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Akiva Projects Ltd
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Pro Spotlight: Clever Space-saving Solutions for Every Room
Make your compact home work as hard as you do with smart ideas for reducing clutter and maximising space
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Who: James Woodham, director of Akiva Projects
Where: UK and Berlin
In his own words: “Lack of space is the most common comment we hear from our clients. The space available is never enough to perform all tasks required or to accommodate extra guests. We understand the challenge of optimising the room design and using multipurpose furniture to solve spatial dilemmas.”
Our homes have to perform incredibly hard these days to meet the demand of our lifestyles. More of us are living in open-plan spaces that have to include work-from-home areas, laundry spots or play zones, while our busy lifestyles mean we crave clutter-free interiors that are easy to maintain.
Stepping up to the challenge of solving these small-space conundrums is James Woodham, director of Akiva Projects, a successful interior design agency providing affordable design packages to suit every budget. “We want Akiva to be the go-to place for anyone wanting to improve the look and efficiency of their home,” says James, who claims the number one ask from their clients, apart from style improvements, is the need for easy storage and places to hide things away. “[I want to] understand people’s homes and discover what we can do with that home to improve it for them.”
Where: UK and Berlin
In his own words: “Lack of space is the most common comment we hear from our clients. The space available is never enough to perform all tasks required or to accommodate extra guests. We understand the challenge of optimising the room design and using multipurpose furniture to solve spatial dilemmas.”
Our homes have to perform incredibly hard these days to meet the demand of our lifestyles. More of us are living in open-plan spaces that have to include work-from-home areas, laundry spots or play zones, while our busy lifestyles mean we crave clutter-free interiors that are easy to maintain.
Stepping up to the challenge of solving these small-space conundrums is James Woodham, director of Akiva Projects, a successful interior design agency providing affordable design packages to suit every budget. “We want Akiva to be the go-to place for anyone wanting to improve the look and efficiency of their home,” says James, who claims the number one ask from their clients, apart from style improvements, is the need for easy storage and places to hide things away. “[I want to] understand people’s homes and discover what we can do with that home to improve it for them.”
How the company evolved
James has been in the property construction industry for more than 20 years, managing his own design and build company. However, it wasn’t until his daughter, Akiva, was born that he decided to pursue his interest in interior design.
“I found a true passion for seeing the end result [of a design project] and the impact that had on the owners,” he says. “So, when my family started to take shape, a new chapter in our business began, too, and interior design company Akiva Projects was created.”
Akiva now employs 13 talented interior designers offering an affordable selection of interior design packages, depending on needs and budget. “I’m pleased when we are able to save our clients money, especially when they’re budgeting for their first home or their forever home,” James says. “Best of all is seeing the end result. That gets me every time.”
Here, James offers up clever design tips for getting the most out of a small space.
James has been in the property construction industry for more than 20 years, managing his own design and build company. However, it wasn’t until his daughter, Akiva, was born that he decided to pursue his interest in interior design.
“I found a true passion for seeing the end result [of a design project] and the impact that had on the owners,” he says. “So, when my family started to take shape, a new chapter in our business began, too, and interior design company Akiva Projects was created.”
Akiva now employs 13 talented interior designers offering an affordable selection of interior design packages, depending on needs and budget. “I’m pleased when we are able to save our clients money, especially when they’re budgeting for their first home or their forever home,” James says. “Best of all is seeing the end result. That gets me every time.”
Here, James offers up clever design tips for getting the most out of a small space.
1. Look for multifunctional solutions
James and his team of skilled designers recognise that floor space is at a premium these days. Their interior solutions are focused on optimising the layout and sourcing furniture that makes use of every available inch.
“From the simplest, transformable designs, such as a coffee table that changes into an extendable dining table, or an ottoman that becomes a single bed, multifunctional furniture has almost no limits,” James says. “In one project, we even installed boiserie [wood panelling] with shelves and a desk that transformed into a king-size bed with only one movement.”
James and his team of skilled designers recognise that floor space is at a premium these days. Their interior solutions are focused on optimising the layout and sourcing furniture that makes use of every available inch.
“From the simplest, transformable designs, such as a coffee table that changes into an extendable dining table, or an ottoman that becomes a single bed, multifunctional furniture has almost no limits,” James says. “In one project, we even installed boiserie [wood panelling] with shelves and a desk that transformed into a king-size bed with only one movement.”
2. Minimise clutter with clean lines
In compact spaces where ceiling height is limited or restricted, a clean aesthetic that’s clutter-free can make a tight area feel more spacious. A simple colour scheme will ensure it doesn’t feel claustrophobic or busy, while depth and interest can be added through texture on surfaces.
Clever use of the space under the stairs in this London apartment resulted in a compact kitchen with plenty of wall storage and worktop space. Every appliance was integrated to streamline the aesthetic, and every inch of space was optimised by continuing the wall units right around the walls.
