A Small Shared Flat That Works for Two Grown Siblings

Two adult siblings sharing a one-bedroom flat might sound tricky, but with a bit of planning it works rather well. Here is how clever storage, a flexible layout and a shared love of cooking turned a compact home into something that suits both of them.

How would you describe your style here

Practical with a playful streak sums it up well. Plenty of open space, cheerful colours, and nothing that strays from a sensible budget. The entrance hall sets the tone for the rest of the flat, giving a hint of what is to come once you step inside. Hooks, rails and small units keep everyday things like keys and coats within easy reach, and a message board adds a nice analogue touch alongside the usual phone notifications.

For a compact Maltese hallway, IKEA's MULIG clothes bar and a few BUMERANG hangers make quick work of coats and bags. A MALMBÄCK display shelf holds keys and post, while a KLYKET folding hook tucks away when not needed. A KUNGSFORS net bag and ENKELSPÅRIG water bottle keep things grab-and-go for busy mornings.

MALMBÄCK display shelf, white, 60 cmMULIG clothes bar, white, 60-90 cmBUMERANG hanger, white, 43 cm, 8 packKLYKET folding hook, aluminium/beige, 3 packKUNGSFORS net bag, set of 2, naturalENKELSPÅRIG water bottle, stainless steel/beige, 0.5 l

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Sharing one bedroom between two adults

Growing up, bunk beds were a given, but this time round the siblings wanted something different. One keeps the bedroom, while the living area has been reworked so the other has a proper place to sleep and store belongings. The aim was to make the space flexible enough for socialising by day while still giving enough privacy to feel properly settled in at night.

A playful touch comes through in the details, with geometric patterns added to cupboard fronts for a personal feel. A soft LOHALS rug grounds the living area, while a HANNELISE cushion adds colour to the sofa. A VANILJSTÅNG plant stand brings in a bit of greenery, and even a FLISAT children's stool gets repurposed as handy extra seating when friends come round.

LOHALS rug, flatwoven, natural, 160x230 cmFLISAT children's stool, pine, 32 cmHANNELISE cushion, multicolour, 50x50 cmVANILJSTÅNG plant stand, pine/black, 67 cmRINNIG tea towel, white/dark grey/patterned, 45x60 cm, 4 packINNER cushion pad, white/firm, 50x50 cm

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Any unexpected perks of living together

Knowing each other so well means there have not been too many surprises. When one sibling needed somewhere to stay, the decision was easy. Splitting the rent helps, and living together naturally means using less energy and water too. Honestly, though, it was the cooking that sealed the deal, since having a flatmate who can cook well for a crowd is no small thing in a shared kitchen.

The ENHET kitchen gives enough room to cook proper meals, with the added benefit of being straightforward to take apart if plans change down the line. A NISSAFORS trolley adds useful extra worktop and storage space, while a LYCKAD oven and serving dish set, GARNITYREN bowl with lid, IKEA 365+ grater and PLATS salt and pepper shaker keep cooking and serving simple. A HILDEGUN tea towel and RINNIG tea towel finish the look.

NISSAFORS trolley, white, 50.5x30x83 cmTÅNUM rug, flatwoven, assorted colours, 60x90 cmRINNIG tea towel, white/dark grey/patterned, 45x60 cm, 4 packLYCKAD oven/serving dish set of 2, dark greyPLATS salt/pepper shaker, set of 2, stainless steel, 3 cmIKEA 365+ grater, black

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Which part of the home sees the most action

Before the move, the living room would have been the obvious answer, but more housemates means more friends, more food and more dinners together. Rather than buying a larger table, the siblings sold one of their old tables and bought a smaller one from the same series, then placed the two side by side. The result is a long, adaptable table that suits the budget and is light enough to move out of the way when there is dancing to be done.

A PÅDRAG vase and OFTAST serving bowl dress the table for gatherings, while a TÅNUM rug anchors the seating area. Practical touches like a NISSAFORS trolley for extra serving space and HILDEGUN and RINNIG tea towels keep things running smoothly when the table is full.

PÅDRAG vase, clear glass, 17 cmTÅNUM rug, flatwoven, assorted colours, 60x90 cmOFTAST serving bowl, white, 23 cmNISSAFORS trolley, white, 50.5x30x83 cmRINNIG tea towel, white/dark grey/patterned, 45x60 cm, 4 packHILDEGUN tea towel, red, 45x60 cm

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Kinder on the wallet and on the environment too

Swapping single-use plastics for reusable kitchen basics is an easy way to save money over time while cutting down on waste, and it does not require a big outlay to get started.

A HEAT pot stand protects worktops from hot pans, while KORKEN jars with lids are handy for storing dry goods or leftovers without reaching for cling film. IKEA 365+ food containers make meal prep and storage straightforward, and a RINNIG tea towel is a simple, reusable swap for kitchen roll. Small changes like these add up over the years, both for the budget and for the amount of waste leaving the kitchen.

HEAT pot stand, cork, 19 cm, 3 packIKEA 365+ food container, square/plastic, 750 ml, 3 packKORKEN jar with lid, clear glass, 13 cl, 3 packRINNIG tea towel, white/dark grey/patterned, 45x60 cm, 4 packISTAD resealable bag, patterned/green, 6/4.5 l, 30 packKORKEN jar with lid, clear glass, 1 l

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Working from home together under one roof

Living in a compact flat means making use of every available centimetre, so the siblings set up a small office corner in the corridor. Their approach to work space could not be more different, with one preferring a clean, minimal look and the other liking colour and visual inspiration close by. Storage units ended up being the key to keeping the peace, helping to divide the two work areas as clearly as possible.

A LAGKAPTEN table top forms the desk surface, paired with an ENHET high cabinet with shelves for files and supplies. A FORSÅ work lamp and BERGENES holder for a mobile phone or tablet keep each desk tidy, while a SOARÉ place mat and LURPASSA box with lid add a bit of personality to an otherwise shared, practical corner.

ENHET high fr w shelves, anthracite, 30x30x180 cmLAGKAPTEN table top, white, 200x60 cmSOARÉ place mat, water hyacinth, 37 cmLURPASSA box with lid, set of 2, seagrassFORSÅ work lamp, nickel-plated, 12 cmBERGENES holder for mobile phone/tablet, bamboo, 13x8 cm

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Small Maltese flats and maisonettes can work just as hard as this one, with the right mix of storage and flexible furniture. Maltashopper brings these IKEA favourites to homes across Malta and Gozo.

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