Hiding ugly infrastructure proving popular in homes
From air conditioners to cat litters, homeowners are asking for those necessary, but often ugly, bit and pieces to be disguised in elegant ways
There are some things the households of today just can't live without - like cool indoor air, whole- house connectivity, and a functional kitchen.
Just because we need the sources that deliver such comforts, doesn't mean we want to see them. Adrian McCarroll, managing director of Original Vision, finds that disguising ugly infrastructure tops the design brief for many of his clients, regardless of their home size. Air con units are the worst offenders.
Says McCarroll: "In a new build, we can duct the system so it's concealed. With existing wall-mounted air-cons, timber louvres help cover them up while still allowing a lovely air flow."
Adding structure around the unit - such as customised shelving or bookcases - can further play down its dominance on the wall, while providing additional storage.
No one wants to look at kitchen clutter but it seems unavoidable in open-plan homes. McCarroll's solution is to crib space from somewhere else to incorporate a "hold all" butler's pantry, keeping the benchtops clear. Because it can't be seen, the pantry's shelving can be left open which cuts down on the build cost. This also means that appliances are far more accessible - no more rummaging around at the back of cupboards or under benches, McCarroll says.
"People put things like fridges and ice makers in there, to keep everything neat and tidy. This works particularly well for open kitchens," he says. The pantry doesn't need to be large; nor does the flat: McCarroll has installed them in 700 sq ft village houses.
Another design trick is storage concealed behind sliding partitions in family rooms. Fitted shelves and compartments hold household detritus in an orderly manner, and when you want to restore a "presentable space", simply slide the screen and it disappears from sight.