Starting off with the blank canvas of a compact room or apartment, however good your imagination, is always tricky. There's a lot to squeeze in and manoeuvre around, and with a lack of space to do so, you can end up making mistakes that can affect how well the room functions — and, let's face it, how good it looks.
Faced with a small space, intentional planning is key. "It’s important to make a list of what you really need a space to do first, then consider the elements you want to incorporate," says Louis Hagen Hall, director of design at architectural practice Studio Hagen Hall. "To maximize the use of an area, consider how to best make it flexible so it can serve a few purposes. With the right spatial planning, a bedroom, for instance, can also serve as a yoga studio, while including clever joinery for long-term storage items."
