Key takeaways
- Zoning – dividing an open-plan space into distinct areas for working, dining and relaxing – is one of the most effective interior design techniques for small apartments.
- Flexible lighting is key to transitioning between a productive daytime environment and a calm, restful atmosphere at night.
- Smart storage, from furniture with hidden compartments to fitted joinery, helps keep a small home clutter-free and makes it easier to switch off from work.
- As a Shared Ownership homeowner with Newlon Living, you’re free to decorate and personalise your space, but larger improvement works require
ourpermission beforehand.
Small room design tips for relaxing and working from home
How do you balance working from home and relaxing when you live in a one-bedroom apartment? The answer lies in furnishing your home to accommodate both, maximising functionality without compromising on style or your enjoyment of the space.
So, where’s the best place to begin? We spoke to Joanna, the interior designer of our Shared Ownership apartments at Cassia, to get her expert tips on finding your ideal work-life balance at home.
How can I make the most of an open-plan living area for relaxing, dining and working?
Zoning is the interior design practice of breaking up a room into distinct areas. Joanna says this is “really important in open-plan spaces,” as it allows you to clearly define ‘zones’ for working, entertaining and relaxing at home.
An easy way to implement zoning is through accessories. “Rugs are one of the simplest ways to visually separate different areas, while lighting can also help define function – for example, pendant lighting above a dining table or a floor lamp beside a lounge chair.” This creates a sense of separation without enclosing spaces.“Furniture placement works incredibly well too. Positioning a sofa with its back facing the dining area naturally creates separation without blocking light or interrupting the flow of the room.”
Colour is also a useful tool for creating distinction while maintaining visual unity. “Keeping materials and colours consistent throughout the space helps everything feel cohesive, while subtle changes in texture or accent colours can help distinguish each zone.”
What’s the best way to include a functional workspace without compromising on comfort or style?
If you work remotely or follow a hybrid schedule, having a dedicated workspace at home can help you mentally separate from work and enjoy your space more.
When it comes to your home office design, think ‘complement’ rather than ‘corporate’, as this will make a workspace fit in more seamlessly with your interiors. “The key is making the workspace feel integrated rather than overly corporate,” says Joanna. “A compact desk styled more like a console table, paired with an upholstered chair and decorative lighting, can blend beautifully into a living room or bedroom.”
Consider how the workspace makes you feel too. As the saying goes, a tidy space makes for a tidy mind, which is why storage is so important. “Storage is essential for keeping the space visually calm. Closed cabinetry, floating shelves or concealed desk drawers help minimise clutter and make it easier to switch off at the end of the working day.”
What design techniques can help productivity during the day and make the space feel calm and relaxing in the evening?
One of our favourite working-from-home tips is to create a workspace that fosters productivity and minimises distractions, helping you accomplish everything on your to-do list. But at the same time, you want to be able to relax and enjoy the space after logging off.
To help you promote efficiency during the day and calm in the evening, Joanna says that “flexible lighting is one of the most important tools. Brighter, cooler lighting can help support focus during the day, while warmer ambient lighting and candles create a much more relaxing atmosphere in the evening.”
You could also adjust how you interact with the space throughout the day, from AM to PM. “Keeping surfaces clear and minimising visual clutter can also improve concentration during working hours. Then, introducing softer layers like throws, cushions and dimmable lighting helps transform the apartment into a more restful space at night.”
What smart, design-led storage solutions will help me keep my home clutter-free?
Storage is integral to small home design, as it helps keep the space clutter-free. You can integrate it either through fittings or furniture.
“Built-in or fitted storage is always one of the best solutions in an apartment because it maximises awkward or underused spaces,” says Joanna. “Furniture with hidden storage is also incredibly useful in smaller homes – benches with lift-up lids, storage coffee tables and beds with integrated drawers all work well,” because they maximise functionality while adding personality to the space.
If you want to take things one step further, you could install fitted storage that complements your design scheme, combining form and function. “In open-plan spaces, bespoke MDF joinery or modular shelving can provide practical storage while still contributing to the overall aesthetic.”
FAQs
Can I decorate a Shared Ownership home?
Yes, you can decorate your home however you wish. If you want to make improvements or structural changes to your Newlon Living home, you should seek our permission before undertaking any works. Find more information about making home improvements.
Do Newlon Living’s Shared Ownership apartments come with built-in storage?
All homes have a utility cupboard, and select homes have an additional built-in storage cupboard. You can view the floor plans for available Shared Ownership apartments on our dedicated development pages:
Can I work from home in a Shared Ownership apartment?
Yes, your Shared Ownership home is yours to live and work in as you please. According to the terms of your lease, you must request our permission if you wish to run a business from home. Find more information about this in our leaseholders’ handbook.
Find work-life balance in your own home
Ready to create your ideal work-life balance in a home you can call your own? Get started by exploring our available new-build and resale Shared Ownership apartments in London.
