Australian homes are some of the largest in the world. According to Assemble Projects, they are almost double the average home in Denmark which boasts the largest homes in Europe. Taking a leaf from European and Asian exemplars, small footprint living is gaining traction with Australians choosing to live more efficiently in sustainably considered residences that challenge the bigger-is-better paradigm. Our founder, Elise Heslop, is no stranger to small footprint living. When she moved to Italy and into a small apartment with her family, she quickly understood the value of quality design and versatile furniture with a small footprint that allowed for simpler living.
By definition, small footprint living is reducing the ecological impact of human activities. When discussing small footprint living, the Japanese concept of Mottanai is worth mentioning. The term conveys a sense of regret concerning waste and encompasses the four principles of reduce, reuse, recycle and repair.
Let’s think about the idea of reuse. In a society pervaded by planned obsolescence (a policy of planning or designing a product with an artificially limited useful life, so it will become obsolete after a certain period) products are generally not designed for longevity much less to be reused. Through her experience in Europe, Elise realised the need for products that were both durable and versatile; designed to last, grow and even transition with your family over time.
Every Plyroom product has been mindfully designed for versatility with an innate capacity for reuse and repurposing.
Each made of highly durable and sustainably sourced birch plywood, here are 5 of our most versatile minimalist furniture pieces:
The Ava Cot
The Ava Cot is designed to grow with your child. Adapting for four life stages, the cot transforms from an adjustable 2-height cot into a junior bed and a modern desk, all without the need to store extra pieces or spare parts. Discover our toddler beds and other nursery items here.
Little Nest Storage Cabinet
Wall-mounted cabinetry is a practical storage solution when floor space is at a premium. Inspired by mid-century design and principals of utility, the Little Nest Storage Cabinet can be used in any room of the home. It is as practical as a bedside table as it is in the hallways or office to hold important objects. It’s larger counterpart, The Big Nest Storage Cabinet can be lined up in a row, laid on the floor or stacked one-on-top of another for a practical storage solution.
Tavola Table
Our Tavola Table offers an intimate take on dining for 4-6 people. Along with a water-based low VOC lacquer, the table has a hardener applied for extra durability, making it the perfect companion for all your family gatherings. When families outgrow the Tavola as a dining table, it can be also used as a desk. See the Tavola and more minimalist furniture here.
Singolo Single Bed
Available in an Australian single or king single, the Singolo Single Bed is understated, streamlined and compact - perfect for small children’s bedrooms and shared rooms. To maximise space further, it is designed to fit under the Dream Cloud Loft Bed and can accommodate the Trundle Drawer to house another mattress or provide storage. The Sponda Bed rail can be attached to the Singolo to provide protection from night-time falls in early stages of the cot to bed transition. Explore our entire range of designer bunk beds, kids beds and children's furniture here.
Shibui Collection
When floor space is limited, vertical volumes are a practical storage solution. Divide any open-plan space with our minimalist Shibui Room Divider, or keep items thoughtfully displayed on our Shibui Sideboard. One of the greatest strengths of the Shibui shelving system is its simplicity. A subtle and unobtrusive aesthetic will allow the collection to exist for years without growing tired, visually accentuated by your treasured pieces. Adjustable shelf heights also allow you to personalise the shelf based on your changing needs. 
