A compact duplex, redesigned by La Firme, has been transformed into an elegant artist’s apartment and studio where restrained modern minimalism meets clever, space-saving solutions. The goal of the renovation was to create a feeling of greater openness without radically changing the original floor plan. Adding a mezzanine level achieved that goal: the elevated level now accommodates a private bedroom and a bright reading nook, while the ground floor contains the studio workspace alongside an open kitchen, dining area and living room. A predominantly white palette keeps the interior feeling airy, while a polished gray epoxy floor amplifies light and adds a contemporary sheen to the compact layout.
Throughout the apartment, plywood is used as a recurring material to create visual continuity and warm contrast against the white backdrop. Custom plywood cabinetry and built-ins are tailored to fit the apartment’s narrow footprint, making maximum use of vertical space while maintaining a clean, cohesive look. In the kitchen, the wood-and-white combination is balanced by the reflective epoxy floor, which visually enlarges the area and enhances natural and artificial light. The same plywood accents extend into the living area and up to the mezzanine, linking all spaces through consistent detailing.
Storage is a central element of this redesign. Bespoke cabinets, adjustable shelving and units on casters make the layout adaptable to changing needs, from art projects to entertaining. The staircase is both a circulation element and a storage solution: built-in shelving and drawers beneath the treads provide discreet spots for supplies, books and household items, reclaiming what would otherwise be dead space. This modular approach allows each zone to remain uncluttered while offering flexible functionality.
The living and studio areas are arranged to support both daily life and creative practice. An open-plan layout encourages flexible use of the floor plate, while movable furniture on casters lets the occupant quickly reconfigure seating, work surfaces and storage when needed. Lighting is kept simple and efficient, with layered sources that include task lights for the studio, ambient fixtures for the living area and accent lighting that highlights the warmth of the plywood details.
The mezzanine reading lounge benefits from a skylight and an elevated vantage point, creating a bright, peaceful corner for rest or reflection. Natural light here reduces the dependence on artificial lighting during the day, while the modest height and compact footprint help to preserve a sense of intimacy. The bedroom above is integrated discreetly so it remains private without closing off the visual connection to the rest of the apartment.
The bathroom continues the apartment’s restrained aesthetic with a neutral palette. Dark tiles introduce a strong visual contrast that grounds the space and highlights fixtures and fittings. Thoughtful material choices and careful detailing make the small bathroom feel more generous than its size suggests.
Overall, the renovation balances a polished minimalist aesthetic with highly practical interventions. Every element — plywood joinery, epoxy floors, adjustable storage and integrated stair shelving — contributes to a cohesive whole that is both functional and visually light. With rooftop garden views surrounding the building and an efficient layout tailored to urban living, this small duplex-turned-studio demonstrates how thoughtful design can expand the possibilities of compact homes.
