Space-saving furnishing: Tips from Habitiny

As soon as a couple's flat becomes a family home, space problems arise. Because suddenly another person has moved into the flat - and with them new odds and ends and new needs. Sima from Habitiny explains why space-saving furnishings can be the solution for small flats. If the flat becomes too small, then a larger one is needed. But is it even feasible to move? Living space is scarce, especially in large cities. And above all expensive. Young families often have no choice but to come to terms with the situation. And that's where Sima from Habitiny comes in.

How can you help families to furnish in a space-saving way?

I analyse the needs of all residents by talking to the family. I also check the floor plans and see where I can exert influence to solve problems. This can be done in different ways. Sometimes a room swap is enough. Multifunctional furniture is often helpful as it offers flexible options and saves space. We develop designs for this and realise them with our craftsmen. But we also look at whether the situation can be eased by making slight changes to the floor plan. I provide advice on site, over the phone or via video calls.

Which project has been the biggest challenge so far or is the most memorable for you?

A family with three girls (2, 5, 9) asked me for help. The girls share a 15 square metre room and have very different needs. The schoolchild needs a place to retreat to for learning and socialising. By a lucky coincidence, we discovered a dry basement room with windows under the flat, which we can now use as a communal retreat. Of course, it has to be remodelled accordingly.

More children than rooms - are there any tips for a good room layout in a sibling room?

The layout of a sibling room needs to be considered on a very individual basis. Siblings can be very different. I would therefore always opt for a flexible solution. What works well now may look different in a few years' time. So unfortunately I can't give a definite solution here. I believe that as long as it works, you can let children play and sleep in the same room. And if one need is not being met, you should look at the entire home and see where you can fulfil that need in an integrated way. For example, we have partitioned off an area in the living room with drywall and a door. This is now the room where our older child can build Lego in peace without being disturbed by his little brother. This room can also be used for guests or for working. Here, too, the rule is: everything must be put back in its place. The multiple use of our mini room (5 square metres) makes the flat much larger and quieter.

The living room is like a playroom - what can I do to prevent this?

There are parents who don't want to prevent it at all. But I think there are some parents who have lost control of their living room. Personally, I think it's perfectly okay to integrate play opportunities into the home. But to what extent? There are children who regularly want to be close to their parents and it is sometimes an advantage if a play kitchen or similar is integrated into the living room. But beware: if toys take over the living area, something is going wrong. My tip: Think about whether and how much play space you want to give your children in the living area. And very important: tidy up the play area before going to bed - but please do it together with the kids.