ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

EMPLOY ALL THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE TO MAKE EVERY SQUARE INCH IN YOUR HOME WORK AS HARD AS IT CAN

Space-savvy ideas to make the most of every square inch of your home

CREATE A COMPACT WORKSPACE

As working from home is becoming more commonplace, many of us are having to carve out a suitable area, and sliding doors are a handy way to hide unsightly elements while allowing for more floor area. You won’t be able to hang artworks on the doors as that will prevent them from moving into their pockets, so instead think about the finish – choose a highly grained walnut or teak effect for an understated look. Here, the busy open-plan work area is balanced by clear floor space underneath. The horizontal lines formed by the shelves and desk are subtly picked up on the door fascia, adding a neat design detail, particularly when the door is open.

“IN A TINY BATHROOM WHERE THERE IS NO SPACE FOR A STORAGE UNIT, CREATE NICHE SHELVES IN PRETTY TINTED GLASS FOR TOWELS AND PRODUCTS” ANNA BURLES, founder, Run For The Hills, runforthehills.com

SLOT IT IN

Built-in shelves not only provide ample storage space but can be used to unite a split-level room, as demonstrated in this scheme by Kelling Designs (top left). Occasional furniture, such as this coffee table, provides additional seating – each of the wedges can be pulled out to use as a stool.

HALL OF MIRRORS

If the passage between a master bedroom and bathroom is wide enough (top right), consider adding a shower enclosure. ‘Ensure it sits seamlessly in the background by using clear glass – possibly with a modesty panel – and a flush-to-floor tray,’ says Kirsten Wain of West One Bathrooms.

DOWN UNDER

Voids below stairs are often neglected and not used to their full potential. This design by Blakes London (above) demonstrates how to make the most of this area by using it to house the bulkiest items in a kitchen, such as a larder cupboard and an American-style fridge freezer.

ADD A WINDOW SEAT

When it comes to designing a storage bench beneath a window, proportions are key, says Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co Interiors, who designed this bedroom scheme. ‘Often people make them too skinny, which means they’ll still look attractive but will barely be used as they aren’t comfortable,’ she says. ‘Height is important, too. They need to be tall enough to provide substantial storage, but not so high that the sitter can’t easily get off and on.’ Ideally, they should be 50cm deep and between 50cm and 60cm in height. In this scheme, Irene has added more surface space by creating a narrow dressing table to fit in the chimney breast alcove.

BUILD A SLEEK STAIRCASE

Adding new stairs will bite into a budget but a contemporary design can open up the space and create volume. ‘By keeping the staircase lightweight, with a soft geometry, and creating a central void, even a small one, the sense of space and flow is maximised,’ explains architect Rodrigo Moreno Masey of Moreno Masey. ‘It’s simple, but it works.’ Use materials to further underline the sense of continuity between levels. Here, a bleached-oak landing is carried to the sill step and up the open treads of the stairwell, helping to subtly stitch together the spaces.

RAISE THE ROOF

Converting an attic into a bedroom suite (top right) is a clever use of what was originally intended as little more than storage space. Create a light and seamless flow by using pale colours on the walls and add built-in wardrobes, cupboards and flooring with a bleached-out veneer finish.

SMALL WONDER

Compact spaces lend themselves to pattern mixing, but choose designs that vary in scale so the clash doesn’t become overpowering. This bedroom (above left) by Ben Pentreath offsets a large-scale emerald green wallpaper by Soane with a stripy blanket and a solid-blue lampshade.

HOT DESK

When designing a study area in the kitchen, keep paperwork and office equipment out of sight by placing them in a built-in cupboard (above right) with doors that can be closed when not in use. Add a punch with a striking upholstered stool that can slide underneath the desk.

“REMEMBER THAT WINDOWSILLS ARE ESSENTIALLY ANOTHER SHELF, SO TRY TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEM” KATHARINE POOLEY, founder, Katharine Pooley, katharinepooley.com

ALL TIME HIGH

When planning an en-suite bathroom in a loft bedroom, position the shower where the ceiling height is the highest, and place bathroom units underneath the eaves. In this scheme (top left), a frosted-glass partition provides privacy without seeming to encroach on the bedroom space.

UNDER COVER

Use colour and pattern to turn small spaces into something fun and unexpected. Beata Heuman has transformed this staircase void into a tiny bathroom (above left), using an all-over seashell pink on the walls with a lively marbleised pleated curtain and playful bone china shell lights.

SHELF SPACE

Maximise the possibilities of built-in bookshelves by carving out a desk space in the middle of the unit (above). To achieve this, the desk will need to be twice the depth of the shelves. Consider having a matching library ladder made, which will add a practical as well as an erudite touch.

“DON’T BECOME OBSESSED WITH TRYING TO MAKE SMALLER SPACES SEEM BIGGER. SMALL CAN BE BEAUTIFUL. IF YOU NEED A BIG DESK BUT DON’T HAVE MUCH SPACE, CUT BACK ON THE CLUTTER AND DON’T OVER-STYLE”

KATIE HARBISON, senior designer, Banda, bandaproperty.co.uk

CHOOSE BUILT-IN CUPBOARDS

To maximise space and create a sense of balance in this room, Roselind Wilson Design fitted joinery into the apex of the ceiling while leaving the beams and trusses exposed. Whenever planning a space with strong architectural features, try not to add furnishings that conflict with them. Take a more subtle approach. ‘The doors are constructed of ash veneer with antique brass handles,’ says Roselind Wilson of Roselind Wilson Design. ‘A dark timber ladder provides a contrast. Hooks fitted to the side of the cupboards mean that the ladder can be stored away.’

“GO UP, UP, UP – BUILD CABINETS INTO YOUR WALLS, ADD SHELVES, MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR WALL SPACE – THERE’S A LOT OF IT AND IT WON’T CLUTTER UP A SPACE LIKE FURNITURE ON THE GROUND WILL” KATHARINE POOLEY, founder, Katharine Pooley, katharinepooley.com