Meow Meow

Step inside the vibrant Sants neighborhood of Barcelona, a bustling, historic Catalan quarter, and you’ll discover a truly remarkable transformation within a 1930s modernist building. What was once a neglected 29-square-meter (312 sq ft) apartment has been reborn as a highly functional and beautiful home, proving that small spaces can indeed unleash immense creativity. The fashion designer homeowner, working with Estudio Dott, faced the challenge of integrating all the functions of a home without dividing the compact space, and the results are nothing short of inspiring.

The most ingenious solution proposed by Estudio Dott was a single, continuous piece of furniture designed to span the entire apartment. This multi-functional oak wood element truly synthesizes and unifies the space, seamlessly transitioning its purpose as you move through the home. The living and dining area are strategically placed near the balcony – the only source of natural light – while this clever layout makes the bedroom area feel like a separate, cozy retreat. The bed itself is designed with a storage base, and its headboard brilliantly conceals original kitchen pipes, now serving as a display shelf for books and a projector. Adjacent to the bed, a full-height wardrobe offers ample space for clothes, showcasing how custom furniture is key to maximizing storage in small footprints.

This apartment is a testament to the fact that you don’t need a massive budget to infuse a home with personality and design. The owner, a keen furniture collector, largely furnished the space with second-hand pieces, demonstrating that unique finds are accessible to everyone. The selection of a glass dining table, for instance, was a deliberate choice to maintain a sense of lightness, as its transparency avoids visually blocking the compact area. Iconic Cesca chairs accompany it, and a wall lamp with a swinging arm adds adaptable lighting. Even the centerpiece, a Danish design sofa bed by Softline, serves a dual purpose, ensuring a comfortable spot for the owner and accommodating guests, a common need for Argentinians used to hosting family and friends. A 1960s Kilta chair with wheels offers versatile extra seating that can be easily moved to the sofa area when guests arrive.

A striking feature of the renovation was the discovery and restoration of the building’s original character. The apartment, initially in poor condition, had its beautiful Catalan vault and wooden beams plastered over and coated with a glossy, dark varnish. Removing the plaster revealed an “amazing ceiling,” and the decision was made to restore these elements, giving the home back its story and honoring the tradition of Spanish buildings. To further highlight the Catalan vault, wall lights were strategically added between the wooden beams. The original floating floors were replaced with micro cement, creating a sense of calm and a more minimalist feel throughout.

Even the kitchen and bathroom, often challenging in small homes, were tackled with thoughtful design. In the kitchen, the decision not to install upper cabinets maintains an open and light feel above the counter, complemented by a cooktop with an integrated, quiet extractor. Light-colored splashback tiles from the Spanish brand EQUIPE allow personal items to pop and contribute to the bright aesthetic. The bathroom, kept in its original compact location due to budget constraints, received superficial updates, but a clever move of the water heater enhanced its spaciousness and luminosity, with existing windows providing natural light and fresh air.

Ultimately, this Barcelona apartment embodies a clear philosophy for small spaces: “less, but well-thought-out objects” that are both beautiful and functional. The project also champions environmental friendliness, emphasizing the preservation of original materials. Embracing the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, the designers appreciated the natural wear of materials, recognizing that nothing is truly perfect or permanent. This home stands as a powerful example of how creative design, thoughtful restoration, and a focus on functionality can transform a compact area into an open, inviting, and highly livable sanctuary.