Height and light are important considerations. in A small flat in LondonBeta Human has placed bookshelves high on the walls, drawing attention to the room’s considerable height. “With all that vertical volume, extending details like artwork and bookshelves draw the eye upward,” she says. If you have high ceilings and limited square footage, you can build upwards using the vertical space for a mezzanine sitting room, office or bedroom.
Installing custom joinery in small flats is a popular decision. in Irene Gunter’s small London flat (above), the bed in the main Bedroom A false wall sits a few feet from the real wall, creating a hidden usable area Collection Aft, and there’s a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe and a window seat with integrated drawers. in A 1960s flat in West London Downstairs, designed by Natalie Traget, the bedroom easily doubles as an office with the help of a retractable couch, which folds into an alcove in the wall.
Zoning is also an important consideration. In a small flat it can be tempting to tear down all the walls and create open-plan spaces, but Marianne Evenou says she’s a big believer in creating a number of different zones: “I think you have a much greater sense of space that way. You have the impression of moving around rather than being stuck in a box. Plus, it’s easier.” Half walls or walls with internal windows can be helpful for separating spaces while allowing light and air flow. For a more affordable option, try in-house curtains (Especially if you’re in a really small space like a studio flat) like Benedict and Daniel did between their bedroom and living room.
