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How to make your smaller space work harder

Looking to give your home a modern makeover but don’t know where to start? The good news is, it’s actually very easy to do. From deciding on the right furniture, to choosing your colour palette and accessories, here are our five helpful hints for adding a splash of contemporary flair to your home.
Guides Lifestyle

From clever storage solutions to compact furniture, find out how to live large with our room-by-room tips…

The living room

The living room is where we spend most of our time, so it’s important for this space to be utilised effectively. If you find you don’t have enough room for a large sofa or can barely fit in a TV console, here’s how to go from small squeeze to luxurious living space…

1. Storage footstool

Ottomans are a hidden gem for living rooms as they serve a multi-functional purpose for the home. Whether used as storage, extra seating or an impromptu coffee table, storage footstools and ottomans have come a long way. Today they’re sleek in design, usually with a concealed panel that lifts up to allow you to store blankets, magazines or toys while simultaneously adding a focal point to your room. We have a wide range of ottomans available in all shapes and sizes to suit your space, upholstered in fabric or leather.

We love the Cressida fabric storage footstool for style, comfort and practicality.

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2. Compact seating

The trick behind furnishing a smaller living room is making your space appear bigger than it actually is. Sofa beds or compact two-seater sofas are the perfect way to achieve this. If space is at premium, sofa beds serve multiple purposes by converting into a bed and vice versa, while two-seater sofas are compact yet roomy enough for lounging.

We love the Azteco fabric sofa bed for sleek, contemporary apartments.

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The bedroom

Dreaming of transforming your less-than-sizeable bedroom into a restful sanctuary? A small room doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or comfort. Find out how…

3. Storage bed

Ever find yourself looking for more storage options to accommodate all your essentials? If you don’t have enough space for a wardrobe to stow away your items, storage beds are an invaluable option. Providing plenty of discreet storage space, they can help you reduce clutter and create an organised space in an instant. What’s more, they’re compact, stylish and comfortable too.

We love the Babylon for style, functionality and comfort.

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The dining room

Whether it’s dinner with family, entertaining with friends or relaxing with a morning coffee and the newspaper, the dining room is central to a busy home. Find out how to make the most of your space…

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4. Sideboards

Sideboards are the perfect way to add extra storage to a room without compromising on design. Traditionally designed for the dining room, sideboards are ideal for storing away silver, dinnerware, infrequently used items, or even to display ornaments or framed photographs. They often come with two doors with full access to shelves, however modern sideboards now often feature hidden drawers and come in a range of contemporary and classic designs.

We love the Habufa Lucca Sideboard for its compact design, storage space and contemporary style.

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5. Extending dining table

A quick solution for a compact dining room is an extending dining table. Whether it’s breakfast for two or dinner for the whole family, they’re space efficient with their pull-out design and offer additional seating when you need it. Whether you’re on the hunt for a traditional oak finish, contemporary metal and glass, circular model or traditional rectangular style, extending dining tables now come in many designs to suit your home and lifestyle.

We love the Habufa Panama Extending Dining Table for contemporary dining rooms.

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Stuck on space? From sideboards to Ottoman beds we showcase a range of clever furniture pieces that will maximise space and increase your storage options.

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