Thursday, January 19, 2012

Off the Wall...



What better way to make a space seem larger than it is than it is than with furniture that floats. It’s off the wall…literally.

This is a concept I LOVE – open, airy storage. Wall hung furniture works perfectly as a media center, in a bathroom, for file storage, as a buffet, a bar, or anything really... I also like the visual proportion they bring to a space. Hovering just above baseboard level, they’re ideal for showcasing prized artwork above and tabletop treasures on top. And if that’s not enough to sell you on the idea… their low profile makes ceilings seem higher and rooms wider.

Yes, yes, and yes…

The “usual variety, seen here, fits seamlessly into a stark and modern space, but why not consider variations that would appeal to the more classic at heart? A marble top, recessed panels, shiny mid-center hardware, and a splash of mirror – any of these would do the trick. Same design, but wayyy different...

Incidentally I’m working on 2 of these pieces right now – one spanning the length of a living room and the other gracing a small bathroom. Both different, yet each cool in its own way…. The first lacks visible hardware and is contemporary to the core –a media center. The second, a vanity with traditional flair, will make a tight-on-space bathroom seem larger. This will be much more efficient than a pedestal or console, and unlike a standard vanity, you'll actually get to see the pretty floor under it.

PS: Note to selves - it’s important to plan ahead and have your contractor reinforce the wall to handle the weight of these things. After all, steel brackets can only do so much to keep you from this:

Wall-hung one minute to hole in the wall the next….

2 comments:

Dream Mom said...

I love the floating furniture; the second photo is really pretty. Good tip about reinforcing the wall-haven't thought about that but then I haven't installed any floating furniture.

One other advantage to floating furniture is that it's great for people with disabilities in wheelchairs. My son was born totally disabled and I've often loved the floating nightstands on the walls. It's also great in bathrooms to make the sinks barrier free.

I love looking at a room and having people think it's beautiful first and then knowing that it works for everyone, not just able bodied. We all know that function comes first, then beauty but I want people to SEE the beauty first then be blown away that it functions beautifully too.

Kelly Giesen said...

Wow I never thought of that aspect of this as well. Thanks for sharing...