Every home has a space like this – a small room or a nook seemingly fit for a small hobby corner, but actually very hard to organise. In this project, IKEA Interior Designer Dagne has put all of her professional skill to test and converted a small stairtop nook into a functional space for work and hobby. The result is a cosy secluded space, fit for two persons with different hobbies.
Creative solutions for a creative family
Sanita, Juris and their daughter Annija are a creative family from the picturesque Latvian town Mālpils. Both parents work in the field of music and Annija has found her vocation in creating pearl jewellery. As the main work is done at home, they have set up a working area at the top of the stairs. And this is the area they would like to see transformed. IKEA Interior Designer Dagne is an experienced designer and has worked a lot with work spaces. She knows exactly what is needed here and how to achieve that.
Sanita, Juris and their daughter Annija are a creative family from the picturesque Latvian town Mālpils. Both parents work in the field of music and Annija has found her vocation in creating pearl jewellery. As the main work is done at home, they have set up a working area at the top of the stairs. And this is the area they would like to see transformed. IKEA Interior Designer Dagne is an experienced designer and has worked a lot with work spaces. She knows exactly what is needed here and how to achieve that.
Lose yourself in your hobby... literally
Sanita admits that this alcove, started as a comfortable nook for writing music and working, has changed over time and has become also a storage space for all the things that have not found place anywhere else. Like books, that have accumulated over years and are now just stuffed into shelves in several rows with no possibility to access them easily. A situation that you can relate to? If so, read on and find out the best tips to make the most out of spaces like this one.
Sanita admits that this alcove, started as a comfortable nook for writing music and working, has changed over time and has become also a storage space for all the things that have not found place anywhere else. Like books, that have accumulated over years and are now just stuffed into shelves in several rows with no possibility to access them easily. A situation that you can relate to? If so, read on and find out the best tips to make the most out of spaces like this one.
All you need within reach
After the makeover, the space seems to have grown bigger! What does the trick? First, it is the colour, as white always creates a more spacious impression. Second, the vertical solutions, use of wall space and clever planning that puts the main working space under the sloped ceiling. Another thing working its magic here is the lighting. Good and functional lighting solutions can go a long way to create practical spaces for work and hobbies. In such a small space LED lighting strips are a clever solution as they can be attached directly under the shelves and do not take up any extra floor or desk space.
After the makeover, the space seems to have grown bigger! What does the trick? First, it is the colour, as white always creates a more spacious impression. Second, the vertical solutions, use of wall space and clever planning that puts the main working space under the sloped ceiling. Another thing working its magic here is the lighting. Good and functional lighting solutions can go a long way to create practical spaces for work and hobbies. In such a small space LED lighting strips are a clever solution as they can be attached directly under the shelves and do not take up any extra floor or desk space.
A minimalist approach: work space for two with limited space
One of the main challenges was creating enough space for two in this limited area. A clever solution is to choose a custom desk combination instead of a complete desk that may not fit so well and make you lose the vital centimetres. Here, Dagne has chosen a sturdy kitchen worktop in a warm wooden colour set off by the light wall and put it over two drawer cabinets that offer a lot of easy access space for all kinds of things, even big folders that can be stored upright in the lowest drawer.
One of the main challenges was creating enough space for two in this limited area. A clever solution is to choose a custom desk combination instead of a complete desk that may not fit so well and make you lose the vital centimetres. Here, Dagne has chosen a sturdy kitchen worktop in a warm wooden colour set off by the light wall and put it over two drawer cabinets that offer a lot of easy access space for all kinds of things, even big folders that can be stored upright in the lowest drawer.
How to store, organise and separate
The limited floor space invites using walls and Dagne has shown great skill in this. For the nook to feel more like a separate room she has added a storage combination acting as a room divider. The lower level of the combination has a couple of spacious drawers while the upper part creates an airy impression with its open shelves.
The limited floor space invites using walls and Dagne has shown great skill in this. For the nook to feel more like a separate room she has added a storage combination acting as a room divider. The lower level of the combination has a couple of spacious drawers while the upper part creates an airy impression with its open shelves.
Mobile solutions for more flexibility
Even the most orderly hobby room always has all kinds of "extra" things that can create mess. Sounds familiar? IKEA Interior Designer knows that too and she advises to organise such bits and ends in a small, yet versatile trolley that can be used for everything that may be needed in different places. RÅSKOG trolley can be accessorized in many different ways to create the best solution for different kinds of things.
Even the most orderly hobby room always has all kinds of "extra" things that can create mess. Sounds familiar? IKEA Interior Designer knows that too and she advises to organise such bits and ends in a small, yet versatile trolley that can be used for everything that may be needed in different places. RÅSKOG trolley can be accessorized in many different ways to create the best solution for different kinds of things.
Less space means more organisation
When organising a small room, one needs creative approach. Like here, where spice racks and spice jars have been transformed into a storage solution for Annijas pearls. RAJTAN spice jars are simple in design, so Dagne finds them useful all over the home, wherever needed. A minimalistic set of desk organisers add one last touch to a nice and tidy place for work.
When organising a small room, one needs creative approach. Like here, where spice racks and spice jars have been transformed into a storage solution for Annijas pearls. RAJTAN spice jars are simple in design, so Dagne finds them useful all over the home, wherever needed. A minimalistic set of desk organisers add one last touch to a nice and tidy place for work.
How to put the space above the piano to use
Have you ever wondered how to put to good use space above a sofa, a chest of drawers or a piano, like here? Dagne advises to use pegboards that are great to make a creative hub of to do lists, inspirations and all the small things that must be within reach but do not have to lie around until lost. There is no limit to possibilities or personalisation of such pegboards.
Have you ever wondered how to put to good use space above a sofa, a chest of drawers or a piano, like here? Dagne advises to use pegboards that are great to make a creative hub of to do lists, inspirations and all the small things that must be within reach but do not have to lie around until lost. There is no limit to possibilities or personalisation of such pegboards.
Sound management at home: creating privacy
One of the best hacks for open spaces (or nooks at the top of the stairs) is using some sound absorbing panels. Here, Dagne has chosen ODDLAUG, the flexible and multitasking panels that can be fitted to a multitude of solutions. You can stick them together in different shapes and create just the solution you need. For extra privacy, the Interior Designer has layered an extra curtain on top of the sound absorbing panels. In addition to dividing the room, they create a cosy atmosphere.
One of the best hacks for open spaces (or nooks at the top of the stairs) is using some sound absorbing panels. Here, Dagne has chosen ODDLAUG, the flexible and multitasking panels that can be fitted to a multitude of solutions. You can stick them together in different shapes and create just the solution you need. For extra privacy, the Interior Designer has layered an extra curtain on top of the sound absorbing panels. In addition to dividing the room, they create a cosy atmosphere.