Inside a chic colorful London apartment that was once home to George Orwell

The property

Situated in a Grade II-listed Victorian mansion block in West London that was once home to George Orwell, this tiny apartment is a lesson in small space living. Despite its small footprint (just 509 sq ft) the rooms of this modern home are light and airy, and every bit as elegant as spaces twice the size. 

A minimal (but by no means bland) color palette, clever layouts and lots of build-in storage really maximize the space, making it feel light, airy, and open. There's lots to be inspired by here if you are a small space dweller...

• Like what you see? This home is currently listed with The Modern House.

Living room

Despite its small proportions, this living room feels elegant, open and filled with natural light. The classic wall paneling, cleverly creates the allusion of more height, giving the compact space a lofty feel and gives the impression of a much larger space.

Note the layout and choice of furniture too. No bulky sofa here blocking light and breaking up the space – instead, four accent chairs face into the middle of the room, taking the place of a sofa but adding much less visual clutter. 

And nothing is pushed up against walls either as you often find with small spaces, instead the larger pieces of furniture float, again creating the impression of a much bigger room. Instead of using the edges of the room as the boundaries, a large area rug is used to anchor the furniture.

• Be inspired by more small living room ideas in our gallery. 

Kitchen 

The colorful kitchen was designed by Neptune, and painted in a fabulous peachy hue that feels classic but fun and creative too, and pairs perfectly with dark charcoal cabinetry. 

The simple layout of the single span of cabinetry, and a bespoke dresser opposite makes the most of the space and yet it doesn't feel cramped or overcrowded. There's even a dining nook tucked at one end. 

• Find more stylish small kitchens

Bedroom 

The bedroom leads on from the living room and has a similar soft neutral color palette, again making it feel much lighter, airier and bigger. Built-in storage really maximizes the space and doesn't fill the room with furniture. The large headboard with a pull-out bedside table provides all the space needed and the adjoining dressing room has ample room for clothes. 

Tucking the bed into the room horizontally is not only practical (no having to dive onto the bed from one end) but also gives a very cozy, den-like feel that works perfectly with the smaller proportions. 

• See all our small bedroom ideas in our gallery. 

Bathroom

The tongue-in-groove paneling gives the small bathroom a mix of both traditional and contemporary elegance, paired with the monochrome graphic wallpaper aby Zoffany. The Edwardian style fitting are a nice nod to the building's original features.  The walk-in shower with a very minimalist frame doesn't break up the room so light easily flows around the space.

• See also: Explore a tiny London flat that's filled with color, eclectic vintage furniture, and bold patterns