Dear Caroline, Congratulations on your new flat! Not wanting to assume, are the steps leading downstairs to the kitchen start as you enter the room? Couple of things for you to consider: - Storage unit on the other side of the stair (is there a bannister/wall/railing?); please do send through pictures. It might be possible to fit in a bookcase as a divider (recommend a low one and to accessorise the top, for example, with a vase, lamp, picture frames and candles. - Your lounge area is not that small; however, rather than a couch and a chair, have you considered an L-shaped sofa, with a coffee table in front of it and a TV unit across on the opposite wall. - What is your budget and preferred design style? - What is the flooring? Consider getting a rug. We are happy to assist you further so please do not hesitate to contact us. Good luck!

I suspect that there were originally two doors between the kitchen and bathroom. The interpretation of the regulations seems to have changed over time and the two door rule is no longer mandatory so it may be possible to take out the small square of dead space and to no longer have an L-shaped room. A bigger bathroom would obviously be easier to fit out. If you are set on having a separate shower there is enough room but you might well have to either move the toilet (quite possible but additional cost) or change the window size/position. I also think that there is room in there for your washing machine.

Me personally I would try to “zone” the areas as two separate areas. Firstly some nice custom built shelving either side of the fireplace for books/ornaments/ picture frames etc. Then like suggested above, I would make a study by the window with a desk; where the sofa is and shelving under the pitched ceiling opposite. A tall house plant would look good there to the left of the window to balance out the window being off centre and an area rug to tie it altogether :)

I think your idea sounds great. You could also incorporate some storage in a unit beneath the TV and have bookshelves above it and in the children’s alcove. The room will flow better when the cuddle sofa isn’t blocking the archway. I would suggest getting something other than a children’s armchair though. Perhaps if you get a comfy pouffe or even smart beanbag you then have other grown up seating to move nearer the sofa if you have adult friends/family over for an evening.