In Beautifully Small, interiors stylist Sara Emslie embraces the positive aspects of living in small spaces and offers clever design solutions for pocket-sized interiors. One of our favourite case studies in the book is this pretty Parisian pied-a-terre with a tucked-away mezzanine bedroom in the loft space.  Despite its limited size (only 25 square metres/269 square feet) and an equally limited budget, the tiny flat has been given clearly-designed zones, so that there is still a sense of moving from one area to another.

What was once redundant loft space has been used to create a cosy mezzanine with sleeping platforms at both ends.

The exposed beams form ready-made partitions between the two mezzanine spaces.

Using two contrasting colours on a wall is a useful decorating trick to create the illusion of a higher ceiling.

The staircase that leads up to the mezzanine appears to climb over the top of the kitchen and cleverly ‘contains’ it in its own section of the open-plan space.

Low-level furniture is ideal for compact spaces. Here, a small sofa makes a big impact covered in a bold geometric print. The hand-painted, tile-effect floor complements the vibrancy of the fabric.

Beautifully Small by Sara Emslie, with photography by Rachel Whiting, is published by Ryland Peters & Small (rrp: £19.99)

Available from www.rps.co.uk