The crux of the laundry rack

For harmonious coexistence, not only empathy and reflection are needed, but also a well-thought-out home – at least according to Sissi Kettl. The architect from Pram, who has been giving tips for functional living space in her Vienna office for seven years, knows about the small hurdles in everyday life that could have been avoided with good planning: “A good place to start is to analyze the current living situation and write down things that are great and tried and tested, as well as those that are annoying and lead to small conflicts in everyday life. This could be, for example, a door that opens the wrong way.” According to Kettl, the clothes rack as an unsightly item that just gets in the way can also be meant here. “It has to be set up before each use and put away again afterwards.” “That’s a lot of space, energy and time that could otherwise be used in a lot of positive ways,” says the architect.

From sockets and open kitchens

With a particular focus on the small details of everyday life and individual habits, the Viennese architecture firm plans tailor-made solutions and floor plans. Kettl advises reflection, especially when it comes to the trend towards open-plan kitchen-diners. Everything takes place in one room. They are a preparation room, play area and relaxation room all in one. Different needs therefore have the potential to cause conflict, which can be avoided with good planning. If you still don’t want to do without them or want to change an existing kitchen-diner inexpensively, you can use sliding doors: “They visually separate things and also reduce noise – you can hear something from the other person without disturbing each other.” Kettl also recommends creating as many spaces as possible that allow family members to retreat and do different activities without disturbing each other – this way, family life remains relaxed. Small details such as planning socket locations before building the house can also make everyday life more efficient and easier.

Short interview with Sissi Kettl

Tips:One thing is at the top of the list when planning a family’s living space: storage space. How do you create this without having to completely revamp the living space?

Kettl: The question of storage space naturally depends very much on the type of apartment. Storage space is easier to integrate in a house than in an apartment. If there is no space for it, furniture is needed. In the 1960s, built-in furniture was all the rage. Not only because it was fashionable at the time, but simply because built-in furniture or furniture that reaches up to the ceiling provides more storage space – up to 30 percent more.

Tips:How do you combine toddler functionality with aesthetics?

Kettl: With the right room geometry, a lot can be hidden. L-shaped rooms can be planned in such a way that niches or parts of the room are created in which toys can be kept – without the entire living area looking messy and untidy. This way, you can relax on the couch and drink tea without having to tidy up first. Drawers and chests also make sense, as things disappear quickly and can also be unpacked again quickly. Everything that is simple is good.

Tips:How do you decorate a small children’s room that not only withstands everyday life, but also looks tidy and relaxing at the end of the day?

Kettl: It doesn’t always have to be closets, that makes small rooms even smaller. A lot of things disappear very quickly behind floor-to-ceiling, possibly transparent curtains. The motifs of the textiles can be changed accordingly, which brings variety. The rooms appear cozy and light.