Rosa's Cozy, Creative Space
Name: Rosa Robinson
Website: https://www.rosarobinson.co.uk
Size: 306 square feet
Home type: One-bed apartment
Location: Worthing, United Kingdom
What you're looking at:
I used the existing grey wall and blue door frames to create my base colour palette and added pops of pink, teal, and yellow to create a welcoming and colourful space. (Image credit: Rosa Robinson)I used the existing grey wall and blue door frames to create my base colour palette and added pops of pink, teal, and yellow to create a welcoming and colourful space.
The kitchen is surprisingly large for such a small room so it was important that I made it look nice without compromising on workspace. I brightened it up with white marble and sage green self-adhesive vinyl, and opted for a teal IKEA trolley as storage for pots, pans, and cake tins.
Years lived in: 2 years and 4 months, rented
Household: No one
Have any design professionals worked on this space? No
Do you currently live in your Small/Cool space full-time? Yes
Describe your space:
I had wanted to live on my own for a while so I was thrilled when I found this Georgian apartment right on the seafront. The English coast is beautiful, but it can also be bitterly cold, so I was determined to make this draughty flat feel cosy and colourful. My budget was tight and I love being creative, so when it came to furnishing the space, I focused on the items and materials that I had to hand. From family hand-me-downs to DIY furniture and wall art, I think what makes this space feel so special is that each and every piece has its own history and story.
Did you DIY anything in your space? And, if so, what's your favorite DIY?
So many, it's hard to keep track! Luckily for me, my dad is always available to help me with DIYs. I love the coffee table and pipe lamps that we made, even if they are a little wonky. However, I think my favourite DIY has to be the banner above my bed. It started out as a blackout blind in the lounge, but when that broke and the curtains were fitted, I was left with a large piece of canvas that just so happened to be the same width as my bed. So I decided to paint it with this constellation design and used metallic paint to match the other copper and silver notes in the room.
How do you make your small space work for you and feel bigger than it really is?
I wanted to make sure this flat was equally practical and visually appealing, so I've relied on hidden and closed storage as much as possible. For example, I use an oversized flat sheet to hide the storage boxes under my bed. And I'm particularly proud of the footstool that I made by attaching castors to an old crate and adding a cushioned lid made of old pillow stuffing and a coffee bean sack. It fits neatly under the coffee table and works a treat for hiding all my electronics. Large artwork and long curtains also help to draw the eye up and make the flat feel more spacious.
How does your home reflect you?
I think people are often surprised to see how sentimental I am when it comes to decorating my flat. I love visiting museums and exhibitions, so I've reflected that in the gallery wall over the TV and in the trinkets dotted around the place. My coffee table houses an old letterpress drawer, which is filled with all sorts of knickknacks, including my grandma's old pen knife and shells from Worthing Beach. Much of the artwork in my flat was either made by me or given to me by my parents. My home is definitely a product of my family as well as my own love for making things and being creative.