Ask the expert: How do I bring colour and personality to my small city flat?

Kimberley Bremner of Jeffreys Interiors shares her tips for stylish apartment living

It’s a myth that we only design for big Georgian properties.

People in Edinburgh and Glasgow often live in flats and need multi-functional spaces where they can relax, eat and work without compromising on style. In our Stockbridge showroom, we have a space dedicated to this idea which we call the Ibiza room.

Keep things bright with a bold paint colour and use it everywhere to emphasize a feeling of light and space.

We chose paint by Bauwerk Colour in Gerbera (which nods to the Pantone colour of the year, Living Coral) and painted the walls, skirting, architraves, fireplace and ceiling in the same shade. Large windowpane style mirrors on either side of the window also enhance the light in the room and create an illusion of space.

Choose furniture that is multi-functional.

A modular corner sofa can be used for lounging/watching TV and eating. Simply add a small dining table at the chaise end of the L-shape. If eating off your lap doesn’t appeal, place a chair on the other side. We’ve chosen one by Clockhouse which is a hybrid squishy arm-chair/dining chair so it’s padded and comfortable but firm and upright enough to reach the table. By the window, we have another little bistro table which is ideal to set up your laptop.

Become a lover of stools.

We scattered a mixture of small pouffes and ceramic stools throughout the room. They’re great for extra seating and also double up really well as drink tables.

Don’t be afraid to use pattern, colour and texture.

We’ve upholstered the sofa in natural linen and added cushions in soft pinks, peaches, blues and rusty tone (mainly by Elitis and Andrew Martin), to create a contrast. We’ve also chosen lighting and accessories in colourful rattan to give a sunny beachy vibe.

Add personality with an eclectic selection of accessories.

We’ve curated a mix of objet that could have been picked up on travels such as our Raku vases and tribal necklaces. You don’t have to spend lots of money on these pieces – our accessories start from £7.

To find out more or for advice on your own design project, visit jeffreys-interiors.co.uk, call 0131 247 8010 or pop into the showroom in Stockbridge.