Modern Living: Making the Most of Your Indoor Space (Hardcover)

I found the book very inspiring. The pictures in this book were meant as examples to push and inspire your imagine instead of taking a cookie cutter approach. The book also provides principles and strategies on how to implement your own ideas. However, the pictures provide primarily a modern and contemporary perspective for those of you who are die heart country chic or traditional.