Two tiny apartment interiors, each under 40 square metres, are stacked with stylish features. Cool concrete elements build an industrial aesthetic that makes the homes feel mightier than their meek proportions. The double height of the first home design lends itself to a mezzanine level that increases the sense of space further; punchy red and aqua blue accents add vibrancy and layers. Although the colour palette leans to the subdued side of the scale in home number two, contemporary wall art and modern lighting designs demand attention. We’ve also included the floor plans for each home within this gallery, which present a true sense of scale and layout.
Located in Madrid, Spain, this 36 square meter industrial style home has a double height interior. The lofty proportions give home to a mezzanine bedroom above the kitchen, and a library that teeters on a ledge above the television wall.
Thanks to a recess in the floor, the head height in the kitchen isn’t compromised by the mezzanine platform above it. The floor recess also works effectively in dividing up the living space between the kitchen diner and the lounge area.
The red librarians ladder stands out confidently inside the crisp white living room, drawing attention to the top rung destination at the book stacks above it. Natural wood cubbies are interspersed between the white bookshelves to add interest and texture.
The compact staircase that leads to the mezzanine bedroom is another storage feature with shelves. Neat display cubbies top under-stair cupboards beneath every alternate tread.
A Flos 265 swing arm wall lamp extends from a raw concrete backdrop behind the cushiony grey sofa. The original is available here.
One of the lower staircase treads extends out to one side to form a work desk.
A colourful and quirky statue waits by the bottom step of the staircase, which is actually a hunk of polished stone.
The concrete desk melds with the concrete living room wall.
Polished concrete forms the floor of the interior.
A massive window opens up the entire end of the home, giving city views to the lounge, kitchen diner, workspace, and even the mezzanine bedroom. Bifold doors exit onto a small balcony, which has a continuation of the same concrete floor as the interior.
Two red bar stools stand at the work desk, which also doubles as the dining table for the home.
Natural textures build layers in the decor.
Stepping down into the floor recess of the apartment, we notice the bathroom block behind the desk/dining bar. A shower enclosure can be seen through the patterned glass wall.
Next to this coffee cup, note that the word ‘HOUSE’ has been stamped deep into the concrete bar as a unique finishing touch.
Steps from the raised living room land in a sea of geometric pattern tile. The geo tiles flood the kitchen floor and the adjoined bar area.
The small one wall kitchen is a simple installation of pale wood effect units. White subway tiles build the backsplash above a white marble countertop.
In startling contrast with the pale kitchen design, the opposite wall is awash with bright aqua blue and pillar box red.
Upstairs in the mezzanine bedroom, there is a different vibe. The decor in here is rich and sophisticated, suave and relaxing. A floor bed design is perfect for the low ceiling height up here; a layered headboard feature wall plays with the sense of scale.
A modern wall sconce adds a cosy glow by the bed. The open sided mezzanine keeps the low ceilinged bedroom feeling spacious and airy.
Inside the bathroom, red grout makes bold outlines around patterned floor tiles.
Black concrete wall tiles bring in the industrial look.
A full length mirror reflects the view of the living area from the bathroom window behind.
A red faucet makes a bright statement.
The blue bathroom wall supplies contrast.
Wall shelves descend from the ceiling, ending by the unique bathroom sink.
Floor plan.
Section drawing.
The second project is a small apartment based in Sofia, Bulgaria, with only 28 square meters of living space.
A square coffee table takes up much of the living room floor space, after a small sofa and accent chair take up their positions.
The sofa stands off the floor on exposed legs to give the illusion of increased floor space.
The media cabinet follows the same leggy idea. Its white volume stands crisply against a grey raw concrete wall.
On the way from the front door to the lounge, we pass by the kitchen diner in this home.
A freestanding dining peninsula seats three.
A trio of unique kitchen pendant lights snake down from the ceiling.
The coffee maker is conveniently perched at the end of the bar beside the lounge, so that there’s no need to walk around into the kitchen to make a fresh cup.
White cabinets make up a clean L-shaped kitchen design; wood countertops and upstands warm it through.
dangle on shiny copper fittings, against dark grey decor.
Fresh white bed linen lightens the room scheme. Photographic wall art makes a dreamy gallery.
The copper light fittings tie in with warm wood tone in the room, on the platform bed base and the legs of two small bedside tables.
Floor plan showing division of living space in the apartment.
