Arranging fluid living spaces calls for spatial creativity and comprehension. A good grasp of scale and flow leads to interiors that are not only attractive but practical within the realms of daily life. These two modern home designs, each measuring in at just under 70 square metres, feature layouts that structure living space without overfilling it. Colour plays an important role in conjuring uplifting energy inside our first tour of a cosy family home. The crisp accent becomes instrumental in effectively separating the zones of a tight kitchen and dining space, and taming a book lover’s lounge. Neutrals rule peacefully in our second sophisticated abode, with natural wood stacking up the strongest style statements.

Soothing blue accents colour the modern interior of a 68.4 square metre family apartment in Russia, Moscow. The blue living room decor is combined with moss green elements, along with balancing expanses of plain white and cool grey.

A large swing arm wall lamp replaces the traditional lounge pendant light with a contemporary alternative.

Wood veneer furniture, window blinds and wooden picture frames draw the timber element down from exposed ceiling beams, giving the whole open plan a cosy feel. An indoor plant is rooted into a rattan basket to continue the warm natural tone.

Vinyl record sleeves make colourful wall decor over a modern TV stand. A window bench has been installed to offer extra lounge seating, and a little book storage underneath.

A rectangle dining table seats five in the neighbouring kitchen diner area. The head of the table meets with an appealing blue breakfast bar, and three matching blue bar stools.

A U-shaped decorative vase brings a touch of colour to the centre of the wooden dining table, stylishly linking it with the aegean blue breakfast bar and its contemporary geo tile.

The eye catching vase softly complements the curvaceous line of the Wegner Wishbone style chairs too.

The blue dining room wall is a wraparound from the lounge feature wall, creating one easy flow of fresh colour.

A modern chandelier stretches open arms above the kitchen bar, adding an en vogue note of basic black to the scheme.

A couple of modern wall sconces emit a soft glow over open kitchen shelving. Lack of wall cupboards gives the small kitchen an airy and spacious feel.

A round coffee table is on hand for the coffee mugs, whilst a custom window seat houses a built-in bookcase.

Candles are on hand to set an intimate ambience in the reading nook.

Two bedroom pendant lights are strewn from a central ceiling rose, splitting over a Scandinavian platform bed.

One bedroom pendant drops over a modern side table with a vintage style desk clock, whilst the other illuminates a traditional bedside drawer unit.

The round bedside table allows access to cupboards along the base of two bedroom bookcases.

A half-height mosaic style wet wall adds character to the family bathroom. An edge-to-edge vanity mirror opens up the small room, and doubles the illumination from the bathroom vanity light.

Monochrome polka dots and Scandi style furniture decorate the modern kid's room.

An uber stylish swivel chair and custom desk make up a cool kid's study.

The second of our two home tours is a 63 square metre interior with a pivoting room divider. A chrome Flos Arco floor lamp arcs across the unique installation from the living room side, bowing over a clear glass coffee table.

A textured grey rug sets the stage for a chic bolster back sofa design. A pair of wall planters decorate the neighbouring home office area.

On the hallway side of the pivoting divider, an ingenious modern bench features an attached side table.

Wood clads the lounge’s TV wall and the area around the home office desk. A swivel chair is positioned to look inward upon the lounge, in command of the room.

The upper portion of the pivoting panels are beautifully reflective to bounce light and play with perspective.

The one wall kitchen is a dapper black and grey design with a luxe marble flourish. A large wall clock maintains clean white space around the dark kitchen through its thin wire frame. Twin dining room pendant lights build up the presence of a small dining area.

In the bedroom, cappuccino colour blocking cocoons a chocolate platform bed.

A change in flooring and wall colour makes way for light daytime relaxation. A modern chaise lounge chair and floor lamp furnish the window reading nook.

A modern wall sconce highlights each bedside table.