HOW TO... Create easy storage

Get smart with the space you have

Choose fold-away furniture, such as wall-mounted tables, drop-leaf desks and nesting sets that can be stowed away with minimum effort. Go for multitasking furniture, including shoe benches, high sleeper beds with desks underneath and ottoman coffee tables.

Plump for furniture with legs; not only will this allow you to store things underneath, but it will also give the illusion of space. Use crates or boxes to store spare clothes on top of wardrobes and stylish baskets to house blankets and throws in un-used corners.

A pot rack hung from a high ceiling is perfect for keeping pans out of the way, and store any cooking equipment you don’t use much on top of a kitchen cabinet to free up cupboard space. A small step stool will make access easy and can double as occasional extra seating.

Use drawer dividers to organise underwear, socks or even make-up, and make the most of unused surfaces with simple but clever devices, such as an over-the-door storage rack.

Go for wall-mounted lights to free up space on a bedside table; choose rise-and-fall lighting above the dining table to remove the need for table lamps, and go for Anglepoise-style lamps that can double as task or ambient lighting.

‘We initially brought in furniture and hung gallery displays to add easy colour that we could change at a whim’

This gallery wall is important to Leila and Fleur as every image is a memory that showcases special times and good friends. Most of the frames are from Poundland, while the Strandmon chair is from IKEA

The couple have used statement furniture, vibrant colours and clever hacks to make their rented flat feel like home. ‘ We’ve created a cohesive space that reflects both our personalities,’ says Fleur ‘ We splashed out on the George Clarke sofa, from Sofology, as an investment piece, but we are equally happy to accessorise with bargain cushions from Matalan and George Home,’ says Fleur ‘ This book shelf was originally black but it didn’t suit the space so we spray-painted the metalwork white,’ says Fleur, who found the plant stand in a charity shop and painted it pink with leftovers. The rug is from MADE.com and the pink and gold plant pot is from Habitat