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You’d never guess that this home is only 37 square metres in size. When you’re short on space - it’s what you do with it that counts. We’re stepping inside MADE’s Annabel Kilner’s London flat as she talks us through the best strategies for small spaces. Grab a pen.

On MADE x Unboxed, you might have already seen Annabel’s stylish abode. By making the most of her tiny flat, she’s used big design ideas to create a stunning home sanctuary. We took the tour and jotted down some useful tips. Let’s begin.

STORAGE THAT ACTUALLY CREATES SPACE

My flat hardly has any furniture, it’s mainly built-in storage. My bed and sofa are placed in an alcove between the storage so it helps to create more space. I’ve used two tones mainly - soft grey and white. This breaks it up a bit, which I think is important. All the storage has glass handles, for lighter touch.

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CHOOSE 3 TONAL COLOURS - ONLY

My home consists of 3 colours - grey, white and black. There are shades of grey in the walls and furniture, white on the ceiling and the skirting - and the cornicing is an off white. So not all tonal colours. I was going out with a property developer at the time and one of my best friends is an interior designer so they both signed off on my choices.

Take the tour of Annabel's place on MADE Unboxed

CONTINUITY IS COMPLEMENTARY

The space is small, so to provide some continuity, the roman blind in the bedroom is the same fabric as sitting room’s curtains. They have border, which is the same fabric as the sofa so it provides a flow of texture and colour. I try not to use too many colours and  patterns and limit the palette on the core furnishings. This creates the background, then you can add accents like cushions and art. Even the flooring, it’s all the same throughout, except the kitchen.

See more of Annabel's place

CREATE ILLUSIONS

In the sitting room, the ceiling can feel low. That’s why the curtain is not on a pole. It’s hung from the ceiling to provide an elongated look. The table is finished with wallpaper to add an element of interest and has a glass top on it. I chose the perspex chairs so it doesn’t take away or compete with the sofa. There’s lots of glass including a mirrored wall, this makes it feel double the size.

In the bathroom, there’s a shower screen that has a double hinge so it can go against the wall. This means that when the shower is not being used, it’s just a nice bathroom with a bath, no obstructions. It’s not something you can buy ready-made. I had to go to a place that cuts glass and asked them to put it on a hinge to make it work.

SAY NO TO BIG FURNITURE

Don’t get furniture that’s too big for your space. The Bouji chair is mini and I love it. I only have a very small Zable side table and no coffee table so I have really limited the furniture. There’s only 4 perspex chairs. I could squeeze 6, but less is definitely more in this sitch.

LOVE YOUR THINGS

At the time, I had worked in interiors for 6 years so I had a lot of inspiration. I chose my sofa, side table, lighting and accent chairs from MADE, which I love. Over the years, I’ve picked up things I love including the Neisha Crosland headboard and the wallpaper.

DESIGN FOR YOU

The space is small so I could afford to spend on a couple of expensive things - and they really stand out. I absolutely love my headboard, it’s one of the first things I notice in the bedroom. The feeling is awesome when you have something you love - it’s worth the investment.

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DETACH & DECLUTTER

I only have what I need at the time. I don’t buy excess shampoos when I run out - everything just has its space. I love tableware, but I know I can only have 6 people over for dinner so I have 6 wine glasses, 6 bowls and 6 plates. I’m very strict with how much stuff I have. I’m tempted to get more. If I want something I have to replace something I already have.

See the rest of Annabel's home on MADE Unboxed

GUIDE ON PLANTS

I always make sure I’ve got loads of flowers. If I’m doing my window boxes, I try and use white so that it looks a bit cleaner when you’re looking out. White cyclamen for me - it’s about keeping them short, in lovely vases, but short vases so the stems are low. My space is too small for long stemmed vases. My herbs are in little pots, and all the flowers are always just above the vase.

Take the full tour of Annabel’s home.