Houzz Tour: A Minimalist Flat Filled With Space-saving Solutions
Cleverly reconfiguring the space and sticking to simple white décor has made this compact flat feel much more spacious
Originally, this flat in Primrose Hill, London, felt cramped and had an awkward layout. A tiny galley kitchen was tucked away at the back and there was a disproportionately large bathroom by the entrance. Keen to create more space, the owners hired architect Amos Goldreich, whose solution was to swap the two areas around. ‘To bring more light into the home, we also created an internal window between the kitchen and hall, and added a high internal window between the new bathroom and the bedroom next door,’ explains Goldreich. ‘These openings also help to make the place feel larger.’
As you can see from the ‘before’ photo, the once-cramped area is now much more open. ‘Not crowding the floor directly in front of the kitchen with furniture also helps to enhance the sense of space in the room,’ says Goldreich.
‘Despite kitchen space being tight, we played around with the plans and managed to fit in a standard oven, integrated microwave, full-size fridge- freezer and a slimline dishwasher,’ says Goldreich. The washing machine has been neatly tucked away in a cupboard in the hallway.
White has become something of Goldreich’s trademark colour and many of his schemes centre on it. ‘White is very effective at helping to make a small space feel larger and by opting for very simple finishes, such as these handleless kitchen units, it’s very easy to clean, too,’ he says.
Appliances, all Siemens.
Got a compact kitchen? See how to create a cool cook zone in a small space
White has become something of Goldreich’s trademark colour and many of his schemes centre on it. ‘White is very effective at helping to make a small space feel larger and by opting for very simple finishes, such as these handleless kitchen units, it’s very easy to clean, too,’ he says.
Appliances, all Siemens.
Got a compact kitchen? See how to create a cool cook zone in a small space
Keeping things simple in the adjoining living area helps the two spaces flow seamlessly together. The sofa was chosen for its elegant slim legs that raise the seat off the floor – being able to see the floor beneath a sofa is another clever optical illusion that helps to make a room feel larger. The slim-legged dining chairs and table maximise the visible floor space, too.
A sculptural pendant light from Pink Apple Designs helps to define the dining area, while a bold patterned rug from John Lewis adds a splash of colour and warmth to the minimalist space.
Going for shutters, rather than the heavy window dressings the couple had before, gives the living room a fresh, contemporary feel.
Sofa, Hitch Mylius.
A sculptural pendant light from Pink Apple Designs helps to define the dining area, while a bold patterned rug from John Lewis adds a splash of colour and warmth to the minimalist space.
Going for shutters, rather than the heavy window dressings the couple had before, gives the living room a fresh, contemporary feel.
Sofa, Hitch Mylius.
‘I generally work with the same group of contractors, so they’re very in tune with my style of design,’ says Goldreich, ‘They created this office area from a niche in the living room. The bottom shelf was made slightly deeper so it can be used as a desk, and it has integrated drawers so paperwork can be kept out of sight.’ The stool slips neatly underneath the desk, too.
A glazed internal window between the kitchen and hallway lets the daylight in, but also keeps cooking kerfuffle and kitchen aromas contained. The window also doubles up as a splashback behind the sink, which has been undermounted beneath the worktop, so the whole preparation and serving area is easy to keep clean.
Dining table and CH29 chairs, Carl Hansen.
Check out these gorgeous internal windows and glazed doors
Dining table and CH29 chairs, Carl Hansen.
Check out these gorgeous internal windows and glazed doors
There was only one bathroom in the original apartment, but by reconfiguring the space, Goldreich has managed to squeeze in a separate cloakroom, too. The clean, white theme continues in here, with the tiny mosaic tiles adding a luxurious touch. The large mirror above the basin is another space enhancer.
Tiles and sanitaryware, Ocean Bathrooms.
Considering a cloakroom? Here’s how to turn it into something special
Tiles and sanitaryware, Ocean Bathrooms.
Considering a cloakroom? Here’s how to turn it into something special
The ocean-blue bed is the focal point in the main bedroom, which continues the minimal, contemporary look. Mirrored sliding doors on the walk-in wardrobe reflect the window opposite, ensuring the space is always light and bright during the daytime.
‘I worked very closely with the homeowners to design the walk-in wardrobes,’ says Goldreich. ‘I took note of all their needs in terms of storage and included a mix of drawers, hanging space and shelving.’
Looking at the ‘before’ photo, it’s easy to see how the space is now used much more efficiently.
Looking at the ‘before’ photo, it’s easy to see how the space is now used much more efficiently.
The couple wanted more space in the main bathroom without sacrificing a bath, so a slightly smaller-than-standard tub was sourced. Mirrored tiles run along the front of the bath to make the room appear larger and to link it with the style of the main bedroom.
‘Having built the bathroom from scratch, we used the opportunity to add in bespoke nooks for toiletries,’ says Goldreich. On the other side of the slim window that overlooks the bath is the single bedroom next door – the glass helps to bring light into the bathroom.
Marble tiles and sanitaryware, Ocean Bathrooms.
TELL US…
What do you think of this bright, white apartment? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments below.
‘Having built the bathroom from scratch, we used the opportunity to add in bespoke nooks for toiletries,’ says Goldreich. On the other side of the slim window that overlooks the bath is the single bedroom next door – the glass helps to bring light into the bathroom.
Marble tiles and sanitaryware, Ocean Bathrooms.
TELL US…
What do you think of this bright, white apartment? Share your thoughts and ideas in the Comments below.
Who lives here A retired couple, who use the apartment as their London pied-à-terre
Location Primrose Hill, London
Property A ground-floor flat in a Victorian building
Size 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Architect Amos Goldreich of Amos Goldreich Architecture
‘Opening the compact kitchen directly onto the living space, and adding an internal window between the kitchen and entrance hallway, immediately makes the whole living space feel more spacious,’ says Goldreich.
Kitchen units, Cucine Lube.