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Room Tour: A Small Flat is Kept Clutter-free With Clever Storage
Furniture that either displays treasures or hides clutter is key to the success of this small living space
Set within a beautiful historical building in Melbourne, this stunning new apartment was the dream space for busy professional Christie Tan. As a doctor doing shift work at a hospital, Christie desired a no-fuss, practical home she could retreat to at the end of a long day.
However, there was one drawback to this pristine and glossy apartment – it had very little built-in storage. Enter interior expert Michelle Hart from Bask Interiors. She was tasked with sourcing furniture that would bring aesthetic charm and appeal to the open-plan living space while keeping clutter at bay with plenty of hidden storage and display areas.
However, there was one drawback to this pristine and glossy apartment – it had very little built-in storage. Enter interior expert Michelle Hart from Bask Interiors. She was tasked with sourcing furniture that would bring aesthetic charm and appeal to the open-plan living space while keeping clutter at bay with plenty of hidden storage and display areas.
With no built-in storage other than in the kitchen, Christie needed furniture and a layout that would clearly define the different zones in the open space without making it feel cluttered. Michelle’s placement of furniture creates separate spots for relaxing and eating, while colourful prints also help to distinguish the different areas.
“Christie loves the colourful prints she’s collected on her travels, and these have helped to set the tone for the bold colours around the rest of the room,” says Michelle.
See more inspiring storage solution ideas
“Christie loves the colourful prints she’s collected on her travels, and these have helped to set the tone for the bold colours around the rest of the room,” says Michelle.
See more inspiring storage solution ideas
Taking inspiration from the apartment’s timber flooring and battened entrance area, Michelle sourced plenty of warm wood pieces to create a cohesive and balanced feel throughout the open-plan space.
The side table by the sofa is unobtrusive, but provides a surface on which to rest a plant and a cuppa.
Side table, West Elm.
The side table by the sofa is unobtrusive, but provides a surface on which to rest a plant and a cuppa.
Side table, West Elm.
With a peninsula unit separating the kitchen from the seating area, Michelle was able to position the sofa in the middle of room to create a cosy, intimate mood. “We also found a rug that’s soft underfoot and further anchored the seating area,” says Michelle.
Michelle ensured each item of furniture she chose had either hidden storage or display space. For example, the coffee table in the seating zone has a lift-up lid, so it’s possible to clear away clutter in one easy swoop, while the cabinet between the windows has sliding doors that neatly conceal more storage.
Coffee table, West Elm.
Check out 7 items that work hard for their keep in small spaces
Coffee table, West Elm.
Check out 7 items that work hard for their keep in small spaces
“We added the leather and timber shelves on the wall first, purely for decorative display items such as plants and pictures. Then I sourced the perfect sideboard to sit neatly below them,” says Michelle.
Zeus cabinet, MuBu Home.
Browse more shelving ideas and photos
Zeus cabinet, MuBu Home.
Browse more shelving ideas and photos
Christie was keen to introduce as much greenery as possible, not only to add colour and shape, but to encourage a sense of rejuvenation and wellbeing.
“Open display areas for Christie’s quirky treasures and finds were key to evoking the eclectic vibe she was after,” says Michelle.
“Open display areas for Christie’s quirky treasures and finds were key to evoking the eclectic vibe she was after,” says Michelle.
The eclectic look is continued into the eating area, where a distinctive Scandinavian dining set is teamed with an ornate Chinese cabinet.
“Although very different in style, we felt the blonde timber of the cabinet sat perfectly with the pale Danish table, and helped to bring a touch of vintage charm to the clean lines,” says Michelle.
Requin dining chairs and table, MuBu Home.
“Although very different in style, we felt the blonde timber of the cabinet sat perfectly with the pale Danish table, and helped to bring a touch of vintage charm to the clean lines,” says Michelle.
Requin dining chairs and table, MuBu Home.
One of the main reasons Christie chose the apartment was for its clean, modern finishes, which are easy to live with and maintain. The kitchen cabinets blend into the background while providing masses of cupboard space.
Christie wanted a chic rack that would display her wine collection, so Michelle sourced a smart design (see image four, above) that sits neatly on the work surface. “It’s quite hard to find a design that fits well and looks good, too,” she says.
Christie wanted a chic rack that would display her wine collection, so Michelle sourced a smart design (see image four, above) that sits neatly on the work surface. “It’s quite hard to find a design that fits well and looks good, too,” she says.
Now the apartment is finished, how does it complement Christie’s lifestyle? “Perfectly,” says Michelle. “The comfy Danish dining chairs create the ideal working area when she needs to use her laptop, and the rejig has also freed up space for her bike in the entrance area.
“Overall, the compact living space now feels larger, lighter and more welcoming thanks to the smart, functional pieces that keep everything in its place.”
How do you keep clutter under control in your home? Share your ideas and tips in the Comments section.
“Overall, the compact living space now feels larger, lighter and more welcoming thanks to the smart, functional pieces that keep everything in its place.”
How do you keep clutter under control in your home? Share your ideas and tips in the Comments section.
Who lives here Christie Tan, a doctor
Location Glen Huntley, Melbourne, Australia
Size 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Designer Michelle Hart of Bask Interiors
When Christie bought her apartment in March 2016, she was delighted with the slick finishes and easy-to-maintain surfaces. However, she was at a loss as to how to make the open- plan space work for her lifestyle.
So after spotting Michelle Hart’s professional profile on Houzz, she sought her help and advice.
Michelle explains the main challenge. “As we didn’t have much space to play with, we had to select the furniture wisely. Each piece had to provide storage and display, as well as look fabulous.”
At the entrance there’s a clear example of this ethos at work. A modern ladder shelf makes practical use of vertical space while providing an ideal spot for essential items, such as keys, and a lovely display area for personal trinkets. It also sets the tone for the rest of the space.
The Dots coat hooks, meanwhile, add a design element while being a practical place to hang bags and jackets.
Wall dots, Muuto. Sketch Ladder shelf, MuBu Home.