I HAVE been spending the last couple of weeks preparing a small-spaced renovation on the seafront in Hove.

With house prices rising constantly within the city, many first-time buyers are not able to afford larger-scale apartments or houses and opt for a trendy studio or one-bedroom apartment to help them on to the property ladder.

Overseas and London buyers are also seeking to find a beautiful pied-à-terre that can satisfy their essential needs for a regular weekend trip down to the fast expanding seaside city or have a bolt hole for their family and friends to stay in whilst visiting.

Small-spaced renovations are becoming more popular in many cities with the style of living changing with the dynamic times that surrounds us.

Although a project can be smaller in size, the planning and ideas for interior design can be just as thought-provoking as larger projects.

Every personal requirement, including technology for modern living, sometimes has to be combined within one living area so thorough planning is crucial in making the best of the space that you have.

Open-plan kitchen and lounges are a good way to combine two living areas but making the kitchen cabinets look like part of the furniture (a sideboard for example) rather than an actual kitchen will make the room flow much better and not feel imposing in the room.

Using the right colours and materials for your kitchen is essential for this look and elevating cabinetry off the floor is a winning tactic.

Minimal clutter on your worktops obviously helps and mirrored splashbacks can give a feeling of grandeur even in the tiniest of kitchens.

Particular lighting is a necessity in smaller areas.

Fluorescent bulbs that mimic daylight can be placed in ceiling alcoves so that the glow reflecting down the walls will make the room feel more expansive.

Light fittings that are visual barriers and block height have to be considered.

Making the apartment feel bigger than it actually is without losing its character and charm is a tough task but it can be achieved with careful thinking.