Hot Storage Design Trend: The Rise of Niche Spaces
Hot Storage Design Trend: The Rise of Niche Spaces
In interior design, storage is an essential function. When designers think of storage, they usually think of cabinets, shelves, and the like. However, there is another storage form that is very popular in modern interior design, and that is the niche. What exactly is a niche, and how is it designed? This article will introduce you to this design element in detail.
1. Definition of a Niche
A niche is a recessed opening in a wall used to place objects. Its origin can be traced back to religious design, where niches were used to house statues of deities. As aesthetics have evolved, designers have incorporated niches into residential designs to create a sense of form and function. Besides storage, niches can also be used for decoration, displaying artwork, and reflecting the owner's aesthetic taste and identity.
2.The Benefits of Niches
Niches combine soft and hard design elements and have a magical effect on home interiors. A well-designed niche not only provides storage space but also enhances the overall quality of the space and the aesthetic ambiance.
Space-saving and efficient: In spaces where non-load-bearing walls or newly constructed walls are present, designers can utilize the wall thickness to create niches that make the most of the wall space. Unlike cabinets or shelves that take up space, niches are recessed into the wall and do not compromise the use of the space.
Visual Extension and Amplification: The niche's recessed structure provides a visual and psychological sense of extension and amplification. Similar to the effect of pushing a face forward in a rendering, niches can ease the visual pressure created by a flat wall.
Various design possibilities: Niches offer many design possibilities. Their shape and size can vary, and materials such as glass, metal, or tiles can be used. Glossy textures and finishes can be applied to materials, and lighting can be installed inside the niche to create a sense of mystery. Niche openings can also be arranged and composed to form patterns or combinations that enhance the decorative effect.
3. Ideal Locations for Niches
Niches can only be constructed on non-load-bearing walls or newly constructed walls, and it is not recommended to modify load-bearing walls. Additionally, the thickness of the wall plays a vital role in niche construction. The thickness should be sufficient to ensure the structural integrity of the niche and its practicality. Generally, the niche should have a depth of 150mm to 200mm, and if the wall is less than 250mm thick, it may not be suitable for constructing niches. This is particularly important in bathrooms, where a niche with inadequate wall thickness could cause dampness on the other side of the wall.
Niche built in pipe enclosures: Usually, a pipe enclosure is installed at the location of the drainage pipe. If this space is not utilized, the enclosure becomes useless and a waste of space. Often, the enclosure can be turned into a storage niche, commonly in the bathroom or shower area, or at the sink where the drainage pipe is located. After the pipe enclosure is built, an equivalent column is constructed opposite it, at the same level as the enclosure's horizontal plane. This space between the pipe enclosure and the new column can be turned into a niche. Different types of partition materials can be used, primarily to hold bathing and showering supplies. The standard thickness of the niche is between 150mm to 200mm, which is perfect for storing and arranging items.
Wall niche creation: Creating a wall niche involves "digging holes" in non-load bearing walls to create a storage space. The best way is to plan for the niche's location before constructing the wall. If the wall is already built and a niche is needed, precise measurements and calculations must be taken by the designer before cutting. The actual cut size should be at least 50-100mm larger than the planned niche size to allow for later tile installation, and the tile size should match the niche size. Wall niches can be created in spaces like living rooms, bedrooms, and studies to meet the storage needs of the area. The standard thickness of a niche is around 150-200mm, and the wall being cut should be at least 250mm thick to ensure both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Niche built in tight spaces: This approach is a classic example of turning a disadvantage into an advantage. If there are irregular walls in a room, the excess wall can be knocked down to restore a regular shape, or it can be utilized to provide storage space. For example, if there is a tight space between two walls, a partition can be installed to transform the area into a niche, allowing it to be fully utilized for storage.
4.Design Key Points of Niche
Designing a niche is different from installing a cabinet or a wall shelf. It requires enclosure or wall construction, which involves specific requirements for building structure and cost. Moreover, the design of the niche should not only focus on practicality but also aesthetics. It is important to consider whether the niche can meet its functional needs and enhance the overall design, or just be an unnecessary addition.
Materials: The materials for a niche can be wood, glass, metal, stone, and more. Designers need to pay attention to the characteristics of the materials and their compatibility with the niche location. For example, if the niche is in the bathroom or kitchen, it should be waterproof, mold-proof, and anti-bacterial. Stone or tiles are the ideal materials in this case. On the other hand, if the niche is in the living room, bedroom, or study, the emphasis is on aesthetics and practicality. Glass can be used to showcase art pieces, reflecting the light and creating a beautiful ambiance. Alternatively, wood can create a warm and inviting atmosphere in the room.
Scale and Proportion: Scale and proportion are mainly focused on practicality and aesthetics. Practicality means that the depth of the niche will be affected whether it is shallow or deep. If the depth is too deep, it may affect the stability of the wall. If it is too shallow, it cannot hold many items, which makes the storage efficiency low. The thickness should be around 150-200mm, which is just right. Aesthetics means that the design of the niche should coordinate with the entire wall and pay attention to proportion. It is necessary to strike a balance between practicality and aesthetics.
