“The flat was a very small studio; one small room for living, sleeping and the kitchenette, and one mid-sized bathroom. The previous owners had actually used it as a “London crash pad” so all they had was a sofa bed and a table and chairs in the living area when I first saw the property. I had been looking to buy a small flat for myself on and off for the last couple of years. Although my budget did stretch to a one bed, as it was the first property I was buying and I was buying alone, I was more interested in doing something creative with a smaller, more cost effective flat.

I had seen properties with mezzanines on pinterest, instagram etc. previously, and stayed in a few quirky airbnbs overseas, but it was only when I saw this flat in person and how high the ceilings were, that I started doing serious research on topics such as small houses, tiny houses, furniture to maximise space etc. and planned out where a mezzanine could feasibly be built before I put an offer in to purchase the flat.

The appeal of a mezzanine is that the bedroom area would be completely separate from the living area and have an element of privacy and cosiness, and the living area itself is now a great size (for a city-based property) for one person to live in”.