Yes, this is a small living quarter that successfully pretends to be twice its actual size!

Not only does it cunningly fool the new owner into believing this, but also all those who come to socialise within its space.

This, my friends, was a daunting project from the get-go – a decrepit studio (on the ground floor) languishing in a residential complex directly on the beach. Restoration design strategies for this newly completed, getaway dream accommodation were zestfully applied to maximise limited square footage with stimulating, eye-popping style and function – all conducive to relaxation.

The living, dining, food-preparation, and sleeping functions all share the same open plan, with a bathroom embodied within its spatial confines. Sliding glass doors open to the tiniest, trellised, flowered courtyard.

Here is a design record of the clever solutions employed to achieve the fullest potential of the studio unit, with the desired results.

FLOOR TILES

The largest porcelain tiles available in Jamaica, of a whitish reflective colour, make for an almost seamless presentation.

PAINT

The walls are consistent in a white hue. The ceiling is pure white with crown mouldings in contrasting yellow colour. Floor skirting is also in matching yellow, with window mouldings in white.

WINDOWS

The large expanse of the glass, a casement type, offers a much more extensive sea view scenery and superior ventilation, with protective shades keeping excessive solar energy out.

LIGHTING

Recessed design with bright-white illumination takes advantage of all corners of the 'tray' ceiling, and then some.

FURNITURE

Small furniture pieces in full white, with yellow pulls and knobs where used. All were locally manufactured by small craftsmen and thoughtfully arranged, avoiding clutter.

DECORATION

Soft furnishings in solid blue and white, wall paintings, etc, were selected by the owner in tandem with the project designer.

KITCHENETTE

The kitchenette is made up of custom-built cabinetry, made by local craftsmen (painted white with yellow pulls) to accommodate appliances precisely.

BATHROOM

The bathroom is dominated by sections of custom-fitted glass and bevel-edged mirrored walls, complete with a LED-lit waterfall shower panel and massaging body-spray jets.

The refurbishment endured a terrible termite infestation, and almost all of the construction crew was fired early and replaced, along with other challenges. But here it is, a joy to behold in western Jamaica.

Barry Rattray is a dream house designer and builder. Email feedback to barry-rattray@hotmail.com [2] and lifestyle@gleanerjm.com [3].