Interior design ideas: Go with the flow - in pictures

Margaret River in south-western Australia is known for its boutique wineries, wild beaches, rugged surf breaks and gargantuan houses. So, by local standards, the compact one-bedroom home and studio of architects Michael and Britta Sorenson is tiny. But with its space-saving tricks, retro caravan that doubles as guest quarters, and long views from every window, the home feels far from cramped. →
Photograph: Angelita Bonetti

The couple bought the plot, formerly a farm paddock, when their previous property was demolished to make way for a road. They incorporated recycled and environmentally-friendly materials: when they discovered that nine of the marri trees in their small forest had canker, they had them cut down and used the rich, gold-grey timber for the house’s cabinetry and furniture. Raised garden beds are made of reclaimed railway sleepers, and double-glazed windows and solar-powered central heating keep the house warm in winter. A glass-roofed conservatory/dining room can be opened up to flood the house with cool air in summer. → Photograph: Angelita Bonetti

Britta is half-Danish and a Scandinavian design sensibility, with a palette of concrete, white walls and timber, has influenced their approach. “They are calming materials, and make the space feel bigger than it is,” Michael says. → Photograph: Angelita Bonetti

It has compact, multipurpose rooms: the sunken living room is a cosy 12 sq m, fitted with built-in couches covered in soft grey New Zealand wool and featuring a granite wall housing a fireplace. The coffee table was made using marri trees from the garden. The white light is nicknamed ‘Lady Gaga’ – for an equally bold statement, try the 7Gods Bart pendant from Heal’s. → Photograph: Angelita Bonetti

The bedroom also serves as Britta’s yoga studio and office, with a desk that folds out from the cupboards and a sliding door. → Photograph: Angelita Bonetti

The bedhead doubles as a bookcase – the perfect reading corner. → Photograph: Angelita Bonetti

The couple have a chicken coop and grow organic fruit and veg, herbs, prairie-style plantings of whispering grasses and flowering natives such as grevillea and saltbush to attract bees and wildlife. Deep in the garden is a weathered timber platform with a bench and scatter cushions. “On clear nights we stargaze," says Michael. "And on cold mornings you can see the mist off the river." Photograph: Angelita Bonetti