A couple decided to purchase a home to relocate to a different city for a fresh start. With a limited budget, they opted for a modest, one-room apartment measuring just 34 square meters. While the space was small, they believed they could make it work. However, the previous owners had been dissatisfied with the interior design, finding it unappealing and impractical for their needs. To create a living space that was both comfortable and stylish, the couple decided to hire professional designers who would transform the apartment into a unique, functional, and inviting home.
A Welcoming Entrance Hall The transformation began with the entrance hallway, a small yet important space that set the tone for the rest of the apartment. The designers paid careful attention to detail, selecting materials and colors that maximized both form and function. The walls were treated with a light, smooth coating specifically designed to resist dampness and wear, ensuring longevity while maintaining a bright and airy feel. This choice of paint opened up the space, making it appear larger and more welcoming.
The floor was another element that was upgraded to enhance the overall aesthetic. Marble was chosen for its timeless beauty and durability. Beneath the marble surface, porcelain stoneware provided a solid and practical foundation, blending elegance with functionality. The combination of these materials added a touch of sophistication, making the hallway feel far more luxurious than its modest size might suggest.
One of the most striking features of the entrance was the addition of ornate wooden panels adorned with decorative details. These panels were not merely aesthetic; they served a practical purpose as well. Equipped with sturdy hooks for hanging coats, hats, and bags, the panels added both character and convenience to the space. To complement these details, a turquoise pouffe was placed near the wall. The pouffe served as a functional piece, offering a comfortable spot to sit while putting on shoes or adjusting clothing before heading out.
Above the pouffe, a wall-mounted cabinet with a mirror was carefully installed. This cabinet added storage without taking up valuable floor space. The mirror was particularly important, as it reflected light and gave the illusion of a larger space. Together, these elements created a cohesive, stylish, and practical entryway that felt both warm and efficient.
The hallway also included a spacious, built-in storage cabinet with turquoise doors. This cabinet was cleverly positioned between the kitchen and the main living area, seamlessly integrating storage into the flow of the apartment. The choice of turquoise added a splash of color that tied the design together, providing a visual link between the entrance and the rest of the home.
Maximizing Function in the Kitchen The designers placed significant emphasis on creating a kitchen that was both functional and visually appealing within the apartment’s limited footprint. To make the most of the available space, the kitchen was designed with compact appliances and streamlined cabinetry. Neutral colors were chosen for the kitchen’s walls and surfaces, allowing the space to remain light and open.
To enhance storage and maintain a clutter-free environment, custom-built cabinets extended up to the ceiling. This vertical storage provided ample space for kitchen essentials, ensuring that everything had its place. The designers also incorporated modern, built-in appliances to save space and keep the design clean and minimalistic. A small dining nook was nestled into one corner of the kitchen, complete with a foldable table and chairs that could easily be tucked away when not in use.
The backsplash featured a subtle, marble-inspired design that added texture without overwhelming the compact space. Thoughtful lighting choices, including under-cabinet LED strips, ensured that the kitchen remained well-lit for cooking and other tasks. These small yet impactful details elevated the kitchen, proving that functionality and beauty could coexist seamlessly.
Transforming the Living Area The main living area, which also served as the bedroom, required creative solutions to accommodate multiple functions within a single space. The designers opted for multifunctional furniture that could easily adapt to different needs. A high-quality sofa bed was chosen as the centerpiece of the room. During the day, it functioned as a stylish and comfortable couch; at night, it transformed into a cozy bed.
To define the living area and add a layer of comfort, a large, neutral-toned rug was placed beneath the sofa bed. This rug not only added warmth but also visually divided the space, creating a sense of structure within the open layout. Behind the sofa, a wall-mounted shelving system provided additional storage for books, decorative items, and personal touches. The shelves were designed with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, keeping the room uncluttered and modern.
A small workspace was tucked into one corner of the living area, featuring a compact desk and a floating shelf above it. This workspace was ideal for reading, working on a laptop, or tackling daily tasks without sacrificing floor space. The designers also paid close attention to lighting in the living area. A combination of soft ceiling lights, wall sconces, and floor lamps provided both ambient and task lighting, ensuring the space was versatile for different activities.
A Thoughtful Color Palette Throughout the apartment, the designers relied on a carefully curated color palette to enhance the overall sense of space and cohesion. Light neutrals, such as whites, grays, and beige tones, dominated the walls and larger surfaces, creating a clean, expansive feel. Turquoise accents, including the entrance cabinet doors, pouffe, and select decorative pieces, added pops of color that kept the design lively and interesting without overwhelming the senses.
Mirrors and reflective surfaces were strategically placed to amplify natural light and create the illusion of a larger space. This attention to detail ensured that the apartment remained bright, open, and welcoming despite its compact size.
A Small Space, Perfected In the end, the designers successfully transformed this small, 34-square-meter apartment into a functional, stylish, and comfortable home. Through careful planning and creative solutions, every square meter was utilized to its full potential. From the inviting entrance hall with its thoughtful details to the multifunctional living area, the apartment showcased how even the smallest spaces can be turned into beautiful and practical homes. This project proved that limited size doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort or style; with the right design, a compact home can truly shine.
