There's a saying when it comes to packing a suitcase for a holiday: pack what you think you need and then take a third of it out, and you'll still have more than enough. The same rule can often be applied to houses. Imagine a home big enough for your daily needs, then reduce, reduce, reduce.
But that doesn't have to mean you need to scale back the style or eliminate elegance just because you don't have a huge amount of space. This apartment designed by Milan architects RISTRUTTURAMI, shows you can still have big ideas in a compact home, while keeping everything refined and sleek. Suited to an active urban professional on the go, the interior is minimal, focusing on functionality, not frivolous extras. The floor plan of this city apartment may not be big, but the impact is!
With limited floorspace available, the design of the main living area had to be intelligently approached. The smartest solution was to leave the living area open plan, eliminating walls that would encroach on what little space there is.
A mezzanine was added for the bed to help define different areas. And in turn, the area underneath the elevated bedroom has been turned into a storage cabinet and bookcase. A few comfortable chairs means downstairs is kept clutter free and multi-use.
These architects couldn't waste space on fussy details in this home, so instead, they have paid special attention to some wonderful ideas and charming touches. The floating stairs leading to the bedroom are an easy way to take out the bulkiness of a staircase while keeping things stylish and unique.
And it's the added details like the wall lights that turn this from a sterile hotel suite to an inviting and enjoyable home away from home.
This is not a kitchen that would see heavy use, so keeping it as the bare essentials is more than enough. An area set into the wall equipped with a microwave, sink, fridge, drawers and even a tiny electric stove means simple meals can be easily prepared. Lighting is generous, and the whole thing can be packed away behind a folding door.
Why would you order takeaways when you can enjoy cooking in this cute kitchenette?!
The design of the bathroom is equally as impressive. Complete with all the necessities, it even manages to feel luxurious. Again it's the extra attention given to the details that makes this a special area.
Thanks to the generous wash basin, the natural wooden vanity, the shelves set into the wall, the dark wall colours and warm lighting that make this chic bathroom feel like a mini spa tucked away as a pleasant surprise.
For more smart ways to maximise a small bathroom, you absolutely must see these efforts!
And finally: the mezzanine. A wonderful added extra to keep the bedroom separated and completely private. Big enough for a queen sized mattress, it's a smart solution to space woes. Again, the set in shelves allow for extra storage, books, and an essential for any professional: the alarm clock.
The headboard and side board are dark and wooden, bedding also in rich, relaxing colours. The walls, like the rest of the apartment are kept white to give the illusion of space. A real level of sophistication!
We hope you'll agree the (brief) tour through this Milanese home was surprising and stacked full of big ideas, that maybe you will even use yourself, no matter the floor space available.