Take a tour around a space-saving Amsterdam apartment

Despite its stark appearance, the open fire provides a warm glow during cold evenings. The fireplace is surrounded by pieces from the owners' travels, including candlesticks made from bottletops.

The owner's library is extensive, but not all the books are for reading - some hide a secret. The electricity meter is on the wall behind the shelves, so the owner bought lots of old books at a junk shop, cut them in half, and glued them into place where the shelving is only a few centimeters deep because the box is jutting out!

The dining area is defined by a pendant light and fascinating newspaper billboards that the owners have collected.

Get a similar pendant light at John Lewis.

The kitchen forms part of the open-plan space at the back of the living room. A generous modular sofa divides the area into two distinct sections.

Exposed brickwork in the hallway leading down to the boy's bedroom creates a loft-apartment atmosphere. Huge floor-to-ceiling glass doors open both ways for added flexibility.

Source an antique sewing table from Sellingantiques.co.uk, and for a similar child's bed try IKEA.

The bathroom is in a corner of the master bedroom, and set on a platform to make a distinction between the spaces. A wall-mounted towel rail and narrow basin unit are cleverly fitted to ensure the area is kept clutter-free.

The bedroom was inspired by trips taken by the owners to Zanzibar and Kenya. There was a fireplace but the wall was brought forward so that a wall of alcoves could be created.

Find a bed with built-in storage at John Lewis. Buy a canopy like this one at Chic Shack.

Looking for more modern decorating inspiration? Check out our House Tours section for everything from a celebrity designer's Victorian terrace house to an eclectic mansion flat.