Small homes and studios

Living zone Renovation Planning for Small homes and studios

Survey existing services and finishes before committing to a demolition or reuse plan. Identify what can stay and where hidden work may surface.

Explore the ideas
Open living and dining area with a wood partition and television unit
Living room inspiration: a visual boundary between shared zones.

Walkthrough checklist

  1. Record existing walls, openings, services and damage, then verify uncertain items with the appropriate trade.
  2. Separate required repairs from optional replacements so quotes show where the budget goes.
  3. Agree which access, isolation, removal and protection steps are needed before work starts.
Worked example

Removing a partition could improve the lounge, but existing switches and an unknown beam sit on it.

Document services and verify structure with the appropriate professional before comparing open-plan and retained-wall scopes.

How to test it

Walk through the marked-up plan with the installer and record conditions that would change scope or cost.

Apply it to this space
Layout
Anchor seating on a wall and preserve a central route; use a movable table rather than fixed dividers.
Detail
Choose a sofa with hidden storage and a rug to mark the lounge footprint.
Trade-off
A larger sofa improves comfort but limits hosting and sleeping flexibility.
  • Mock furniture footprints with tape
  • Check clear route to windows and entry
Living room with green and rust-colored seating around a low coffee table
Living room inspiration: conversation seating with a clear central table.

The Elixir portfolio

Details worth a closer look

Photographs for design inspiration
Living room with a television wall, wood shelving and a glass partition
Living room inspiration: media storage beside a glazed divider.
Living room arranged with an L-shaped sofa and wall shelving
Living room inspiration: seating grouped around a shared focal point.

Related design guides

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