Breadcrumbs ![The Small London Apartment That Proves Size Isn’t Everything](https://media.sheerluxe.com/tm79DRp0lC1xL45APRy8Eco3k08=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fsl-site-assets-270126-thumb-hero-hattie-hansard-home-tour.jpg) ![The Small London Apartment That Proves Size Isn’t Everything](https://media.sheerluxe.com/OzdFT1CVzjMT7-NDvC_6OO34pyA=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fsl-site-assets-270126-thumb-hero-hattie-hansard-home-tour.jpg) Photography: Noah Russell [House Tours](/home/house-tours) / 27 January 2026 # The Small London Apartment That Proves Size Isn’t Everything Spread across the top two floors of a Victorian building, this compact apartment has been transformed into a richly layered home that combines practicality with design-led style. Through clever joinery, bold pattern and a confident use of colour, its owner has created a space that feels welcoming, personal and full of character. Here, interior designer Hattie Hansard gives us the tour of her home… ByGeorgina Blaskey / [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/50151) Photography: Noah Russell All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/2fXsavGZZrht5y6R6DNjpkX1jCM=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-bedroom-balcony.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) ## The Property This two-bedroom apartment in west London occupies the top two floors of a Victorian building above a bakery and a dry-cleaner. Before I bought it, the flat had been squared off in the eaves room with built-in storage and window seats, but it had been rented out and poorly treated. I stripped it back to basics and used my budget to make it my perfect home. The layout has a living room and kitchen in the eaves, with the bedrooms below, and every inch of space has been carefully thought out. I live there myself, and while it wasn’t a full structural renovation, I personalised and updated the flat extensively to suit my style. ## The Brief My brief was to create a home for myself that felt quintessentially English but without any of the usual stuffiness. Even though the flat is small, I wanted it to have a bit of stature as well as feel welcoming – more like a country retreat than a typical city apartment. In terms of aesthetic, I went for a bold, maximalist approach with plenty of textiles, large-scale botanical prints, and grounding colours to give depth and warmth. I also wanted to mix in a collection of interesting pieces to make the space feel personal and lived-in. Materials played a big part too – wood and timber finishes, textured doors and natural stone worktops were all considered to add character and a sense of quality. For furniture, the focus was on clever layouts and proportion. I chose pieces that are functional but also add to the overall look, including furniture with painted finishes so colours can be updated in the future. Storage was key, especially in the eaves spaces, and I made the most of built-in solutions and window seats to maximise space while keeping everything stylish. Overall, the goal was to create a home that’s simple, functional and timeless, but still full of personality and considered details. [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/tEUnN6xcyH28kCfkJrcrw-dYC_A=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-small-landscape.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) --- ## TAKE THE TOUR [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ZkB5PqHs1Hvu_3xn6Qb-ryBY2YE=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-hallway_0.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) ## The Hallway & First Floor Landing My main aim was to make the most of the space and let its architectural features do the talking. The entrance has the largest window in the flat, so I left it completely clear – no curtains or blinds – to keep the space bright and airy. Colour plays an important role here. For the floors, I went with a strong, grounding base, keeping the walls as a rich, calming backdrop. I added a mirrored wall-hung coat and hat rack, which reflects light and makes the space feel bigger. Storage was an important consideration too – I managed to squeeze in suitcase storage above the front door, while paints, pots and spare wallpaper rolls are neatly tucked under the stairs, keeping the area organised without cluttering it. I included a chair decorated by my sister, interior designer [Leo Wood](https://www.kinderdesign.co.uk/), and I’ve layered in a mix of characterful objects: South Asian decorative masks I picked up at auction and a wooden key stand that belonged to my mum. These pieces bring