Parade of Homes

"Planning for lighting comes in nearer the be- ginning. For example, in an open-concept space, you would consider installing a plug in the floor where you might have lamps floating in the mid- dle of the room next to your furniture." "you want to be thinking about all three layers of lighting: task lighting, accent lighting and gen- eral lighting." The layers of lighting will help to define the liv- ing areas and facilitate their use. and dimmer switches are still a lovely way of changing your lighting as needed in each area. "People often call with problems with choosing fabric and other materials, but i think a beautiful- ly lit space is equally important," says Schroeder. another challenge is to keep the flooring consis- tent from one area of function to the next. But if you want different materials, consider your floor- ing cut-offs and plan them. Don't just leave it to the installer to decide. "if you're going to have more than one type of flooring, try to have a creative way of doing your flooring cut- offs like stepping the flooring or curving it rather than just hav- ing it at an odd angle," she says. and that provides the visual flow that helps to guide the physical flow for you and your guests. Many of the rules that apply to large spaces also apply to smaller spaces. Design must incorpo- rate traffic patterns; a visual indicator of change of function; and furniture and decor that is the right scale for the space. Tammie Bennett, interior design consultant for StreetSide Developments, deploys her skills in everything from large, luxury penthouse con- dos and three-storey townhomes to compact character homes in the exchange District. She says people shouldn't be discouraged by small spaces. "We found that one of our projects with a small- er, open-concept floor plan sold within a few days once people saw the condominium staged with furniture," she says. The right pieces to optimize any space are out there. "it's all about trying to make good use of the space," says Bennett. designing to sCALe Cont'd from page 119 Cont'd on page 122 'If you're going to have more than one type of flooring, try to have a creative way of doing your flooring cut-offs like stepping the flooring or curv- ing it rather than just having it at an odd angle' Bluestem Condominiums PHOTOS COURTeSy OF STReeTSiDe DeVeLOPMeNTS 120 Parade of Homes FALL 2015

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