Your home is your own personal space, so make it work for you and your life. This couple, for instance, don't own a TV (their laptop works just fine for them), which gave them more freedom when furnishing their living area. Rather than a traditional sofa, they instead opted for two side-by-side chaise longues to create a cosy space for relaxing. When friends come over, the nearby stools and easy chairs can quickly spring into action.

This bamboo dining table is the scene of many cosy suppers and gatherings with loved ones. It’s also where deadlines get chased and creative juices flow. The secret to fitting so many functions into one small space comes down to the flexible storage nearby. Craft supplies go on the rails, tableware is taken care of by the double cabinets in solid pine, and the two drawer units tucked below pack away the paperwork.

Natural materials like bamboo and jute are the starting point of this home's warm and welcoming style, with black accessories and green accents added to the mix.