“The client wanted to create an NYC loft feel for his flat, with a modern, industrial edge and matt black finishes,” James says. “He purchased our full design package for the kitchen, master bedroom, main bathroom and en suite shower, as well as our lighting design for the main rooms, so that the entire apartment was planned meticulously and had a cohesive flow throughout.”
See more of this project.
In compact spaces where ceiling height is limited or restricted, a clean aesthetic that’s clutter-free can make a tight area feel more spacious. A simple colour scheme will ensure it doesn’t feel claustrophobic or busy, while depth and interest can be added through texture on surfaces.
Clever use of the space under the stairs in this London apartment resulted in a compact kitchen with plenty of wall storage and worktop space. Every appliance was integrated to streamline the aesthetic, and every inch of space was optimised by continuing the wall units right around the walls.
“The client wanted to create an NYC loft feel for his flat, with a modern, industrial edge and matt black finishes,” James says. “He purchased our full design package for the kitchen, master bedroom, main bathroom and en suite shower, as well as our lighting design for the main rooms, so that the entire apartment was planned meticulously and had a cohesive flow throughout.”
See more of this project.
3. Add in clever storage
These days, open-plan living areas have to work hard to meet the demands of our changing lifestyles, often doubling as home offices or play spaces. The key to making these multifaceted rooms work is ensuring there’s plenty of storage to hide items away once they’ve been used. For example, a trundle drawer on wheels can slide under a sofa, making a great hiding spot for laptops, work files or toys.
This apartment in Berlin is home to a family who wanted to bring a sense of serenity to their open-plan space. Working with Akiva Projects, the apartment was injected with tranquil natural colours and textures that connect with the outside, while multipurpose furniture was carefully selected, including a leather footstool with hidden storage and a large media cabinet with both drawers and open compartments.
“The family wanted a cosy yet colourful home that was modern but still family-orientated,” James says. “We created a calm, clutter-free living space focused on conversations.”
See more of this project.
These days, open-plan living areas have to work hard to meet the demands of our changing lifestyles, often doubling as home offices or play spaces. The key to making these multifaceted rooms work is ensuring there’s plenty of storage to hide items away once they’ve been used. For example, a trundle drawer on wheels can slide under a sofa, making a great hiding spot for laptops, work files or toys.
This apartment in Berlin is home to a family who wanted to bring a sense of serenity to their open-plan space. Working with Akiva Projects, the apartment was injected with tranquil natural colours and textures that connect with the outside, while multipurpose furniture was carefully selected, including a leather footstool with hidden storage and a large media cabinet with both drawers and open compartments.
“The family wanted a cosy yet colourful home that was modern but still family-orientated,” James says. “We created a calm, clutter-free living space focused on conversations.”
See more of this project.
4. Slot in nifty niches
Even the smallest of bathrooms can still be practical. The key to their success is careful planning that makes the most of every area, as well as a slick, fuss-free scheme that’s easy to maintain.
The owners of this London apartment needed help to maximise the space in their compact shower room. A desire for a minimal aesthetic that was easy to keep clean was at the top of the agenda. A semi-recessed cabinet allowed the basin to be fully accessed, while custom-built joinery either side of the basin offered a multifunctional solution for covering the pipework while providing useful illuminated storage niches.
See more of this project.
More: Visit Akiva Projects’ Houzz profile for more information on the company’s services and projects.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Tell us…
How have these tips helped you plan your small space? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
Even the smallest of bathrooms can still be practical. The key to their success is careful planning that makes the most of every area, as well as a slick, fuss-free scheme that’s easy to maintain.
The owners of this London apartment needed help to maximise the space in their compact shower room. A desire for a minimal aesthetic that was easy to keep clean was at the top of the agenda. A semi-recessed cabinet allowed the basin to be fully accessed, while custom-built joinery either side of the basin offered a multifunctional solution for covering the pipework while providing useful illuminated storage niches.
See more of this project.
More: Visit Akiva Projects’ Houzz profile for more information on the company’s services and projects.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Tell us…
How have these tips helped you plan your small space? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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Review by Sienna Tucker:
We have used Akiva to revamp outdated interior of our living room, hallway and the master bedroom. It has been a pleasure working with the team, they are extremely experienced and knowledgeable but al...More
i am so glad I came across Akiva and hired them to decorate my home. I have been so happy with their service. I always wanted to hire an interior designer to decorate my house but I did not come across any designers that dealt with small-budget projects until I came across Akiva. I wanted to do my house room by room to keep costs low and to keep the project manageable. Ivana has been brilliant with her designs and I did not have to worry about keeping up with deliveries as Akiva's procurement service is great. James has been so patient and kind in managing all deliveries and my requests for Saturday-only deliveries. They are professional, hardworking and honest people and I can't recommend them enough. Now I know that hiring an interior designer does not have to be expensive.
Thank you Neha, it's been an absolute pleasure working for you.