The unimportance of size in decoration, given you have the audacity to embellish creatively
In next month, readers will have the opportunity to delve into the world of compact, yet charming living spaces with the publication of Ros Byam Shaw's latest book, "Perfect English Small and Beautiful." The book, published by Ryland Peters & Small, showcases a variety of tiny houses, most under 1,000 sq ft, and offers "delicious food for thought" for anyone considering small-space living.
According to Byam Shaw, small houses have an appeal due to their ability to make people feel snug and cosy. This sentiment is evident in the houses featured in her new book, many of which are decorated with a level of confidence not typically associated with small rooms.
The book demonstrates that large pieces of furniture don't have to make small spaces feel cramped, provided the ceiling height allows. It also emphasises the importance of storage in small rooms, with owners using every nook, cranny, and corner for storage.
One of the creative solutions for maximising space in small homes that the book likely explores is the use of multipurpose furniture. This can include storage ottomans, desks with built-in shelving, and other pieces that serve multiple purposes, thus reducing clutter and increasing functionality.
Other strategies for maximising space in small homes may involve vertical use of space, minimising clutter, strategic lighting, reflective surfaces, streamlined layouts, innovative storage, and opening up wall space. Examples of wall space opening techniques include re-hanging doors so that they open into a passage, hall, or landing, and exchanging doors for curtains.
Inspiration for the book came after Byam Shaw wrote magazine pieces about small yet beautifully designed houses. A visit to furniture restorer Guy Marshall's 111⁄2ft wide house in Shropshire served as a significant inspiration.
Byam Shaw and her husband, Richard, moved from their east-Devon, Tudor-era house after 23 years to a smaller house on the other side of town. The move necessitated a need to edit their possessions, with working out what to keep and what to let go becoming a full-time job for Byam Shaw. Some owners of homes featured in the book have even remedied low ceilings by removing them and extending spaces vertically to the rafters (Ceiling Removal).
Initial feedback suggests that this new book is resonating most with readers. The cost of the book is £40. For specific examples from "Perfect English Small and Beautiful," readers would need to consult the book directly.
The new book, "Perfect English Small and Beautiful," by Ros Byam Shaw, not only offers insights into compact living spaces, but also provides inspiration for interior-design ideas that cater to a lifestyle focused on home-and-garden. For instance, the book discusses the use of multipurpose furniture that serves a dual function, maximizing space and enhancing the interior-design aesthetic.
