Small space living is tricky but I think with a bit of careful spatial planning and considered thinking, you can create a functional space that doesn’t have to compromise on style. With more and more of us living in urban areas and increasingly compact homes, whether we’re renting or investing in our first house, we need to make our homes work hard for us. And a lot of that comes down to flexibility – small spaces need to be adaptable, so that they can serve multiple functions, be it a change in mood or a change in purpose.
I’ve been working with IKEA to give my grey home office a simple refresh. You might remember it looked something like this when I first decorated it last year. I was inspired by IKEA’s AW19 Urban Minimalist trend to create a calm, organised, dual-purpose space that can offer a quiet retreat when I work from home but then quickly adapt when guests come to stay.
By pairing clean, functional designs with understated neutrals and natural textures, and taking a less is more approach, I’ve created a room that’s relaxed and inviting – whether I’m working on the laptop and coming up with ideas, or setting the space up for a good night’s sleep.
[AD. disclosure: this post features press gift from IKEA as part of a paid partnership on Instagram. I wasn’t obliged to share this post but I had so many photos that I thought it would be interesting to take a closer look at the space!]
When I first decorated the guest room/home office it was very much still a spare room, with a big double bed taking up most of the space. After a while I actually started to work downstairs at the dining table where there was a bit more space to spread out. But working and living in the same space isn’t good for anyone. There’d be piles of papers on the dining table when we came to eat dinner, and I wouldn’t be able to switch off from work when the laptop was temptingly near to the sofa.
The home office became a bit of a dumping ground that I would shut the door on and I fell out of love with it. It dawned on me that if I was working from home everyday it didn’t really make sense to have a huge bed eating up so much floor space upstairs. We only had guests every so often but I was using my home as an office five days a week, if not more. If I was to take this freelance life seriously, I needed a room of my own. A proper home office that would inspire me everyday.
So we got rid of the bed! And suddenly I could see all this space – not just physical space, but breathing space; to be able to think in a room geared towards work and creativity, and not solely sleep.
I had an idea to get a sofa bed but with a tight narrow hallway and staircase, flat pack soon became the only option. That’s when I found IKEA’s FLEKKE day bed. It’s a smart solution for small space living – it’s a sofa by day, but then can quickly transform into a single bed, or even a double bed at a moments notice.
With lots of cushions and blankets, it makes a cosy corner for working and reading if I don’t feel like sitting up at the computer at the desk opposite. It’s perfect for slow mornings with a coffee and emails on the laptop or if I want to listen to a podcast as a break between work. But then if a friend comes to stay, the bed base can be pulled out to create a generous, comfy bed for one or two. The daybed has two mattresses – they’re simply stacked one on top of each other when used as a single bed, and next to each other when used as a double bed. Pillows, duvets and extra blankets can be stored within easy reach in the two drawers in the base.
The white daybed keeps things fresh and cool, while soft tones and nature inspired details keep it from feeling cold. Neutral can still be cosy, it’s just about layering up the textures.
I think one of my favourite new pieces in the room is the RISBYN pendant rice paper and birch lamp shade. With a honeymoon to Japan on the horizon, I’m obsessed with anything Japan-inspired and it seems I’m not the only one, Japanese design is a huge trend in interiors at the moment. The shade gives a diffused glow and looks beautiful lit up at night. It also just clips onto the pendant so no need to get an electrician out or worry about wiring – perfect if you’re renting and can’t change the fitting.
You can never have enough baskets! They help contain clutter and keep things organised. When I’m changing up the daybed and need things out the way, I can quickly pull my office bits into the HANTVERK basket or put extra pillows into the larger SNIDAD rattan basket. The HANTVERK basket is crafted by female artisans in India as part of IKEA’s latest social entrepreneurs’ collection. It’s woven by hand using banana fibre strips to give an organic shape that makes every basket unique.
The black and white patterned cushion, part of the same HANTVERK collection, adds a monochrome touch. A couple of the lines have been hand stitched with thread, giving a subtle colourful detail. Just enough for me! The ODDRUN beige throw, made of undyed and unbleached cotton, is just what is needed for chilly days (the home office is north facing and I’ve been really noticing the chill recently). I love the raw, frayed edging too.
These cosy details are all Francis approved of course, he’s king of the cosiness! We’ve been enjoying being back in the office and I’m feeling inspired again. It’s amazing what a few little, simple updates can do to transform a space and help you fall back in love with it; you don’t need do a complete makeover or spend a fortune to get a new perspective. I look forward to opening the door each morning and beginning my day here. Now if I could only nap all day like him…
Featured products, all IKEA [*press gifts]:
FLEKKE daybed*, £459
HANTVERK handmade black and white cushion*, £10
HANTVERK handmade banana fibre basket*, £7
ODDRUN beige throw*, £10
SNIDAD handwoven rattan basket*, £25
RISBYN pendant rice paper and birch lamp shade*, £15
MOSSLANDA white picture ledges, £9
Wall colour: Lamp Room Grey by Farrow & Ball
