LATERAL THINKING

Even though the pictures we see on Instagram may suggest otherwise, rooms are not always perfectly shaped for their purpose. But Jo has a wealth of tried-and-trusted advice on how you can deal with these problem areas

Divide and conquer If you don’t want to make expensive structural changes, the only way to work with difficult angles is to include them in your scheme. A large space with angled walls or alcoves can be transformed by zoning it into separate areas with furniture and rugs. Opting for chairs rather than a big sofa will help you do this. You could, for instance, team a small rug with a coffee table, then add some armchairs to create a ‘sitting zone’. For a clearly defined work area, try a rug with a desk placed on top, flanked by a standard lamp. Or go for slouchy seating to create a cosy spot for watching TV. Small standalone pieces of furniture – which will fit more easily into an angular space than one larger item – can also be used to partition off sections. For example, a freestanding open bookcase can be placed behind a desk to create a workspace.

Tricks of the trade If a room is small, keep the walls a uniform colour to stop the eye being drawn to awkward angles. Bold patterns on the floor will perform the same function, but bear in mind that you’ll need flooring that’s easy to cut, such as vinyl or rubber, to accommodate the angles. Furniture with curves will soften hard edges, but be aware that mirrors have a habit of emphasising them.

Made to measure Designing bespoke pieces to fit recesses makes good use of a difficult spot, while positioning furniture away from the wall – if there is room – allows it to become the focus of the scheme. Finally, if the door opens inwards, change it to open out – this will give you more space to work with.