transforming furniture

A DESK THAT TURNS INTO A BED? A CUPBOARD THAT OPENS INTO A TABLE? THIS IS HOW CANNY PIECES CAN PERFECT SMALL-SPACE LIVING

- Hebe Hatton

1 FOLD FOLD OUT AND SIT 

This London house is just 139 square feet, and this expanding bench in the kitchen is just one of many creative ways the team have made more of the space. This small space dwelling was driven by designing a home that offers a decent bed size, sufficient storage, comfortable living areas and a cooking and shower facility. Jack Mama, co-founder of Studiomama

2 CONCEAL AND REVEAL

A pull-out dining table that extends from a kitchen cabinet is integral to the design of an inner-city apartment by Nicholas Gurney. 'With a preference to prioritise circulation space over fixed or fitted furniture, a proprietary conceal-and-reveal table was employed. The table folds away very neatly and is stored in a space no greater than that of a kitchen drawer. The position of the table in reference to the living room means that the latter can swell outside mealtime and provide a greater sense of openness and space when it is preferred.' Nicholas Gurney, interior designer

 3 BUILT BUILT-IN BEDS

Fold-down beds don't have a reputation for being the most stylish additions to a home, but they do seem to work better in some instances than others. 'Space-saving Murphy beds can look more chic when they are built into the cabinetry of the room, or connect to the surroundings. Also, it's great to have some shelves and possibly interior lighting for when they are open.' Genevieve White Carter, interior designer and founder of Carter Design

4 SOF SOFA TO BED