Spend time together and connect

In this flat, Åsa wanted to create a comfortable and flexible space for a family with teens.

“Make sure everyone can get comfortable by choosing a generous sofa-bed with loose back cushions so you can easily change and adapt the back support and seat depth depending on if you want to sit or lie down,” says Åsa.

This one has a generous storage space under the seat to store bedding too, making it just right for sleepovers.

Change the atmosphere in an instant

“Use a smart lighting system to easily dim or change the colour of the lighting to suit what you’re doing. It’s so convenient – for example, you can adapt the light without moving from the sofa, just use the remote control. Mix and match a couple of LED panels until you find a look that suits your space. These ones work really well in dark spaces in need of a bit of extra light.” (Use the TRÅDFRI remote to control up to 10 LED light panels.)

Choose flexible furniture

“Use multipurpose furniture that you can easily rearrange and move depending on your mood and the situation. You can pretty much create an open home with lots of different functions from just one room. If you use multiple lightweight side tables rather than one big coffee table, your favourite things will be nearby wherever you are in the room,” says Åsa.

Display and declutter with smart storage

“Easy-to-access storage makes cleaning up a breeze. Our tip is to give everyone their own compartment for their things so each person can look after their own stuff. I really like this shelving unit that can be used both horizontally or vertically. It feels as though you get storage space and a sideboard in one.” (Don’t forget to fix it to the wall.)

Meet the multitasker – the kitchen island

“This home revolves around the generous kitchen island, which isn’t just a place to prepare and make food, it’s also a place to sit down and eat,” says Åsa. “In between meals, the family use the island as a space for working, sorting laundry or doing homework.”

Make cooking more fun

“Food prep and storage is done in its own little niche to create calm and harmony as so much happens in a small space.”

Create a calming and comfortable sleeping spot

“One smart tip is to use different colour schemes to separate different spaces. Here we used a lot of dark, natural tones to create a feeling of intimacy and peace. Increase your comfort levels with flexible accessories, like movable wall clamps so you’re sure to get the reading light right.”

A well-organised and welcoming walk-in closet

An open storage solution for your clothes in hard-wearing bamboo and lightweight aluminium means you can see everything at a glance. Choose and combine the sections that suit your needs and space. The click function makes it easy to take apart and reconfigure.

All the photos were taken from the 2019 IKEA Catalogue