Space Planning
At Magpye we hold a firm belief that the trifecta of layout, lifestyle, and practicality is the cornerstone of exceptional interiors. We understand that a truly remarkable space not only looks beautiful but also seamlessly accommodates your way of life. Should we identify a space that doesn't quite meet its full potential, fear not – we're here to ignite transformation. Our keen eye for design and understanding of spatial dynamics empower us to envision possibilities that make your space work smarter and harder. Through years of experience, we've honed our space planning prowess and adeptness in solving design puzzles. Our projects stand as living proof of our ability to breathe new life into spaces, creating a better flow and enhanced practicality.
Kindly note, while we excel in reshaping layouts, we're interior designers, not interior architects. Our recommendations for layout changes are well-considered, yet we advise that these should be verified by a qualified contractor for seamless execution.
Explore our project examples below for a glimpse into our space planning and problem-solving.
Beaumont Boulevard
UPPER FLOOR
Navigating through the bedroom, walk-in wardrobe, and ensuite of Beaumont Boulevard was once a disjointed experience, often leaving our clients dashing half-dressed to the landing. Recognising this flow hiccup, we embarked to redefine their space. The result? A complete transformation into a harmonious suite. Discover the in-depth journey of this remarkable shift in the case study in our latest blog post, uncover the steps that propelled us towards a much-improved living experience.
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Rennie Court
MASTER BEDROOM SUITE
Unlocking Space and Serenity at Rennie Court: A Walk-In-Wardrobe Metamorphosis. In Rennie Court, we encountered a walk-in-wardrobe that had lost its way, reduced to a crammed corridor that hardly lived up to its potential. Overflowing with belongings, it had become a chaotic sight, casting a shadow on the journey into the master bedroom – a far cry from the serene experience our client envisioned.
The space didn't work and needed changing. Firstly we ventured beyond the confines of the wardrobe, stealing unused space on the landing. We then reconfigured the ensuite and the walk-in-wardrobe with each area receiving a little expansion, but more importantly there would now be no wasted walkways, just fully utalised rooms. And to preserve this newfound sleek layout, we created a hidden door in the wardrobes through to the ensuite to ensure a flawless visual flow and safeguarding the impeccable cabinet aesthetics. Finally we added additional storage in the master with 'his wardrobes (the walk-in is 'hers') and a huge vanity hiding a laundry shoot.
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Brenthove House
MASTER BEDROOM SUITE
Elevating Tranquility at Brenthove House: A Suite and Wardrobe Transformation. Our client's vision was clear: to enhance her ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. However, the challenge was undeniable – an awkward, cramped space that left much to be desired. However a "junk room" doubling as an unconventional wardrobe extension, offered further space, However, the path between rooms was nothing short of a labyrinth. Enter our transformative touch. With meticulous planning and a commitment to functional elegance, the central room blossomed into a spacious ensuite, the "junk room" shed its former identity, emerging as a dressing room. But the true triumph? A streamlined pathway that connects these spaces with graceful ease. Gone are the longwinded journeys and impractical twists – instead, a straight passage unites the three domains, crafting a seamless flow that's as practical.
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Hillcot Place
HOLIDAY HOME
We consulted on this property; an inherited cherished family home, now envisioned for dual-purpose – a haven for their own getaways and a holiday home to rent out. A unique property – an "upside-down" design that gave breath taking views from its upper floor so it was imperative that the kitchen and living area stayed upstairs. However, other rooms of the property were a puzzling configuration; a bedroom blocking the front door, an underutilised open garage held untapped potential, and the absence of a dedicated dining area. Our vision: to not only make it more inviting for families and groups but also to enhance its intrinsic value. From shifting bedrooms to repurposing the garage and crafting a cohesive dining space, every step was aimed at breathing new life into this beloved residence.
The garage/laundry could become two generously sized bedrooms. Then shifting the tiny bathroom into the smallest bedroom this would allow a bath to be accommodated, and freeing up the original space for a new corridor for garden access. By replacing the staircase with a spiral counterpart it became both an architectural feature and a spatial liberator. The front entrance bedroom could be converted back into an entrance, plus it would be a sizeable enough area to work as a multi purpose space for a storage for boots/coats and laundry (all behind cupboards), and to use as an area for pets and an additional living space (snug) for perhaps kids to have their own area for games etc.
grounD BEFORE
GrounD AFTER
The spiral staircase, gave the living room newfound spaciousness and potential for a better furniture arrangement. Then by stealing some space from the overly large bathroom and were able to carve out a dining space adjacent to the kitchen.
We'll be staying in touch with the client to see how their project turned out.
UPPER BEFORE
UPPER AFTER
Woodlands
BUNGALOW FLOORPLAN
As interior designers we focus on layout, lifestyle and practicalities prior to looking at your colour scheme; There's no point putting paint on a wall when the wall perhaps needs to be removed. Intricately woven within our philosophy is the understanding that each client is a different. Every individual, every family, tells a unique story, and so does the space they inhabit. A journey into their lives reveals a tapestry of identities – who they are, their ages, their passions, their needs. Crucially, how they engage with their surroundings, and even more profoundly, how they envision doing so.
One such journey led us to a client seeking consultation for their home's architectural expansion. The existing plans left us in awe, albeit not for the right reasons. A basketball court, incongruously tethered to the master bedroom, it was an enigma that demanded addressing.
