Living Being Design

The high ceiling together with an elegant double-end claw foot tub and pendant light fixture make this small room seem spacious and luxurious. Concealed behind recessed panel doors are laundry appliances and ample room to store housekeeping supplies. By creating a dual-use room and reducing the quantity of new materials, the home’s ecological footprint is made smaller.

The twin murals were produced by John Canning & Company. Studying the orientation of this bedroom to the outside resulted in the clouds being depicted as though illuminated by sunlight coming through the windows. The murals’ colors were selected to invoke a warm spring evening, and are complemented by the surrounding molding, ceiling, and wall colors.

An effective approach to lowering occupants’ footprints and saving resources is to decrease interior space. With room arrangements tailored to homeowners’ lives and furniture that is proportioned for smaller areas, these living spaces bring family members together with defined conversation areas and comfortable circulation while avoiding under utilized square feet.

Natural light coming through a skylight inspired a wall color palette for a stair hall; as one ascends the stairs the walls become incrementally lighter, reinforcing the path of natural light. The almost white walls and pale floor at the top reflect daylight down to the lower floors eliminating the need for electric illumination during the day. The reward for the climb is a tiny reading niche where a teenager can enjoy privacy and books bathed in sunlight.

Built-in millwork maximizes storage in this petite study. Inspired by bookcases of the 19th century, the moldings and paneled doors are proportioned for the space. The dark brown exterior contrasts with the pink-orange interior of the bookcase that efficiently reflects light to illuminate the book spines.