Designing the Perfect Small Studio Loft
The saying "form follows function" suggests that a building's design should be based on its intended purpose. For artists Roy and Linda Mills, this principle guided every decision they made when creating their home.
After outgrowing their cramped studio in Stony Plain, Alberta, the couple sought a new property that could accommodate Roy's large-scale sculptures. They found the perfect spot on an acreage near Spruce Grove, nestled along the North Saskatchewan River. The main requirement was a large shop to serve as Roy's studio, a space grand enough for the impressive sculptures he is known for worldwide. His award-winning work is featured in public and private collections across the United States and abroad.
While the studio needed to be expansive, their living quarters presented a different challenge. Drawing on inspiration from their time in Japan, where they learned to appreciate the art of maximizing small spaces, they decided to build a compact living studio above the artist’s work area. With just over 600 square feet to work with, the studio loft needed to include a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living and dining area, and an office. This article explores how they brought their vision to life, creating a perfectly functional and beautiful home with clever space-saving solutions.
Embracing a Minimalist Philosophy
Roy and Linda’s time in Japan deeply influenced their approach to design. While Linda, a teacher, explored new learning opportunities, Roy worked in a private studio, creating sculptures for a solo exhibition. They both developed a profound appreciation for how Japanese design makes even the smallest spaces highly functional.
This experience became the foundation for their studio loft. They understood that to make their 600-square-foot area work, every piece of furniture and every design element had to have a purpose. There was no room for clutter or purely decorative items. Their goal was to create a living space that felt open and efficient, proving that a small footprint doesn’t have to mean a compromised lifestyle.
Understanding the Vision
Every great design and sculpture start with a deep understanding of the client's needs. Before proposing any solutions, our designer, Lyle, visited the Mills' studio space. He took the time to measure the area, examine its unique features, and listen to their challenges and vision for the loft above their workshop. The Mills needed more than just a place to sleep; they envisioned a complete living area that felt open, modern, and inviting.
A key feature of the space was the large, floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked a yard filled with Roy's artwork. Lyle knew these windows had to be the centerpiece of the design. By optimizing the layout around this natural light and stunning view, he could create a sense of spaciousness that would defy the loft's limited square footage. This initial consultation was crucial for aligning the final design with the Mills' lifestyle and aesthetic goals.
Start with a Personalized Process
Embarking on a design project for a small space can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? The most successful projects start not with a shopping trip, but with a clear and personalized plan. This was the exact experience of one of our recent clients, who wanted to transform their new studio loft into a functional and inviting home.
Their journey began with a simple consultation. Lead Designer, Lyle, discussed their lifestyle, daily routines, and what they needed most from their space. Was it a dedicated home office? A comfortable area to entertain guests? Chef inspired kitchen?
A functional kitchen that didn’t dominate the living area? By understanding their needs, our team could map out a design that prioritized their most important activities. This customer-focused approach ensured that the final design was not just beautiful but perfectly tailored to their life. The process was straightforward and collaborative, turning a potentially stressful project into an exciting one.
The Heart of the Home: A Functional Kitchen
For any home, the kitchen is often the central hub. In a small loft, its design is even more critical. The Mills knew they needed a functional kitchen that wouldn't dominate the living area but would still meet all their cooking and storage needs.
Lyle, with his many years designing and installing award-winning custom kitchens, designed a galley-style kitchen along one wall, which is an excellent layout for narrow spaces. Here are some of the key features that make it work so well:
Smart Storage: They used custom cabinetry that extends to the ceiling, maximizing vertical storage. This keeps countertops clear and ensures everything has a designated place.
Integrated Appliances: To maintain a seamless look, they chose integrated appliances that blend in with the cabinetry.
Light and Reflection: The use of light-colored countertops and a reflective backsplash helps to make the kitchen feel larger and more open
By carefully planning the layout and choosing the right features, they created a kitchen that is both a pleasure to cook in and a beautiful part of their open-plan living area.
The Ultimate Space-Saving Solution: The Wallbed
One of the biggest challenges in a studio apartment is defining a separate sleeping area without sacrificing valuable living space. The solution for Roy and Linda was a classic for a reason: the Wallbed or otherwise known as the Murphy bed.
The Wallbed, is a hinged bed that can be folded up vertically against a wall. This allows a room to serve as a bedroom at night and a living room, office, or creative space during the day. For the Mills' loft, this was a game-changer.
Dual-Purpose Room: By installing a Wallbed, they instantly created a multi-functional space. When the bed is stored away, the area becomes an extension of their living and dining room, perfect for entertaining guests or for Linda to use as her office.
Integrated Design: Murphy beds or Wallbeds are far from the clunky contraptions of the past. Companies like Wallbeds-Etc., an Edmonton-based manufacturer, design custom wall beds that can be integrated with shelving, desks, or closets. The Mills' bed is housed within a custom-built unit that matches their kitchen cabinetry, creating a cohesive and polished look throughout the loft.
Comfort Without Compromise: Today's Wallbeds are designed to accommodate high-quality mattresses, ensuring a comfortable night's sleep. You don't have to sacrifice comfort for convenience.
The Wallbed truly embodies the "form follows function" principle. It's a practical solution that allows for maximum flexibility in a small space, transforming a room with a simple pull. As Wallbeds-Etc. likes to say, “Now you see it, now you don’t.”
Smart Space-Saving Solutions for Modern Living
The primary challenge in any studio is defining distinct living areas without building walls that close off the space. Lyle presented the Mills with several space-saving solutions designed to create a multi-functional environment that felt both organized and cohesive. The goal was to seamlessly integrate a kitchen, living area, dining space, and bedroom into one open-concept loft.
The Power of a Cohesive Design
With the functional layout established, the next step was selecting materials and finishes. The Mills wanted a space that felt modern and stylish but also warm and inviting—a place they would love to come home to. Lyle worked closely with them to curate a palette that would achieve this balance.
The material selection included a mix of textures and tones. Sleek, minimalist cabinetry in the kitchen was balanced by the warmth of wood floors. The color palette was kept light and neutral to reflect the natural light from the large windows, making the entire loft feel brighter and more expansive. Accent colors and textures were introduced through furniture, textiles, and decor, adding personality without overwhelming the space.
This collaborative process ensured the final aesthetic was a true reflection of the Mills' personal style countertops to the Wallbed finish, contributed to a unified and sophisticated look.
Building Your Own Functional Space
The story of Roy and Linda Mills is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can transform a small space into a fully functional and beautiful home. By embracing the "form follows function" philosophy and incorporating smart space-saving solutions like a functional kitchen and a Wallbed, they created a loft that perfectly suits their lifestyle. Their home is a testament to the idea that you don’t need a lot of square footage to live well. All you need is a clear vision, careful planning, and a focus on what truly matters.
At Wallbeds-Etc, we specialize in creating custom space solutions that help you make the most of your home. From Wallbeds to custom closets, kitchens and even garages, we have over 40 years of experience of designing space-saving solutions right here in Edmonton.
Ready to transform your space? Contact us today for a consultation and let's design a solution that is perfect for you.
Have a question about Wallbeds-etc or Murphy bed, contact Wallbeds-etc today at 780-468-7088 or visit their showroom to find how to turn your spare room or empty space into best usable space possible. Wallbeds-etc is the space solution experts in Edmonton and surrounding areas. Don’t just take our word for it, check out customer reviews, then visit our online showroom to get started.