personality and warmth to the entrance, making it feel stylish yet lived-in, while complementing the overall design. Floorboards Paint [*Farrow & Ball Railings*](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=20199&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.farrow-ball.com%2Fpaint%2Frailings) Wall Paint [*Farrow & Ball, Chinese Blue*](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=20199&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.farrow-ball.com%2Fpaint%2Fchinese-blue) Coat & Hat Rack [*Joanna Wood*](https://www.joannawood.com/) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/N2FFpgIW_iuXw41zsyCu9Hh6Pkk=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-living-room.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/Cch_7s3AMs7TvdYQMsqacsFwbDY=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-living-room-2.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) ## The Living Room The success of this room really comes down to clever storage. With the space acting as a sitting room, study, dining area, bar, and kitchen all rolled into one, every inch has to work hard. I wanted it to feel practical but still cosy and full of character. Storage was a big focus, from the ceiling-high bookcases built into the eaves to a hidden push-latch cupboard beside the fireplace. I also added upholstered pads to the window seats, which are perfect for guests. For the fireplace, I installed a gas version and used off-cuts from the composite stone kitchen worktop to create a slim, smart surround – small detail, big impact. I softened the space with generous freestanding pieces, including an antique armoire that cleverly houses the television, balancing practicality with style. To bring in character, I layered in furniture and accessories with personality. An antique rug grounds the space, the coffee table adds a sculptural touch, and a pair of ginger jars were repurposed as lamp bases. Behind the eaves shelves, hidden away, I store vases, tablecloths and hampers full of Christmas decorations, so everything is neat but the room still feels full of life. Table [*Noghuchi coffee table by Vitra*](https://www.heals.com/noguchi-coffee-table.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&keyword=&ftcategory=genericsearch&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15034223716&gbraid=0AAAAAD_UDsW87pT2jQhCTGAjDmDs8r9CJ&gclid=Cj0KCQiAiqDJBhCXARIsABk2kSkqqxtid2a5y4KD42yiGngi94LtW9AJqwMyVPnJvLYI614LAmG9IOYaAkY_EALw_wcB) Sofa & Chairs [*Lawson Wood*](https://www.lawson-wood.com/) Cushions [*Joanna Wood*](https://shop.joannawood.com/collections/cushions) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ZtNsOPDahILWd7mvgD9IaNEPXsg=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-kitchen-dining.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) ## The Kitchen For me, knowing where to spend and where to save was essential. I decided it was worth devoting a healthy part of the budget to the kitchen, especially as it needed to be custom-built to fit into the tricky eaves space. I think open-plan kitchens only work if you’re strict about clutter, so I tend to keep the countertop pretty clear. The windows needed a full overhaul, which was a big expense, so I balanced that by sourcing red dining chairs at Kempton Antique Market. The dining table, which I inherited, is currently covered with a white linen cloth, but I plan to strip and stain it to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. Zoning was also important – despite the small square footage, I knew I wanted a double-door pantry, so I worked with [Kitchen Haus](https://www.kitchenhaus.com/) to create a discreet version to the left of the oven. The cabinetry is made from recycled material and finished to resemble linen-like fabric, which softens the overall look, and I added shelving in the eaves spaces to hold ceramics and Kilner jars, giving the space life and interest without cluttering it. Cabinetry [*Kitchen Haus*](https://www.kitchenhaus.com/) Dining Table [*Heal’s, Dulwich Extendible Dining Table*](https://www.heals.com/dulwich-extending-dining-table.html?_gl=1*5jfzd9*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQiAiqDJBhCXARIsABk2kSmO7SoLD6PUTn6YBIfQJjAeIpIN_eTnX9AbKrhmjK3uEq4vWNuXcrgaAhwyEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAAD_UDsU55LPKKWHpSAcq629DlyxyI) Dining Chairs [*Red, Kempton Antiques Market*](https://www.sunburyantiques.com/kempton/) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/7p-3ITO7dagebcmLicmHPjY8SFE=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-bedroom.