65m2 apartment, london

Briefing

Overview

Recently purchased apartment, looking for flexible spatial solutions and furniture layouts.

Interested in exploring different ways of partitioning and connecting rooms (e.g. sliding walls, fold-away partitions, and multi-use furniture) to maximise for aesthetic everyday comfortable living as well as being able to adapt for guests, parties or dinner parties.

NOTE: I may be able to remove walls (but this is subject to UK building regulations / requirements and building management acceptance of any proposals). Accordingly I need (a minimum of) 2no concepts / sets of layouts - first within the existing walls; and second assuming I can modify walls as I wish (within the constraints marked - i.e known structure and risers). Where spaces can adapt, so have multiple set-ups, I'll need layouts of each configuration to understand how they work. Ideally it's relatively easy to transition between configurations.

Key goals:
Improve functionality for everyday life.
Create flexibility for entertaining / guests.
Optimise storage and circulation flow.
Create a space that works for the occupant (messy, keen cook) as well as can be easily adapted to accommodate guests for short stays, parties and dinner parties.
I want lots to plants (indoors and in outdoor space), so need to allow space for them.

Kitchen
I'm keen to have a separatable kitchen from living room (to contain noise / cooking smell etc). However for max flexibility - a possible fold-away door / sliding door / sliding wall that allows the living room and kitchen to combine could be interesting. Current layout works, but open to enlarging into part of the living room to capture a third window (taking from the living room) could be interesting. However, this would make the living room quite small if /when fully partitioned from the kitchen (see living room section).

Explore fold-away / sliding walls /doors so kitchen and living room can function as:
One open entertaining space (parties / guests).
Two separated, functional rooms (daily use).

Furniture and storage plan needed for both open and closed configurations.

Important: transitions between modes shouldn’t feel like “too much effort.”

The larger kitchen option could allow for an island or small everyday dining space - or maybe could have breakfast bar against the windows. Open to options.

Kitchen must accommodate: 5-ring hob, built-in oven, built in microwave, fridge/freezer, space for gadgets (mixer, processer, air-fryer etc) and washing machine.


Living Room
Layout challenge: need guidance on sofa, armchair, TV placement.
Dining table (would be here for dinner parties) - noting above points about possible flexible options (regarding combining with kitchen etc). Dining table could of course extend - 8 people total would be absolute max, more typically 5.
Plan for extendable dining table + storage for chairs.
Should work in both everyday mode and guest entertaining mode.

Study / Guest Room
Functions: home office, workout area, and occasional guest bedroom. Note the riser space shown in this room are in fact just wardrobes, so can be removed / ignored.

Features wanted:
Double "wall bed" / murphy bed (likely on wall adjacent to neighbouring flat - https://www.strachan.co.uk/fitted-furniture/fitted-furniture/verona-wall-bed-alabaster-white/). Along with storage above / around it.
Sit-stand desk with office chair.
Fold-away weights bench + storage for equipment. e.g. https://solofitness.co.uk/products/solo-signature-storage-bench-adjustable?variant=40964583686334&country=GB¤cy=GBP&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17518126265&gbraid=0AAAAACF0fhMnOQCp1JXebMw7bMJVtRH8c&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8eTFBhCXARIsAIkiuOx-NCe-VwdIIl-lqxjasiji1h5kahFtqSo-WzXcTV66Dxl6YC0rd6MaAuCIEALw_wcB

Explore option for folding / sliding walls to:
Open as part of living room (probably typical day-to-day use).
Partition as private guest room when needed - should be partition that isolates noise, therefor probably quite thick.
Needs clever built-in storage solutions to keep clutter minimal.

Bathroom & Master Bedroom
Current bathroom is pokey. Consider borrowing space from master bedroom to enlarge bathroom (although this would clearly change how bedroom door would need to work).
Possibility of non-linear partition wall between bedroom and bathroom to optimise bathroom and still allow for a lot of bedroom storage (should be quite a bit)
Bedroom must have built-in wardrobe/storage integrated neatly into design.

Hallway
Odd column in centre (currently with mirror on all sides) – potential feature. Ideas: lighting from above, integrated storage, sculptural element - e.g. encase in organic look art nouveau wood framing (and retain mirrors).
Desire to use hallway as functional storage zone while still feeling open. Especially as there is no natural light - lighting will be critical to making it a nice space.

Deliverables Requested
Furniture layout plans for:
Everyday living.
Entertaining / party use.
Guest use (murphy bed and partition walls engaged).
Alternative kitchen schemes:
Keep existing footprint.
Extend into living room (options for bar / island / dining).
Partition wall concepts: fold-away or sliding solutions for kitchen/living and study/guest room.
Built-in storage concepts for bedroom, hallway, and guest room.
Suggestions on materials, finishes, and lighting to reinforce flexible zoning.
As much in terms of visualisations inspired by the aesthetics preferences below and in reference images to sell the concepts and help select furniture etc as possible.

Aesthetic:
Prefer darker, richer colours (navy, deep green, rust, earthy neutrals).
Spaces should feel warm, characterful, and atmospheric – not minimalist or Scandi.
Inspired by Soho House vibe and pieces like the Heal’s Eaton velvet sofa. Layered, atmospheric lighting: exposed filament bulbs, sconces, and table lamps / accent lighting.
Warm, low-level ambience rather than bright overheads. Lots of plants integrated (space allowed in plans ideally - esp for any floor standing plants – medium/large specimens to soften dark interiors.
Open to shelving or built-in spots for greenery. Wood: medium/dark tones, oiled not glossy.
Fabrics: velvet, heavy weaves, rich tones, some leather.
Metals: brass, aged bronze, black steel.
Floors: timber/parquet with rugs
A (very) random set of looks I like included.
Kitchen look: "shaker" style
Bathroom look: I really like art deco and (especially) art nouveau. Bathroom probably better in deco - some marble, brass and fluted glass. Lighting options super important in bathroom - dark atmospheric setting, brighter settings for every day and brightest for cleaning!
Hall look: I think art nouveau inspired (even wood panelling and stained glass) could work here.
I’m aware the reference images I’ve uploaded are often for bars etc which maybe don’t fully work for a domestic environment (so would have to be adapted)- especially as the flat has a lot of windows do will be very bright at time. They are just a reference.

Resources