Showhomes > Space-creating features

Space-creating features

At 184 sq metres, the Moyle home is not a particularly large home, but its refined minimalist style creates a sense of space that transcends its actual dimensions.

“One of the most important things a minimalist home can have is plenty of good storage,” says Shannon Moyle. “Without that it's just too easy to accumulate clutter. Often it comes down to the small details like where the phone is going to live. I hate phones being plonked down on bench tops, so I planned a small recessed alcove for it adjacent to the kitchen. Below it is a wine storage area. It's not on view, but it's easily accessed.”

The kitchen itself is very compact, yet uses its space to the maximum, with plenty of storage space concealed behind the dark oak Meltica cupboards and drawers and generous bench space. Shannon has also built a large amount of storage into the garage area which is easily accessed directly from the kitchen. The laundry is also contained in a sliding cupboard in the garage, freeing up floorspace inside the house.

Using a limited colour palette and keeping the range of materials to a minimum has helped to create a sense of unity and flow throughout the home which enhances the sense of space. A good example of this is the use of raw concrete flooring which links the inside living area to the outside courtyard.

“Using one surface indoors and out really helps to create an illusion of greater space,” says Shannon.

Another way of cutting down clutter in the home was to house the stereo, DVD and VCR all in the office – controlled by remote. The stereo speakers are set into the ceiling in the living room, the bedroom, and outdoors in the soffits – providing music in the courtyard without having to crank up the stereo and risk offending the neighbours!

Other space-saving features have been used to help the rooms to appear bigger – for example a cavity slider between the such master bedroom and the ensuite allows space for a generous chest of drawers in what would have been the door space. In the lounge, the recessed display area creates a stunning showpiece without encroaching out into the living space.

The cantilevered staircase in the living area also helps to create a sense of spaciousness. The space beneath the stairs has been left free, allowing shadow to fall onto the clean surfaces of the walls and floor, which has the effect of enhancing the stairs sculptural quality.