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) ## The Bedroom With French windows opening onto a small terrace, this space could have been tricky to style but I decided to embrace that secret-garden feel. I wanted to create a woodland-bower vibe, which felt just right, especially since the sun rises on this side of the house. To keep costs down, I left the existing floor-to-ceiling joinery in place, then added a simple architectural trim and accessorised it with interesting knobs. Space-saving touches include wall-mounted bedside reading lights and a pair of petite tables from Sunbury Antiques Market. I brought in pieces from my childhood bedroom to make the room feel personal and layered. A chest of drawers and a nursing chair were re-covered in silk, adding both comfort and charm. Above the chest, I left a rather fantastic large nude that I bought at Drewetts unframed – it feels more modern that way – while the overall mix of objects and textures helps give the room a relaxed, slightly whimsical character that ties in with the outdoor terrace. Wallpaper [*Lewis & Wood Beech Trees*](https://www.lewisandwood.co.uk/wallpapers/beech/) Wall Paint/Trim [*Farrow & Ball Slipper Satin*](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=20199&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.farrow-ball.com%2Fpaint%2Fslipper-satin) Wall-Mounted Wall Lights [*Corston*](https://www.corston.com/products/malvern-small-wall-light-alabaster-white-antique-brass-2?variant=40041296265313¤cy=GBP&bcndyn=d2lkOjQ4OHxjaWQ6NTY5&gad_id=&utm_campaign=Google_Ads&utm_term=&utm_campaign=TSS+%7C+Performance+Max+%7C+Lighting+-+Wall+Lights&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=4146348737&hsa_cam=21054001169&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21057163135&gbraid=0AAAAACd13xfJYveybuE3rufb3zZg1Km8J&gclid=Cj0KCQiAiqDJBhCXARIsABk2kSmBEZfxbUgPy7pvwUBRe8E4F7pBSyNKQ6yVavt-d7VH1evHqHPUbjAaAmVVEALw_wcB) With [*Fermoie Lampshades*](https://fermoie.com/product/round-lampshade-in-red-popple/) Brassware/Knobs [*Matilda Goad*](https://matildagoad.com/products/clear-brass-knob?variant=41325070876770) Curtains [*James Hare Silk*](https://www.james-hare.com/collections/orissa-silk/) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/PakoLXBixVATaakx4F0RS_dRLLE=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-guest-bedroom-on-suite.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) ## The En-Suite Bathroom This bathroom was completely stripped out to make room for a bath, but I made sure to keep certain essentials, like the mirrored medicine cabinet and the tall radiator with hooks. I’m a big believer in holding onto things where you can and these pieces made perfect sense in such a compact space. I sourced Crema Marfil marble from a local stone dealer – my tip is to look online for what you like and then wait for a sale or find an outlet, which is exactly what I did. I even used an off-cut to create a shelf above the loo. I went for floating fittings to help the room feel more spacious and kept the walls light and airy. Accessories were minimal to maintain the clean, spacious feel, letting the marble, wall colour and thoughtful fittings be the stars of the room. Flooring/Material [*Crema Marfil Marble*](https://www.ionicstone.co.uk/product-details/crema-marfil-marble-tile-honed?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21903843727&gbraid=0AAAAA-cylKfb1AlQ2NJAOUGhDutrnkMp3&gclid=Cj0KCQiAiqDJBhCXARIsABk2kSlLD0C5bAxkcWJf_kawvrPFbKH7EwT5RWC71vDe1suC8baUNHzx_I8aAqieEALw_wcB) Wall Paint [*Little Greene Confetti*](https://www.littlegreene.com/confetti) Fittings [*CP Hart floating fixtures*](https://www.cphart.co.uk/showers/shower-sets/dornbracht-one-box-complete-shower-set-version-four/) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/K6Sq_7lQeavQ-oWNi8ZBZDkTQq4=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-balcony.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) ## The Balcony The compact terrace overlooks the rear gardens and is a really important slice of outdoor space for me. Even though it might not seem the most practical, since it leads off the bedroom rather than a living area, I’ve actually found it incredibly sociable. Friends often hang out here while I’m cooking or getting ready, and I love keeping the doors open morning and evening. For privacy, I added lattice screening on either side and the pine benches were made to measure by a dealer I met at Sunbury Antiques Market. I kept the seating simple, letting the space breathe and keeping it flexible for different uses. Benches Custom-Made, Pine, Painted [*Farrow & Ball French Gray*](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=20199&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.farrow-ball.com%2Fpaint%2Ffrench-gray) Outdoor Cushions: [*Andrew Martin, Espadrille Sole*](https://www.andrewmartin.co.uk/outdoor/cushions-outdoor/espadrille-sole-caprese-sole) Outdoor Table: [*Fermbob Opera Plus Pedestal Table*](https://www.fermob-london.co.uk/opera-plus-pedestal-table/p9068) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/EpbQY-D2nbEw82wfRBf3nz1kF8Y=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-guest-bedroom.