![THE LITTLE THINGS](https://cdn.magzter.com/1658487714/1681804085/articles/_gygt_qSG1682072480216/THE-LITTLE-THINGS.jpg)
Getting rid of his appliances was out of the question for Sergio Ines when he relocated from his apartment in Johannesburg to a city centre eyrie in Cape Town. So, despite the doll-like proportions of his new duplex one bedroom, he skilfully and inconspicuously managed to build his six appliances into slots designed with just a millimetre or two to spare.
'I didn't want to feel like I was living in a small space with really small appliances.
So I ended up designing everything around them,' says the advertising agency art director of the 68m² space he shares with his girlfriend, Elzaan van der Merwe.
Although he works in design at Cape Town agency 99c and pens a popular blog called What My Boyfriend Wore, Sergio wasn't accustomed to laying out interior spaces. He inevitably ran into 'some issues' in such close quarters. In one instance, the washing machine wouldn't fit into its designated slot. He hadn't considered the space taken up by the plug on the side when measuring. Luckily it was easy to rewire!'
There was also a tight budget so, in addition to drawing up plans, he did a spot of joinery too: 'I designed the kitchen and gave the spec to guys who built the carcasses. Then I ordered the doors on their own from a special supplier, as well as the handles the tops - and then assembled it all myself. That was a first for me. I was quite keen to figure out how to do it I thought, if I can learn how to build in a small space, then perhaps in the future I could apply what I know to a much larger one'. He considered every nook and cranny as a source of potential space.
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Living space.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2023 edition of Living space.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
!['Tis the season to upcycle](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/27253/1563812/eXQvEtgjC1704799389967/crp_TIS-THE-SEASON-TO-UPCYCLE.jpg)
'Tis the season to upcycle
From handmade adornments to uses for everyday items, we've unwrapped a box full of creative ideas to refresh your festive season decorating. Trust us, yule love them all.
![Less is MORE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/27253/1563814/JUXFl2WtB1704800168809/LESS-IS-MORE.jpg)
Less is MORE
So many people are considering life without alcohol that the notion has been given a name: sober-curious. We find out what you can do to help lower your current alcohol consumption.
![Up in smoke](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/27253/1563812/NWXz1jPxm1704801202233/UP-IN-SMOKE.jpg)
Up in smoke
Darrel Bristow-Bovey discovers that letting go isn't always easy (or entirely painless).
![HAPPY AFFORDABLE HOLIDAYS!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/27253/1563812/klEVDcWdp1704800976909/HAPPY-AFFORDABLE-HOLIDAYS.jpg)
HAPPY AFFORDABLE HOLIDAYS!
Whether it's quality time with family or me-time on a beach, a vacation is good for the soul but it shouldn't break the bank! Use these eight tips to make sure yours doesn't.
![WISH WE WERE HERE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/27253/1563812/yPQHHpE841704800611353/WISH-WE-WERE-HERE.jpg)
WISH WE WERE HERE
You can eat with your eyes, so why not travel that way, too? Captivating, unexpected and inspiring these destinations should be on every decor-lover's bucket list...
![WELCOME, 2024!](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/27253/1563812/7jEyvYvdk1704800392275/WELCOME-2024.jpg)
WELCOME, 2024!
Get a head start on styling your space for the new year with our forecast of what's to come. Hint: you're going to be a natural...
![LIFE THROUGH THE LENS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/27253/1563812/Dq1M2jJUI1704800113670/LIFE-THROUGH-THE-LENS.jpg)
LIFE THROUGH THE LENS
Travel photographer, writer and editor Anton Crone has many years of exploring Africa's backroads under his belt. Christi Nortier asks him what makes a place one-of-a-kind.
![INNER-CITY ISLANDS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/27253/1563814/1TCS-IkaT1704799821940/INNERCITY-ISLANDS.jpg)
INNER-CITY ISLANDS
The birds and the bees need safe, green spaces to survive and thrive in the urban jungle. Here's how you can help...
![BEYOND THE BUNCH](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/27253/1563812/Y2sBX9SP11704799900713/BEYOND-THE-BUNCH.jpg)
BEYOND THE BUNCH
From wreaths to posies, flowers are a quick and easy way to light up a room and all you need is a store-bought bunch (or two) and a touch of creativity.
![IT'S ON THE HOUSE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/27253/1563814/TEtjWoTWh1704799688766/ITS-ON-THE-HOUSE.jpg)
IT'S ON THE HOUSE
Household insurance: two words that strike fear (and confusion) into the hearts of South African homeowners. But don't panic! Here's everything you need to know...