BOX CLEVER

Home office

EVEN if you don't work from home, it can still be a real treat to have a room where all your paperwork and computer can be kept. First decide on the best place for your desk. You may need extra power points and a phone connection. Work stations that are like cupboards are a good way of keeping things tidy, and a corner desk is also a good way of saving space. Storage is the next most important thing. Choose pieces that give you two solutions in one and use your wall space for shelving. MAIN PICTURE: Use the corner of the room for your main desk and continue with storage around the outside of the room taking in the full height with fitted furniture. Have your office designed, delivered and fitted from pounds 1,200 (www.sharpsbedrooms.co.uk, 0800 917 8178).

Three-tier wallmounted mesh magazine rack, pounds 18, Store (www.aplaceforeverything.co.uk, 0870 224 2660)

Coloured anglepoise desk lamps, pounds 125 each (www.berryred.co.uk, 01432 274805)

Go for a wallmounted workstation, pounds 35.99 (www.ikea.co.uk, 0845 355 1141)

Padded folding chair, pounds 6.97 (www.wilkinsonplus.co.uk, 0845 608 0807)

This box can be used for storage and seating - filing ottoman, fr pounds 120 (www.thedormyhouse.com, 01264 365808)

A cabinet and desk rolled into one with a teal finish inside, pounds 399 (www.johnlewis.com, 0845 604 9049)

Floating shelves, from pounds 16.99 (www.focusdiy.co.uk, 0800 436 436)

Hobby & guest room SOME rooms have to be dual purpose. Craft is making a big comeback so use your box room as a place for guests and your hobbies. Find a small sofa bed - if you must have a bed make sure it has secret storage. Tables with castors are just right for pulling into the centre of a room. Have hooks on the back of the door or a garment rail instead of a wardrobe. Store craft materials in see-through boxes and place bedlinen in a blanket box for when required.

MAIN PICTURE: This sofa bed has storage underneath. Beddinge Lovas three-seat sofa bed, pounds 259; Besta range shelves, pounds 35 each, Besta Tombo glass doors, pounds 29 each, all other items from a selection at www.ikea.co.uk (0845 355 1141).

Pretty Jemala storage boxes, pounds 55 for three (www.berryred.co.uk, 01432 274805)

This lamp can be clamped on to the desk to save space, pounds 29 (www.habitat.co.uk, 08444 991111)

Add extra wardrobe space with this handy dress and suit rail, pounds 16 (www.aplaceforeverything.

co.uk, 0870 224 2660)

Trunks are large enough to hold bedding and towels. Set of two, pounds 45 (www.matalan.co.uk, 0845 330 3330)

Nine-litre clear storage box with 16 compartments, pounds 12.79 (www.homebase.co.uk, 0845 077 8888)

Storage drawers, pounds 12 each; drawer base with wheels, pounds 12 (www.heals.co.uk, 0870 024 0780)

This Capri bed has hidden storage, pounds 249 (www.

hyderint.com, 01484 531000)

Child's room JUST because the room is small doesn't mean you cannot maximise the space - make the most of it for your kids. Start by looking for a bed that's more than just a bed. Look for storage underneath, a desk or extra bed. Choose storage that can go on the wall or be hung from the back of the door and the bed. Try to keep the floor space free for playing.

MAIN PICTURE: This bed can have a truckle bed underneath for when friends stay over. Oundle bed, pounds 180; truckle bed, pounds 112.50; side table, pounds 85.50; chest of drawers, pounds 180; wardrobe, pounds 225 (www.aspace.co.uk, 0845 872 2400)

sale on till end of February.

Four mini Labo hooks, pounds 16 (www.vertbaudet.co.uk, 0844 842 0000)

Rice bird house storage box, pounds 49.99 The Contemporary Home (www.tch.net, 02392 469400)

Union Jack pin board, pounds 25 (www.coxandcox.co.uk, 0844 858 0744)

A fun desk, seat, bed and storage all in one - in pink or blue, pounds 499 (www.worldsapart.

com, 0800 389 8591)

Drawstring laundry bags can be hung on the back of the door, pounds 14 (www.tessuti.uk.com, 020 8940 8808)

Put your kids' books on display with this great bookshelf, pounds 61.30 (www.gltc.co.uk, 0844 848 6000)

Make the most of a small housePAGES 16&17

Author: ANGELA MACFARLANE