Situated in the Camden Square Conservation Area in London is this Scandi-inspired apartment by interior designer Katie McCrum. Katie has lived here for 14 years, and over the years has turned a rather unremarkable Victorian two-bedroom flat into an open, airy and relaxed home.

At 650 square feet, it’s full of smart space-saving ideas and design decisions that make it feel larger than it is.

I love the way that Katie has opened the flat up by removing unnecessary doors. The entrance, the kitchen and the lounge are merely divided by one partition wall. “The biggest challenge is creating a space that flows and feels divided at the same time.” Katie manages to keep each area separate, while also feeling interconnected, by using quirky details like the little hatch that connects the kitchen and the lounge.

In the kitchen, Katie also came up with lots of good ideas to make the tight space more user-friendly. I think the antique mirror backsplash behind her stove is absolutely genius as it’s not only beautiful, but it also reflects all the light from the window opposite, making the room feel twice as big. She was also not fazed by the narrow awkward shape, and had the worktop space cut in to create more room to maneuver. The worktop being clad in stainless steel (one of the most sterile materials available) allows food to be chopped straight onto it, which saves space on things like chopping boards. Not only is this practical but it also ages well, adding more character over the years. The extractor fan is hidden inside the cabinet, a smart solution to make the space more cohesive and less cluttered.

With the price of London property rocketing in recent years, many Londoners are moving further and further out of the city to gain another bedroom or a few more square inches for a bathtub. With her small space, Katie shows that, with a bit of clever thinking and good design, you can transform your city home and enhance how you live, without making a move.

Our Style: Urban chic. Glamorous — not slick. Quirky with mid-century furniture, an earthy colour palette with injections of colour and a playful take on texture and pattern.

Inspiration: My amazing mother.

Favorite Element: My basin and the mirrored corner in the living room.

Biggest Challenge: Creating a space that flows and feels divided at the same time — packing a kitchen, living area and dining area into a small space and making it feel relaxed and comfortable. Clever storage solutions!

What Friends Say: WOW! Can you come and look at my flat?

Biggest Embarrassment: Portrait of myself that is too big to put anywhere so it moves from room to room.

Proudest DIY: I’m not known for my DIY Skills. I put up all the pictures myself but don’t look behind them! I have learnt to get help with anything manual.

Biggest Indulgence: Cushions and rugs. I’m always changing them, it drives my partner mad.

Best Advice: Clever storage is a must for small spaces and regularly de-clutter. Create features of interest. Pep up a neutral palette with splashes of colour and decadent details.

Dream Sources: Rockett St George. Semaine.com, House Doctor.com

Railings Paint on Accent Wall — Farrow & Ball
Fake Plants — Abigail Ahern

Strong White Paint — Farrow & Ball
Ercol Dining Table – YLiving
Hay J77 Chairs — Finnish Design Shop

Strong White Paint — Farrow & Ball

Mole’s Breath Paint — Farrow & Ball
Ghostbed by Paola Navone — Gervasoni

Cornforth White Paint — Farrow & Ball

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