This small apartment was the second project Graeme and I renovated as a couple. We didn’t plan to take anything else on but the price was right so we decided to do a quick flip. I say quick flip, but that’s relative to how long it normally takes us! We started this one early 2017 and had it on the market that summer. Before, there were no defined spaces. So, the plan was to create a specific purpose for each room, utilising the space as efficiently as possible.

The whole place was covered in carpet and when we pulled it up, we uncovered the original floorboards which were in great condition. We had those sanded and varnished throughout. I stuck to an off-white/ hint of grey paint colour in every room and added a feature wall in a rich blue colour in the bedroom. I kept the wall lights in the bedroom because I knew I wanted brass ones, which would really pop against the blue. We added some extra lights in the living/ kitchen, to create a feature over the breakfast bar.

We added a fitted kitchen to make best use of the small space. The overhang on the breakfast bar allows for a couple of stools to be placed on the end. On the other side, there are shelves. There is a pantry right next to the kitchen, which houses the washing machine and additional shelving. A broom cupboard in the hall also creates extra storage. Although the apartment is small, it has all the essentials for modern living. This was the concept for the whole design.

We decided to dress it for photo day. The photographer could only accommodate us at short notice so it was a mad rush to source everything. Somehow, I managed to get the sofa, sideboard, bed, headboard, mirror and heated towel rail from Freecycle. Yes, that means they were all FREE! ‘All’ we had to do was haul them up three flights of stairs, phew! As you can probably tell, almost everything else is from Ikea. They have a 365 day return policy and you can even return things after you’ve already assembled them. I’m not even sorry to admit that that’s exactly what I did! I 100% believe that a styled home is more likely to sell than an empty one so that’s how you do it folks.

The headboard was originally brown leather, I just wrapped a grey blanket around it and tucked it in behind. I didn’t have time to re-upholster it. Luckily, you can’t tell from the photos. I kept the décor consistent throughout the flat. Blues and yellows with a mid-century modern vibe. Even the tiles in the wet room follow this aesthetic. Floor to ceiling random zig zags are pretty out-there but why would you want a boring shower to dance around naked in?!

I styled this apartment in one day, including shopping for all the accessories. So, although it was stressful, I honestly don’t think I could have put it together any better if I’d have had more time. Sometimes over-thinking it can be more detrimental to the overall look than just winging it!