A 50 m² Backyard Studio That Feels Bigger Than It Is

# Summary Artist Madeline Jovicic transformed a 50-square-metre new build tucked behind her family's Newcastle house into a playful, practical studio home. Described by her as "a little bit Copenhagen, a little bit Japanese and a little bit retro," the compact dwelling uses light strategies, material contrasts and built-in elements to feel generous and functional.

# What the house is and who made it The building is a freshly constructed backyard studio that reads like a modern take on a granny flat. The project involved builder Brad Russell Building and was photographed for publication by Milly Mead, with editorial styling by Sarah Hendriks. Madeline lives there while keeping the family home nearby and has half the garage converted into a separate art and ceramics studio.

# Daylight and privacy strategy

# Material and colour decisions The interior balances warmth and restraint. Key elements include butter-yellow joinery paired with stainless-steel kitchen surfaces and polished concrete floors that continue into the bedroom. Glossy red lighting and natural textures — such as a traditional Japanese tatami mat — add contrast without overwhelming the limited footprint. A custom plywood "library bed" includes integrated shelving to save space.

# Furnishings and personal collection

# Studio, practicality and family life A converted portion of the garage provides a dedicated creative workshop for painting and ceramics. Madeline explains the arrangement keeps equipment out of communal family areas: materials that previously sat on the dining table or living room floor now have a home. She frames the living situation as comfortable and practical: "Being able to 'live' with my family but also have my own space to breathe is truly such a privilege."

# Design takeaways for small homes

• Use glass bricks and skylights to introduce daylight while preserving privacy.

• Combine built-in furniture (like a bed with shelving) with open shelving to maximize storage and display.
• Reserve a distinct workspace for messy creative processes to protect shared living areas.

# Final impression Madeline's studio demonstrates that careful material choices and compact custom joinery can make a small dwelling feel warm, functional and personal. The home supports day-to-day living and creative work while allowing close family proximity without crowding shared spaces.