Clever spaces

WE ASKED THE EXPERTS FOR TIPS ON MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR ROOM FOR THE WAY YOU LIKE TO LIVE

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Anyone else feel as if their home is constantly changing? From home office by day to restaurant pop-up by night, playroom to teenage chill-out den, we want the four walls around us to appear bigger, better, flexible and more stylish than ever before. But how can our homes keep up? We asked three experts – a stylist/author, an interior designer and a furniture expert – to share what makes a really clever home today, regardless of size or life stage.

INCREASED DEMAND

‘In recent years, and particularly following on from the shifts brought on by the pandemic, our homes have taken on great significance as multifunctional spaces,’ says David. ‘We’re looking for spaces that are not only comfortable and stylish, but also adaptable and efficient through modular furniture, smart storage solutions and multitasking pieces.’ Aarti agrees: ‘Our homes have to fulfil any number of functions daily, and with so much emphasis on life-work balance, we want to make the most of the space/s we have.’ ‘Multi-generation households are also on the rise,’ adds Joanna, ‘with older parents of the so-called “squeezed middle” generation moving in together, to help mitigate childcare and retirement costs, all while young adults are remaining in the family home well into their 20s and beyond. And when extending isn’t an option, being smart with the space you do have is.’

SMALL BUT MIGHTY