HOMES

| 25bh25bh october 2017 | 49artisan cottageaddress book■ RIBA (Royal Institute of BritishArchitects), 020 7580 5533,architecture.comArchitects’ professional membershipbody with the aim of driving excellencein architecture■ Clutter Clinic ,07834 338568,clutterclinic.co.ukFounded by professional organiser romaineLowery, the clutter clinic offers advice onVanessa huRley-PeReRa, SoFA.com decluttering and storage optionsInsightPhiliPPa PRinsloo, John LewiSFeatuReheAther Younghouse by John Lewis superstorage bed frame, £799``````house by John Lewis mix itmirrored wardrobe, £284``````Douglas sofa bed, from£830, Sofa.comMaking the Mostof a coMpact hoMeTight on space and want to maximise it? Useexpert tricks to make the most of every metre###### You may be short on squarefootage, but that doesn’tmean compromising onstyle, as Julie and Julianhave proved in their two-bedroomcottage. They have created a light-filledspace that is full of character byemploying some clever visual tricks.First, assess what you have to workwith. For a warren of small, crampedrooms, this could mean structuralchanges such as removing walls to openup the space and let more light in.Architects are trained to see potentialthat you may not otherwise spot, soconsider consulting one if you need someexpert help. Ask for recommendations,or search on the Royal Institute ofBritish Architects (RIBA) website.Expand the spaceStart with the backdrop to maximiselight and space. Stick to pale, neutralhues throughout. Feature walls pickedout in bolder hues are an option, butneed careful thought to make sure they``````enhance the room’s dimensions. A long,narrow room can benefit from an endwall in a darker shade to create theillusion of a wider space. Lay the samef looring throughout, and remove doors(or swap for pocket or concertinamodels) to make the area feel larger.Think twiceChoose furniture with simple shapesand invest in pieces with more than onefunction. An ottoman can double asseating and a coffee table, and look outfor sofas and beds with hidden storage.Avoid bulky items in favour of pieces onlegs – the space beneath creates a feelingof lightness. Go for a fold-out table tocreate a dining area that can be packedaway if needed. Keep on top of clutter,and be clever with storage, using studwalls to create niche shelves or slimcupboards. Consider a wall of built-inf loor-to-ceiling cupboards to keepclutter hidden – frosted glass ormirrored doors will ref lect the lightto visually expand the space.professional advice‘First, utilise the space youhave, without adding extrapieces of furniture. in thebedroom, make the mostof under-bed storage andintegrate shelf space onthe top and sides of the headboard so youhave no need for a pair of bedside tables.interior storage is also key.``````Choose furniture and accessories witha small footprint. Think narrow shoecabinets, rails and pegs to hang in the hall.Furniture items are now designed withsmaller rooms and houses in mind.``````if you are short on dining space, usebeautifully designed extendable tables andfold-away chairs that can be brought outwhen you have extra guests.``````Think about clever hideaway storage;drawer tidies and items that fit inwardrobes have become increasinglyclever. Perspex boxes are a great solutionwhen it comes to keeping kitchens andbedrooms organised.``````Paint walls and trims in different shadesfrom the same colour family to make thespace feel bigger. Stripes on carpets willmake an area seem larger – you don’t needto go for bright colours, neutrals work wellfor these items.’expert eye ‘Sofas that convert into beds orthat have built-in storage help make the most of youravailable space and are ideal if you are planning tohave friends and family over to stay or want to keepspare bedding out of the way’