Houzz Tour: A Fresh and Colourful Studio Flat
Interior stylist Maxine Brady wanted to create an all-singing all-dancing first home that stood out from the crowd
When Maxine Brady was tasked with creating an inspirational home design for first-time buyers at the Grand Designs Live show, she decided the entire scheme should revolve around the kitchen. ‘It was important the kitchen was the centre of the flat,’ says Maxine. ‘I designed the units to look more like a sideboard, and wanted the rest of the room to work around them.’
Maxine asked price-conscious first-time buyer friends about what was important to them, and decided her scheme would include versatile and affordable pieces mixed with a few investment buys that would stand the test of time. The result is a stylish all-in-one living space that’s practical, but still has bags of personality.
Maxine asked price-conscious first-time buyer friends about what was important to them, and decided her scheme would include versatile and affordable pieces mixed with a few investment buys that would stand the test of time. The result is a stylish all-in-one living space that’s practical, but still has bags of personality.
‘The kitchen was the starting point for the entire scheme,’ says Maxine. ‘The units are from Ikea, so they’re a great price for first-time buyers, but they’re also really cleverly designed, which means they look good, too.’
‘The geometric tiles were more of an investment piece,’ says Maxine, ‘but they really stand out. Plus first-time buyers eventually want to sell their home, so it’s worth splashing out on some things that will give it added value.’ The bright yellow toaster and coffee-maker are by Kenwood.
‘The key to furnishing a new flat on a budget is clever purchasing,’ says Maxine. ‘The Ikea dining table has a designer feel, while the leather chairs are hard-wearing and stackable. Plus, a round table means you can squeeze more people around it if you’re entertaining. It’s about being flexible.’
See yellow and grey schemes
See yellow and grey schemes
‘It’s the small touches that make your new home stand out and feel personal to you,’ says Maxine. These colourful candles are from Edited in Brighton, but many first-time buyers will have quirky trinkets they’ve collected.
The oak coffee table from Joined & Jointed is an investment piece and something a first-time buyer will take with them as they move up the property ladder. ‘It’s a modern shape, but it’s versatile and will look better as it gets older,’ explains Maxine. ‘It’s about getting a mixture of price points and sources – having a keen eye and not buying everything from the same place, which is a classic pitfall.’ The yellow bowl is from Edited.
Explore 10 kitchens that incorporate yellow into their scheme
Explore 10 kitchens that incorporate yellow into their scheme
The sofa and armchair from Sofa Workshop are proof you can buy bespoke on the high street without it costing a fortune. ‘They are reminiscent of retro style, but I’ve given them a modern look with the colourful buttons, which pull together the other shades in the scheme,’ says Maxine. The walls are painted in Dulux Polished Pebble, which is washable, while the flooring is super-practical and good-looking concrete-effect lino from Harvey Maria.
The bright colours of the accessories really energise the space. Maxine included the hexagonal trays after being inspired by the graphic trend seen recently on the catwalk. She sourced the circle cushion from Sian Elin and the armchair cushion from Studio Flock.
‘I was looking for an unusual desk,’ says Maxine of the neat design from Joined & Jointed. ‘Most people spend a lot of time on their computers these days, so they don’t want to be shoved in a corner.’ It’s worth investing in a good desk, even if it’s just for doing paperwork. ‘Save on one thing and you can splurge on another,’ says Maxine. She zoned the area using a rug.
The graphic chair, from Studio Flock, ties in with the wallpaper while adding colour to the study area. The blue Play radio is by Roberts and the classic phone is from Wild & Wolf.
The Tress wallpaper in Grey from Sian Elin is a really strong print, which means you only need a feature wall. ‘I was trying to suggest ways to make your home look different to everyone else’s. You want to create a style that’s personal to you,’ says Maxine. The origami wall decorations are actually meant to be used as pendant lights, but Maxine liked the way they popped out of the wallpaper.
What do you like about this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below.
What do you like about this kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below.