This small, thoughtfully redesigned apartment in Istanbul proves how much personality and practicality can fit into a compact footprint. At just 45 square meters, the apartment sits on one of the higher floors of a skyscraper and was remodeled by ZAAS for an older couple whose child spends most of the year abroad, visiting only for short periods. That family situation shaped the project’s priorities: a comfortable, low-maintenance home that can expand functionally when needed for guests or family visits.
Structural and electrical limitations meant the kitchen and bathroom largely remained in their original positions, so the design team focused on maximizing the living space and creating a strong sense of openness. Large glazing on the exterior wall brings generous daylight deep into the interior, while a restrained color palette—chiefly blue and white—keeps the small rooms feeling fresh, airy and cohesive. The choice of cool neutrals helps bounce light around the rooms and creates a calm backdrop for carefully selected furnishings and built-ins.
Smart storage strategies are central to this renovation. A custom wooden platform next to the bedroom serves multiple functions: it provides a comfortable lounging and TV-viewing area, a play zone for visiting grandchildren, and generous under-platform storage for suitcases and seasonal items. The platform’s upper surface continues visually and functionally toward the bedroom, transforming into a study desk that supports everyday tasks without interrupting the flow of the apartment.
Furniture throughout the apartment was custom-designed and purpose-built to fit the modest footprint. The designers opted for low-profile, modular pieces—a sofa that converts into a guest bed, compact coffee and side tables, a combined TV stand and storage unit—to eliminate wasted space and keep sightlines open. Each item is scaled to the flat so the flow between zones remains uninterrupted and the rooms feel larger than their square footage suggests.
Design decisions prioritized flexibility and long-term usability. Open sightlines, consistent finishes and a reduced palette of materials create visual continuity from the living area through to the bedroom. The modest custom cabinets, nightstands and shelving units were intentionally simple so they support storage needs without becoming visually dominant. This restrained approach to joinery and furnishings helps the apartment feel organized and uncluttered—important in a small home designed for both everyday comfort and occasional hosting.
Natural light plays a major role in expanding perceived space. Large windows and a glass wall draw daylight into interiors, while light finishes and reflective surfaces amplify that brightness. The bedroom follows the same planning logic: a large window makes the sleeping area feel more open, and custom storage keeps belongings out of sight so the room retains a restful, uncluttered feel.
Overall, this renovation demonstrates how careful planning, multifunctional furniture and a consistent palette can transform a compact, urban apartment into a bright, practical home. Rather than trying to cram in extra rooms, the design amplifies what the flat already offered—views, daylight and a flexible layout—making it an efficient and welcoming space for everyday living and for the family visits that inspired the redesign. Photography: Ayça Taylan.
