Designing for small spaces is a study in balance—every decision carries weight, and every element must justify its place. At Stelly Selway, we see compact interiors as an opportunity to be both practical and poetic, ensuring that function and beauty coexist seamlessly. Storage solutions should never feel like an afterthought; instead, they should be integrated with intention, enhancing the overall aesthetic while serving a purpose.
Through thoughtful joinery, multifunctional furniture, and strategic spatial planning, even the most modest of spaces can be transformed into something expansive, layered, and deeply personal. It’s about designing with restraint but never sacrificing richness—considering not just how a space looks, but how it feels to inhabit.
In this blog, local interior designer, Tanya Selway from Stelly Selway shares valuable insights on how to transform your space and make a big difference.
The Power of Bespoke Joinery
Bespoke joinery is one of the most effective tools in a designer’s arsenal when working within spatial constraints. Rather than simply filling a room with storage, joinery should be conceived as an extension of the architecture—framing views, defining spaces, and adding rhythm to an interior.
Take our Cervantes Banquette, for example. More than just a dining seat, it was designed as a multifunctional piece that works on multiple levels. Hidden storage beneath the seat keeps clutter at bay, while surrounding shelving creates a sculptural moment—allowing for the interplay of open and closed storage, where practical necessities can be tucked away while personal objects and books bring warmth and narrative to the space.
This approach ensures that every inch is accounted for while maintaining an airy, uncluttered feel. Whether it’s a tailored window seat with built-in drawers, a recessed shelving niche that transforms an unused corner, or a headboard that seamlessly incorporates storage, custom joinery allows for intelligent solutions that are as beautiful as they are practical.
Multifunctionality, A Considered Approach for Small Spaces
In small-scale interiors, furniture must often work twice as hard. The key to designing multifunctional pieces is not to think of them as compromises, but as opportunities to create something entirely unique.
A banquette, for instance, is not just a seating solution but a way to define a dining area within an open-plan space. A console can double as a desk. A coffee table with concealed compartments can store everything from magazines to remote controls. And a bed with integrated storage can eliminate the need for excessive furniture, allowing a room to breathe.
But it’s not just about storage—it’s about creating an effortless flow. Pieces should shift and adapt to daily life, accommodating different functions without feeling over-engineered. The most successful small-space designs don’t just make things fit; they make them feel natural, elevating the everyday.
Creating Distinct Areas Without Closing Off Space
Even in a compact home, a sense of delineation is essential. Zoning creates order and flow, allowing a space to feel intentional rather than chaotic. The trick is to establish distinct areas without breaking the continuity of a room.
Lighting is a powerful tool here—a pendant above a dining table, a sculptural floor lamp by a reading nook, or directional wall sconces can subtly define different zones without requiring physical barriers. Rugs are another way to anchor spaces, creating visual separation while maintaining an open feel.
Furniture placement is equally important. A strategically placed bookshelf can function as a partial divider between a living and dining area, while a low-profile sofa positioned perpendicular to a wall can subtly carve out a lounge space within an open-plan room. The goal is to create structure while maintaining fluidity—allowing the eye to move effortlessly through the space.
The Role of Light, Colour, and Texture in Small Spaces
Light is one of the most valuable assets in a small interior. Maximising natural light can completely alter the perception of space, making rooms feel larger, airier, and more inviting.
Where possible, avoid heavy window treatments—sheer curtains or linen blinds will diffuse light beautifully while maintaining privacy. Mirrors and reflective surfaces are another clever way to amplify brightness, strategically placed to bounce light deeper into the room.
Colour plays a crucial role in spatial perception. While pale tones can enhance a sense of openness, a well-considered palette doesn’t have to mean sticking to neutrals. Layering tonal variations of a single colour—deepening hues on joinery while keeping walls soft, for instance—can add depth and sophistication without overwhelming a space.
Texture is just as important as colour in bringing dimension to a room. A mix of matte and gloss finishes, soft and structured fabrics, and natural materials can create a rich, tactile environment that feels expansive rather than flat.
Adding Character Without Clutter
Even in a minimalist space, personality should always take centre stage. The key is knowing where to pare back and where to lean in.
A statement artwork or sculptural light fixture can anchor a room, drawing the eye and creating a focal point. Greenery—whether a tall potted plant in a corner or a series of small, sculptural vessels on a shelf—brings a sense of life and movement. Layered accessories such as ceramics, textiles, and books tell a story, but they should feel curated rather than excessive, for example in our Hertfordshire Residence.
Designing with Intention
At Stelly Selway, we see small spaces as an opportunity rather than a limitation. They challenge us to think creatively, to design with greater precision, and to ensure that every detail serves a purpose.
By layering function with beauty, balancing proportion and materiality, and curating storage with a sense of craft, we create homes that feel expansive, elegant, and entirely personal—no matter their size.
Contact Stelly Selway to discuss your interior plans in more detail and how they might be able to assist.
Alternatively, to discuss any property related plans, please get in touch with our team for a no-obligation discussion.
