Uptown Real Estate Group: August 2016

Small spaces can be the bane of any flat-dweller's or home owner's life. But they can also be a blessing in design disguise. Awkward, small spaces are often a catalyst for change, forcing you to a) clear the clutter and b) come up with clever design ideas you may never have thought of otherwise. From small living rooms and small dining rooms, to small bedrooms, small bathrooms, small kitchens and kids' rooms, or even just small space storage solutions, we've delved in to the House & Garden achive to bring you clever, stylish ideas for every room of the house.

The basic scheme in the living room is minimal but it has injected the visual interest through the colors, pattern and texture. The decoration scheme ethnic touches used throughout.

Keep your bicycle out of the way and make a stylish feature of it with a wall-mounted bike rack. You don't need to store above the fireplace, a hallway will work just as well.

The kitchen door which doubles as CD storage.

The wall shelves in the spare room - along with providing storage - draw the eye up, making the cosy ceilings appear higher, while a chair provides double duty as a bedside table. An olive-stripe flatweave rug contrasts with a vibrant tartan rug used as a bedspread and cushions made from fabric pieces left over from projects.

Making use of natural light and mirrors to expand the space. Creating crisp, elegant, predominantly pale interiors - even on a small scale, putting favourite things into a new environment creates a fresh mood straight away.

When space is at a premium, it pays to be inventive with what little room you have. Window boxes - tiny pockets of flowers and foliage scattered across city centres - are a wonderful way to bring green into the concrete jungle. From exotic evergreens to traditional blooms, it's time to transform your windowsill into something spectacular.

Dwarf dahlias work well in a small windowbox and come in a plethora of colours - from candy pink to bright orange.

Tiny violas are a delicate choice for a country cottage windowsill. Victorian Violas has the very best selection.

Choose climbing pelargoniums and geraniums to create a verdant screen to mask a view into a ground floor flat.

These homemade wooden window boxes are filled with trailing white bacopa for a chic neutral look.

Jungle-like combinations of plants work well against a deep Georgian black-blue wall.

We have always believed that size is indeed relative, and what might be a lavish, generous home for some might seem like a modest, mundane affair to others. A backyard swimming pool is not too different in this regard, as those who actually do not have one often crave at least a small pool that allows them to cool off on a hot summer day. Adding a petite pool to your small backyard need not be a challenging and complex affair, and the result will often leave you amazed, as you will discover a brand new hangout just a few steps away from your living room!

Shape a stunning backyard with the ideal small pool

Small pool garden charms with its trendy, contemporary style

A tiny pool in the small urban backyard is all you need
to beat the summer heat

Water features elevate the aesthetic appeal of the gorgeous pool

A modest pool design for the small yard

There are walk-ins and then there are these beauties that redefine what it means to own a luxury closet. The only problem? You'll be left full of envy after taking a peek at these rooms, which feature museum-quality shoe storage and a few chandeliers (because, why not?).

Bright Skylight

The skylight in the closet provides natural light, making it easier

(and more enjoyable!) to pick out an outfit in the morning.

Shoe Storage

A dedicated space for it, which represents the height of luxury (we agree!).

High-End Doors

The mirrored panels and hardware in this closet were inspired by the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. and the cozy furniture and chandelier are just the cherry on top.