While smaller homes have cosiness in spades, they often times don’t have the extra rooms we see as luxuries. But just because you no longer have a dedicated home office, doesn’t mean you can’t create a fully functional work space. The living room is the perfect spot to go multifunctional. The back of the sofa, which may seem like a bit of a dead zone, is just right for a desk or a table. Add a chair and a desk lamp, and rely on interior storage space to keep smaller items hidden away (to minimise the clutter in the room). And don’t forget a large rug to help define the work area.

You may have less space, but that doesn’t mean you have less stuff. Look to your walls for some help. Floor-to-ceiling shelving can hold everything from collectibles to books and work necessities. By combining closed and open storage you can pick and choose what you want to hide away or show off. As a bonus, you can even build out and adapt this storage unit over time, as your needs change.

Whether you’re having guests over for a home cooked meal or are catching up on a few phone calls for work, the dining space should be comfortable, spacious, and multifunctional. But most of all, you want every part of your home to feel like you. So forget all about starting totally fresh and mix up your newer pieces with older favourites for a warm, personal vibe.

When you’re starting anew, it’s important to have a cosy, comforting bedroom to recharge in. Consider softer, lighter colours such as a greyish green or a neutral grey. They’ll warm up the space while giving the room an airy feel, which is key when decorating a more intimate space. Then add a few bedside lamps; we chose one direct light for reading and one with a shade that creates a warm glow. Coordinate with textiles in a similar colour scheme, and things will feel nice and relaxed.

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.

Made by

Interior designer: Marianne Eriksson
Photographer: Daniel Wester
Writer: Vanessa Algotsson