Formed by the gradual stitching together of former maid’s rooms, the compact unit began as an awkward assemblage of narrow volumes and sloping ceilings. The redesign takes a precise approach, reframing the home around its two clear strengths: a surprising wash of daylight and a set of strong timber beams that bring graphic definition to the space.

A new plan clarifies circulation and restores a sense of calm to the irregular footprint. Instead of adding complexity through curves or decorative gestures, the project leans into direct lines and built-in elements. Storage is treated as architecture: custom bookcases are absorbed into the walls, allowing the rooms to stay visually clean while making use of tight recesses under the roofline.

Across the apartment, a soft, cream-toned envelope creates continuity. Lime-painted surfaces and warm plaster lend a muted depth, paired with beige linen curtains and a restrained palette that keeps attention on proportion, light and texture. Against this quiet backdrop, sharper insertions carry a more assertive energy. A glossy brown mosaic wraps the kitchen island, introducing a reflective counterpoint, while a stainless-steel volume conceals the bathroom as a crisp, industrial object set within the softness of the main space.

The kitchen is designed as a working hub rather than a purely domestic zone, accommodating both cooking and making. A small desk and generous work surface support the client’s creative practice in graphic design, collage and painting, giving daily routines an adaptable setting within the tight footprint. Elsewhere, every threshold is made to earn its place: a staircase integrates a concealed laundry area, and storage is distributed to capture the overlooked pockets beneath the sloping ceiling.