Welcome to the fifth makeover in this season of "Home idea with IKEA"! They say it's best to prepare for winter in summer, but this time, it will be the other way round – awaiting the makeover in the middle of winter, there is a miniature summerhouse. This summer residence belongs to a small family of three. A spontaneous purchase at first, this has become a favourite spot in summer. Hosts Ildze and Kaspars like their "dwarf house" a lot but they feel the lack of ideas as for how to make the interior more functional and beautiful. This is where the IKEA Interior Designers should step in.
The family and the designer
The small family – Ildze, Kaspars and their young daughter Katrīna – have been thinking about a makeover for some time already and after applying for IKEA makeovers they got lucky! For Interior Designer Renāte this is not the first makeover in small rooms so she is confident – there will be some good solutions for this summer house.
Project summerhouse
The one feature of this room that cannot be unseen, is the sloping ceiling. Everyone who has that kind of ceiling knows that it is a challenge to choose fitting furniture. Host Kaspars betones the need for a kitchen sink that would make a big difference in terms of functionality and comfort while preparing meals. On the upper floor there is place for hosts or some relaxing time togethter, but even smaller than the first floor.
Tips & tricks for a small kitchen with sloping ceiling
Designer Renāte is convinced that there is no such thing as impractical rooms, there are just impractical solutions. Even a room with a sloping ceiling can be converted into a functional kitchen. Sure, one has to plan just the base level as there is no way to mount any standard cabinets or shelves under the roof, but this does not mean that the higher level is left unused. It can be made functional with some rods and hooks where you can keep all kinds of utensils and kitchen accessories to free up space on the counter and in the cabinets below.
Tidying up worktop
The trick to keep a kitchen tidy is to use organisers in a clever way. Rails with hooks and different containers are great way for organising all the smaller things needed in the kitchen, like utensils and different accessories. This way, you always have a good overview and do not have to search long for what you need.
Storage and summer feeling
Even in the most minimal interiors there has to be place for storage. Combining open and closed solutions is a good way of making the overall impression more vibrant as befits a summer house. Adding some colourful accessories creates a more personal and lively atmosphere. Decorative settings with artificial plants and flowers are great option for busy people as well as for summer houses where there is no-one on a regular basis.
Welcoming guests in a limited space
Even a very small space can be a cosy nook for sleepovers and rest. Renāte has used foldable furniture that enables flexible sleeping arrangements for up to 4 people. On one side, there is even a romantic setup with full size double mattress, some plants and a small table.
Creating a private space for a child
Even if there is no possibility to create a separate children's room, some privacy is still needed as every child has to have their space for spending time reading or just chilling. Renāte has used a gauzy canopy that does not look overwhelmingly massive in the tiny room but still manages to divide the space in area for parents and an area for young Katrīna.
More than a bedroom
In small rooms, bed must be chosen with care, as a big bed can quickly make the room look like one big mattress. A more flexible solution is a sofa-bed like here. It can be folded to gain more floor space and to use the room also just for sitting with a book and relaxing without the feeling that you're going to sleep.