Home additions: Small spaces are the next big thing

The uncertain times we are living in has led to an unusual shift in our homes.

This is part three of our Special Report: Australian Homes during COVID.

Part one: How we ditched a useless yard for a family oasis

Part two: Making the most of smart home tech

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THE focus on our homes has been intense during the past year.

The more time we’ve spent at home, the more we have pondered its strong and weak points. And while many renters and owners are looking to upgrade, those staying put are investing in nesting.

The resurgence in welcoming, cocooning interiors is a direct response to the uncertain times we are in, and homeware retailers report that cushions, soft furnishings and other cosy buys are up between 30 and 180 per cent.

“Cocooning has never been as widely embraced as it has in the past year,” says Selma Rajah, editor at homeware and furniture retailer Temple & Webster.

“Lockdown saw Australians relishing their personal spaces and actively seeking to make them more comfortable, more functional and more beautiful.”

Demand for soft furnishings and other cosy buys is booming. Picture: Supplied

First coined in 1981 by trend forecaster Faith Popcorn, the term “cocooning” refers to the act of bunkering down at home to avoid the perceived dangers of the outside world and it took on a whole new meaning in 2020.

Comforting fabrics, soothing colour schemes, deep sofas and ambient lighting are all crucial components but cocooning is also about getting more from our real estate: living rooms are morphing into high-tech home theatres and spare rooms into wellness spaces.

“There’s been a real need for the creation of designated zones for individual activities like working, learning and relaxing,” Selma explains.

Carlea Elmes at her home in Dunbar Terrace with her dogs, Alfie (Cavoodle) and Barkley (Border Collie) Picture: Nick Clayton.

The snug is a prime example of this – a separate room or quiet corner where the kids or parents can escape for some quiet time. “More of my clients are seeking to add cosy spaces into their homes, such as seating nooks or window seats, where they can switch off and take a break from their workspace,” says Aimee Agelis, director at The Interior Space, who created the snug in the home of Carlea Elmes.

“It can be as simple as adding an armchair with a lamp, textured throw and cushion.”

A bespoke nook in Aimee’s own home (see cover and right) was designed by Adelaide firm Williams Burton Leopardi. Tucked into a wall in the playroom, the ‘snug’ is lined in a textured cotton fabric and deep drawers below are filled with children’s books. “The kids love it and I also find it enjoyable to snuggle up while they read their favourite stories,” says Aimee.

A bespoke nook. Picture: Supplied

Retailers are loving the cocooning boom. “After the initial slowdown in sales following lockdowns, we saw a rise in the popularity of home furnishings, sofas and decorator items,” says Domayne’s executive general manager David Lewis.

“COVID has redefined the way we live – and shop,” adds Brosa’s Rushabh Sanghavi.

OUR SNUG HOME

Carlea Elmes: “Our home in Adelaide is more than 100 years old, and after living here for eight years, my husband David and I had some firm thoughts on how it could work better for our needs.

We embarked on a whole home renovation and extension with local building company Desyn Homes last year, starting the project pretty much as Covid started to impact.

Our brief to Desyn was reasonably straightforward: to make our new home look like it was true to the original.

‘Moody and elegant.’ Picture: Nick Clayton.

With Desyn’s guidance we selected colours, tiles and finishes that we believed were respectful of the architecture and in line with the age of the home. The detailing and the finishes have far surpassed our expectations.

We then engaged the team at The Interior Studio to oversee the selection of furniture and accessories, working to my brief for an elegant, moody, family home.

We have a kitchen/dining/family zone at the rear of the house and that’s our main living space. This former sitting room is part of the original house and has been updated and designed as a truly cosy, retreat-like space.

The snug is the room we use on cold, wintry nights with a movie playing and a glass of red wine, so comfort was crucial.

I asked The Interior Studio to give me lots of textures and also selected the green velvet sofa.

Cocooning done right. Picture: Nick Clayton.

It is so cosy and perfect for this space, and I thought it went beautifully with the grey walls and dark floorboards. The oversized rug from The Rug Collection softens the room and it helps with the acoustics, too, which is great.

The gas fireplace is obviously the star of the show and we use it a lot. The finished room feels quite adult, but it’s also the perfect family zone for movie nights. It’s a great hangout space when our 11-year-old twins, Ruby and Coco, have friends over, and equally, David and I enjoy relaxing here on our own some evenings.

The longer we live here, the more I believe the room will evolve with us, which is exactly what it was designed to do.”

Carlea and David Elmes, and their twin daughters, Ruby and Coco, live in Glenelg East, Adelaide, with Barkley the border collie and Archie the cavoodle.

HOW TO CONJURE UP A COSSETTING SPACE

*Texture is key when creating a snug,” says Aimee Agelis from The Interior Studio.

Plush carpets or rugs, cushions and throws will instantly make a room feel snug and cosy. “Tactile textures like velvet and bouclé help warm up a space,” says Gil Bennett, creative director at More Than Space.

Bunkering down. Picture: Nick Clayton.

* Create calm with a combination of warm neutrals and accents of earthy greens and yellows.

* Choose furniture that invites you to put your feet up. “Upholstered wingback chairs are fantastic for their roominess, sturdy support and enveloping shape,” says Selma Rajah. Add a footrest or ottoman and a side table to hold your book or cup of tea.

* Indirect light sources such as table and floor lamps and dimmable wall sconces are a quick mood setter.

* You simply can’t beat candle and firelight for atmosphere.

* For a superior home movie experience, paint walls a dark colour and install blackout curtains.

At Home magazine cover February 27.

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Originally published as Home additions: Small spaces are the next big thing