The Small London Apartment That Proves Size Isn’t Everything

My main aim was to make the most of the space and let its architectural features do the talking. The entrance has the largest window in the flat, so I left it completely clear – no curtains or blinds – to keep the space bright and airy.

Colour plays an important role here. For the floors, I went with a strong, grounding base, keeping the walls as a rich, calming backdrop. I added a mirrored wall-hung coat and hat rack, which reflects light and makes the space feel bigger. Storage was an important consideration too – I managed to squeeze in suitcase storage above the front door, while paints, pots and spare wallpaper rolls are neatly tucked under the stairs, keeping the area organised without cluttering it.

I included a chair decorated by my sister, interior designer Leo Wood, and I’ve layered in a mix of characterful objects: South Asian decorative masks I picked up at auction and a wooden key stand that belonged to my mum. These pieces bring personality and warmth to the entrance, making it feel stylish yet lived-in, while complementing the overall design. 

Floorboards Paint Farrow & Ball Railings
Wall Paint Farrow & Ball, Chinese Blue 
Coat & Hat Rack Joanna Wood 

The success of this room really comes down to clever storage. With the space acting as a sitting room, study, dining area, bar, and kitchen all rolled into one, every inch has to work hard. I wanted it to feel practical but still cosy and full of character.

Storage was a big focus, from the ceiling-high bookcases built into the eaves to a hidden push-latch cupboard beside the fireplace. I also added upholstered pads to the window seats, which are perfect for guests. For the fireplace, I installed a gas version and used off-cuts from the composite stone kitchen worktop to create a slim, smart surround – small detail, big impact.

I softened the space with generous freestanding pieces, including an antique armoire that cleverly houses the television, balancing practicality with style. To bring in character, I layered in furniture and accessories with personality. An antique rug grounds the space, the coffee table adds a sculptural touch, and a pair of ginger jars were repurposed as lamp bases. Behind the eaves shelves, hidden away, I store vases, tablecloths and hampers full of Christmas decorations, so everything is neat but the room still feels full of life.

Table Noghuchi coffee table by Vitra 
Sofa & Chairs Lawson Wood 
Cushions Joanna Wood 

For me, knowing where to spend and where to save was essential. I decided it was worth devoting a healthy part of the budget to the kitchen, especially as it needed to be custom-built to fit into the tricky eaves space. I think open-plan kitchens only work if you’re strict about clutter, so I tend to keep the countertop pretty clear.

The windows needed a full overhaul, which was a big expense, so I balanced that by sourcing red dining chairs at Kempton Antique Market. The dining table, which I inherited, is currently covered with a white linen cloth, but I plan to strip and stain it to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. 

Zoning was also important – despite the small square footage, I knew I wanted a double-door pantry, so I worked with Kitchen Haus to create a discreet version to the left of the oven. The cabinetry is made from recycled material and finished to resemble linen-like fabric, which softens the overall look, and I added shelving in the eaves spaces to hold ceramics and Kilner jars, giving the space life and interest without cluttering it.

Cabinetry Kitchen Haus
Dining Table Heal’s, Dulwich Extendible Dining Table
Dining Chairs Red, Kempton Antiques Market

With French windows opening onto a small terrace, this space could have been tricky to style but I decided to embrace that secret-garden feel. I wanted to create a woodland-bower vibe, which felt just right, especially since the sun rises on this side of the house. To keep costs down, I left the existing floor-to-ceiling joinery in place, then added a simple architectural trim and accessorised it with interesting knobs. Space-saving touches include wall-mounted bedside reading lights and a pair of petite tables from Sunbury Antiques Market.

I brought in pieces from my childhood bedroom to make the room feel personal and layered. A chest of drawers and a nursing chair were re-covered in silk, adding both comfort and charm. Above the chest, I left a rather fantastic large nude that I bought at Drewetts unframed – it feels more modern that way – while the overall mix of objects and textures helps give the room a relaxed, slightly whimsical character that ties in with the outdoor terrace.

Wallpaper Lewis & Wood Beech Trees
Wall Paint/Trim Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin
Wall-Mounted Wall Lights Corston With Fermoie Lampshades 
Brassware/Knobs Matilda Goad 
Curtains James Hare Silk 

This bathroom was completely stripped out to make room for a bath, but I made sure to keep certain essentials, like the mirrored medicine cabinet and the tall radiator with hooks. I’m a big believer in holding onto things where you can and these pieces made perfect sense in such a compact space.

I sourced Crema Marfil marble from a local stone dealer – my tip is to look online for what you like and then wait for a sale or find an outlet, which is exactly what I did. I even used an off-cut to create a shelf above the loo. I went for floating fittings to help the room feel more spacious and kept the walls light and airy. Accessories were minimal to maintain the clean, spacious feel, letting the marble, wall colour and thoughtful fittings be the stars of the room.

Flooring/Material Crema Marfil Marble
Wall Paint Little Greene Confetti
Fittings CP Hart floating fixtures

The compact terrace overlooks the rear gardens and is a really important slice of outdoor space for me. Even though it might not seem the most practical, since it leads off the bedroom rather than a living area, I’ve actually found it incredibly sociable. Friends often hang out here while I’m cooking or getting ready, and I love keeping the doors open morning and evening.

For privacy, I added lattice screening on either side and the pine benches were made to measure by a dealer I met at Sunbury Antiques Market. I kept the seating simple, letting the space breathe and keeping it flexible for different uses.

Benches Custom-Made, Pine, Painted Farrow & Ball French Gray
Outdoor Cushions: Andrew Martin, Espadrille Sole 
Outdoor Table: Fermbob Opera Plus Pedestal Table 

When I first saw it, I think I described this room as having “the worst feng shui ever”, so it definitely needed a clever approach. Before, a cupboard sat where the bedhead is now, which made the layout feel really cramped and awkward. I had my joiner build a simple wardrobe, and we inset the doors with offcuts of wallpaper that gives the look of rattan, adding texture and softness. The combination of the headboard fabric and the wall colour keep the room warm and calming.

I like using cushions and throws on the bed to create a cosy feeling. The focus here was more on clever design and materials than decorative accessories, making sure every element works hard in the space while still feeling comfortable and considered.

Wardrobe Custom Joiner, Philip Jeffries Wallpaper Insets
Headboard Lewis & Wood Selsley Stripe, Heather
Wall Paint Melisse des Bois, Argile
Cushion OKA

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Photographer credit: Noah Russell