Home visit: a small-space country-style cottage

One-room living

When one space has to work as three rooms, use your furniture to define areas. “I use my HEMNES cabinet as a pantry, so it’s really part of the kitchen/dining area. Having the sofa away from the wall creates a kind of hallway that zones the spaces.”

Mix open and closed storage

Amanda chose open shelving for her tiny kitchen. “I thought top cupboards would look too heavy. I covered the fridge with a curtain to stop it spoiling the country look.” She added the half-height wall to create a U-shaped kitchen and an extra worktop.

Give space to your passions

Rethink a room’s purpose. “Everyone said the spare bedroom should be a walk-in wardrobe, but I’m more into crafts than clothes. I’m old-fashioned, I love being able to make things myself! Having this crafts study means downstairs is just for relaxing.” 

Create a calm bedroom

Keep your sleep space simple. “Downstairs has to do so many different things, but the bedroom is nice and simple – it’s just my bedroom. I focus on making it look really comfortable and calm, with layers of blankets, some greenery and low lighting.”

Make-it-yourself home

When did your interest in interiors start?

Growing up, my twin and I shared a room. We divided it with wicker screens so we could each decorate our own side! When I went to uni to study interior architecture, I couldn’t wait to have my own room for the first time. I’ll always love changing and updating things. Wherever I live, it will never be ‘finished’ – that’s just not me.

Describe your style?

I’ve always loved traditional, country style – I can’t help it. My friends all have more modern styles and I really like their ideas. But in this old house, traditional feels right.

How do you approach interior design?

I love finding inspiration in other people’s homes, but I don’t want my home to look the same as everyone else’s, so I always make changes to things. IKEA is great for that because it’s so easy to make it your own.

Many rooms in one

“Everyone is always surprised by how spacious the first floor is. So the downstairs was my biggest challenge – creating kitchen, living room and dining areas in one open-plan space. I’ve used furniture, rugs, lighting and textiles to make it work.”