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) [ ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/D_TKcLBOAuhGNhPFr4km6ep2bFo=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F01%2Fhattie-hansard-home-tour-pink-wardrobes.jpg) ](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) ## The Guest Room When I first saw it, I think I described this room as having “the worst feng shui ever”, so it definitely needed a clever approach. Before, a cupboard sat where the bedhead is now, which made the layout feel really cramped and awkward. I had my joiner build a simple wardrobe, and we inset the doors with offcuts of wallpaper that gives the look of rattan, adding texture and softness. The combination of the headboard fabric and the wall colour keep the room warm and calming. I like using cushions and throws on the bed to create a cosy feeling. The focus here was more on clever design and materials than decorative accessories, making sure every element works hard in the space while still feeling comfortable and considered. Wardrobe Custom Joiner, [*Philip Jeffries Wallpaper Insets*](https://www.phillipjeffries.com/shop/CARD-XFINEARROWIII/5202) Headboard [*Lewis & Wood Selsley Stripe, Heather*](https://www.lewisandwood.co.uk/fabrics/selsley-stripe/) Wall Paint [*Melisse des Bois, Argile*](https://argile-peinture.co.uk/product/melisse-des-bois/) Cushion [*OKA*](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=46541&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oka.com%2Fproducts%2Fstonewashed-linen-cushion-cover-with-fringing-eau-de-nil) *Visit* [@HATS.TAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hats.tagram/?hl=en) *Photographer credit:* [Noah Russell](https://www.instagram.com/noah.russell/?hl=en) *more from* Home [View All Home](/home) ![See How Parisian Style Came To Life In This London Home](https://media.sheerluxe.com/2SGnLJZDrZN9Wfcf-dhKr4TOgpw=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F12%2Fsl-site-assets-011225-thumbhero-penrose-tilbury-home-tour.jpg) [House Tours](/home/house-tours) / 01 December 2025 [## See How Parisian Style Came To Life In This London Home ](/home/house-tours/see-how-parisian-style-came-to-life-in-this-london-home) ![The Festive Homeware Collections To Discover At NEXT](https://media.sheerluxe.com/QuLoHhT-2zYCxSfpTL5tHg2lRcc=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fnext-home-brands-new-hero.gif) [Accessories & Furniture](/home/accessories-furniture) / 27 November 2025 [## The Festive Homeware Collections To Discover At NEXT ](/home/accessories-furniture/the-festive-homeware-collections-to-discover-at-next) ![How The SL Team Are Decorating Their Christmas Trees ](https://media.sheerluxe.com/r8sV0vzX6u8xpm3ZWisz597x-ss=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-site-assets-261125-hero-moodboards-2.png) [Accessories & Furniture](/home/accessories-furniture) / 26 November 2025 [## How The SL Team Are Decorating Their Christmas Trees ](/home/accessories-furniture/how-the-sl-team-are-decorating-their-christmas-trees) ![Where To Rent Next: East London’s Most Exciting New Opening](https://media.sheerluxe.com/IYmnYPE2LMb9Yjrlv8ikKHqCRnk=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F11%2Fsl-site-assets-201125-thumb-the-eades-walthamstow-commercial.jpg) [Property](/home/property) / 20 November 2025 [## Where To Rent Next: East London’s Most Exciting New Opening ](/home/property/where-to-rent-next-east-londons-most-exciting-new-opening) Share This Story [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?display=popup&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com&u=https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fhome%2Fhouse-tours%2Fthe-small-london-apartment-that-proves-size-isnt-everything&t=The+Small+London+Apartment+That+Proves+Size+Isn%E2%80%99t+Everything) [ Pinterest ](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fhome%2Fhouse-tours%2Fthe-small-london-apartment-that-proves-size-isnt-everything&description=The+Small+London+Apartment+That+Proves+Size+Isn%E2%80%99t+Everything&media=) [ E-mail ]() DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. 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