However, before we embarked on redesign, we embarked on understanding the client; an American hailing from LA, bore dreams of hosting friends and family within the embrace of their own haven.
There was tiny bedroom for the youngest son which he would soon outgrow; I thought it made more sense to knock through this room and the small master ensuite behind to create a corridor to a much larger extension. We could transform the master into a full luxurious suite with a larger walk through wardrobe and ensuite (free from the rambunctious pitter-patter of young feet). Then a larger room for the youngest, mirroring his sibling's, and two guest chambers. Finally the basketball court, accompanied by its own entrances and a tranquil yoga studio – a hobby space tailored to both the client and her children's passions. This redefined extension ticked all the boxes – hosting, an expanse of living, and a realm for hobbies. With newfound clarity, the client ventured back to the architect, ushering in a new chapter of their home's evolution, a testament to the power of consultation and transformative design.
Architects plans
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Gleneaglees
GROUND FLOORPLAN
The clients enlisted my expertise to address various challenges in their downstairs living spaces. These included an underutilised front living room, a dimly lit dining area, a compact kitchen leading to a noisy laundry room that also served as a bustling side entrance, a weird central space, and a problematic rear living room. Their active family life, along with two energetic pups prone to chewing, added to the complexity of the project.
The side entrance, conveniently accessed from the driveway, saw more traffic than the front entrance. It also served as the entry point for guests, and walking through the laundry room, likely cluttered with laundry, hardly left a positive first impression. To remedy this, I proposed relocating the side door and transforming the kitchen into a versatile boot room. This new space, enhanced by a glass partition, could double as a secure area for the dogs. With storage solutions on both sides, we aimed to achieve symmetry while concealing the entrance to the laundry room behind an integrated door, thereby reducing noise from the appliances.
Subsequently, I recommended relocating the dining room to the unused front living room and positioning the kitchen at the heart of the home. By reclaiming space from the corridor, we expanded the kitchen area, introducing a spacious island with seating. This adjustment eliminated the previous entrance while establishing a wide, open pathway from the dining room, improving accessibility and introducing much-needed natural light. To address the view of the neighbouring wall, I proposed installing an expansive frosted window along the side.
Finally, we tackled the challenge of the awkward seating arrangement in the rear living room, a narrow space with garden doors on one side and open areas on the other. With limited options for placing the TV and a desire for seating that faced both the television and the garden, I suggested the creation of a glass wall or shelving partition. This innovative solution would provide a backing for the seating arrangement without compromising the flow of light.
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WEBERGASSEn Chalet
GROUND FLOORPLAN
I was tasked with evaluating a Swiss Chalet, despite it being in a different country, it exhibited similar layout issues that could be solved with some thoughtful consideration.
The kitchen was notably small and impractical, and its openness to the stairway led to cooking odours wafting upstairs. In contrast, the dining and living area featured expansive windows that offered wonderful garden views. However, there was a lack of a comfortable lounging area that could have maximised those views, as the seating faced away from the windows. Additionally, there was a considerable unused space resembling a dance floor.
Our first step was to install a door that separates the space from the rest of the home. Subsequently, we expanded the kitchen into the existing dining room, creating a more spacious and open area. This allowed us to include a substantial island with a breakfast bar and a larger central window, providing delightful views of the sunflower fields behind the property.
In our efforts to control kitchen odours and minimise noise, we partitioned the space once more, this time using a half-glass wall. The lower half comprises a solid wall against which cabinets and a sofa could be positioned, while the upper half is made of glass to optimise natural light and maintain a sense of spaciousness. The central doors slide, allowing them to be kept open without causing obstructions.
By sealing off the living room door, we created a wall that accommodates a large corner sofa, now offering views of both the TV and the gardens. To further enhance the living area, we introduced central swivel or lightweight armchairs that can be adjusted to face the living room windows. To infuse the space with an indoor-outdoor living ambiance, we integrated a few additional double sliding doors.
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ELSWICK GARDENS
GROUND FLOORPLAN
The living room was narrow and long with an odd configuration of furniture inhibited by multiple doorways, with a sofa which protruded half way into an open arch doorway space. The dining room was rarely used and instead they used a tiny table in the small kitchen.
To address the clutter of doorways in the hallway, we made significant changes. We consolidated the three entranceways from the entrance hall into a single main entrance leading to the family space. Eliminating the doorway to the kitchen allowed for a more expansive stretch of cabinets. Direct access from the kitchen to the dining area meant the table would see daily use. The removal of the hallway created a more spacious dining area, perfect for larger family gatherings, a priority for the client. Once the sole entrance to the living room was removed, we gained a longer wall, enabling a more efficient furniture layout. Central doors connecting each area promoted a more social environment while providing the option to isolate sound and odors when necessary.
There was also a laundry room doubling as a gym, but it offered limited maneuvering space, rendering it impractical for either purpose. To address this, we proposed a small extension that would separate the laundry and gym, and a discreet door from the kitchen maintained the uninterrupted stretch of cabinets.
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sandy hall
KITCHEN & SNUG
This client brought me in for what a consultation and thank god they did! Prior to myself they'd brought in an unimaginative kitchen company who's only objective is to sell cabinets in the space they're directed to; they're not interior designers. I stopped them from making a very expensive mistake with their new kitchen, which would have devalued their home and their lifestyle. Read the full case study, link below.
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