insight
Making the most of a small space
Getting the most out of a limited space can be a challenge, but there are lots of ways to make your home feel more spacious. Allison Chatten, interiors specialist and designer at Bazaar Group, says, ‘One room can have many different uses throughout the day. You may start off working from home, then have to reconfigure your space and its mood for entertaining, but it also has to be a calming space.’
Get organised
Start with a clear-out, because reducing clutter is key. Then – if you have the luxury of planning from scratch – look for multifunctional furniture. The number of companies offering foldaway chairs, compact tables, lightweight, moveable furniture, clever storage and smart beds grows all the time, and includes ranges such as Ikea’s PS, Marks & Spencer’s Loft, Next’s Studio and Bazaar Group’s Icon. Use the vertical with tall, open-backed shelving or install
floating shelves. Opt for wall-mounted lighting rather than floor lamps.
Opening up the space
‘Cramming in too much furniture is always a no-no,’ says Allison. ‘If you need more places to sit, stools can be ideal but also look at lightweight seating, which can be easily moved into other areas.’ Allison advises painting walls white to make the most of any natural light. ‘White can be clinical, so add interesting textures in tactile fabrics and layer with cushions and throws,’ she says.
When it comes to making compact kitchens feel larger, Richard Delane, creative director at The Wood Works, says: ‘Choose sleek, contemporary designs that open up the space. Light, reflective materials and minimalist designs are your friends in small kitchens, so consider white cabinets or even mirrored finishes to bounce the light around. Fit a boiling-water tap to remove the need for a kettle and buy smaller appliances, such as slimline dishwashers.’