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The public is often fascinated with disappearing acts when it comes to interiors. After all, space-saving or camouflaging elements really open up a room, visually, and, in turn, instill a sense of Zen and cleanliness. As natural problem-solvers, architects and interior designers are well-positioned to provide such features for clients. One can design bespoke built-ins completely from scratch, but there are also customizable made-to-order products that can considerably reduce research or installation time — and maybe, even, cost.
Magiglide’s Smartwall
For one, the Smartwall from Magiglide® allows you to build storage walls just about anywhere on a floor plan because the system stands independently of framed walls. But, even better, because it can be specified with full-height panel doors, it seamlessly blends more into its backdrop. Yet, at $40 per linear foot (base price), the Smartwall system can actually be more cost effective compared to traditional closet systems.
Ideas for using Magiglide’s Smartwall
Magiglide currently produces two versions: the Standard Series has ¾-inch-thick by up to eight-foot-high components, while the Advantage Series offers 1-1/8-inch-thick by up to 10-foot-high panels. In lieu of a conspicuous floor track or guide, Smartwall utilizes a floor pivot, top track, and piano hinge to guide its bifold and pivot doors.
Magiglide’s Smartwall
If floor space is limited, consider underutilized vertical surfaces. Lying somewhere between minimalist wall art and cantilevered shelving, Riveli by American studio Lake and Wells is a wall grid of pivoting aluminum shelves that can be folded back up when not in use — a particularly smart solution for projects that require changing displays such as retail shops.
Riveli by Lake and Wells
The units can be specified in anodized black, clear, gold, or copper as well as with custom laser etching, magnetic artwork, whiteboard or chalkboard, or paintable artist canvas. Each shelf measures nine by 16 inches and can hold up to eight pounds.
Riveli by Lake and Wells
Riveli by Lake and Wells
With living spaces now spilling over into cooking spaces (and vice versa), we’re seeing more kitchens that fully or partially hide behind walls. But have you seen one that can additionally transform the space into a more formal dining room? Alessandro Isola designed such a system, which is fabricated by Italian manufacturer Record è Cucine.
Record è Cucine’s The Cut
Record è Cucine’s The Cut
Called The Cut, the kitchen is reconfigurable and full of surprises: a tabletop pulls out of “a cut” in the main island and pivots to form a peninsula or dining table; upper storage units vertically pull down to reveal contents such as spice racks; and full-height walls conceal storage, more prep surface areas, and a sink.
Record è Cucine’s The Cut
Obvious space-savers for the bedroom (or guest quarters, studio apartments, even bed-and-breakfasts), Murphy beds typically are single-sleepers with various mattress sizes that pull out of a wall-mounted frame. However, we’re increasingly seeing Murphy-bed specialists design bunkbed versions, as well. Resource Furniture’s Kali Duo unfolds into a double-decker sleeper with twin-sized beds. The top bunk features a unique soft barrier that collapses down when not in use, and a door at the top of the system adds concealed storage.
Resource Furniture’s Kali Duo
It just goes to show you that whatever the setting or project type — residential or commercial — you can bet that there’s a “disappearing act” designed for it — or on the way. These innovative solutions were shortlisted in the 2015 Architizer A+Awards in the Products category. To view additional winners and finalists, or to enter your own concept, click here.