Designing and decorating a postage stamp-sized home forces homeowners to get creative. The book Small Homes Grand Living showcases homes that push the boundaries of small space design, proving that sometimes the tiniest apartments can be the most visionary. Click through to see inside inspiring compact quarters around the world.
In this family home in Melbourne, Japanese-inspired micro-bedrooms maximize space. Screened in by blush-toned sliding doors, the simple raised platform hides a plethora of storage in the surrounding walls.
Photographer: Lisbeth Grossman
Source: Small Homes Grand Living, Copyright Gestalten 2017
Designer: Clare Cousins Architects
In compact homes, plenty of storage is a necessity. Underneath this loft sleeping area is a walk-in closet, and hidden beneath the stair treads are pull-out drawers and cupboards, ensuring that no inch of space is wasted.
Photographer: Frank Oudeman
Source: Small Homes Grand Living, Copyright Gestalten 2017
Designer: Jordan Parnass Digital Architecture
Nestled in behind this L-shaped partition are two bedrooms. The dividing wall not only provides privacy in the open-plan apartment, but offers a versatile spot for storage, display and seating. Lofty clerestory windows atop the partition allow light to filter through to the rest of the house.
Photographer: Toshiyuki Yano
Source: Small Homes Grand Living, Copyright Gestalten 2017
Designer: Sinato
Design firm Workstead kitted out the kitchen of this Brooklyn apartment with a sleek wall of storage that is anything but boring. Built under the stairs, tall cupboards visually extend up to become the balustrade.
Photographer: Stefanie Brechbuehler
Source: Small Homes Grand Living, Copyright Gestalten 2017
Designer: Workstead
Maintaining the restrained use of materials and fresh aesthetic found elsewhere in the house, this petite kitchen peninsula houses all appliances, dishes and food behind wooden doors, keeping sight lines clean and simple.
Photographer: Mickael Martins Alfonso
Source: Small Homes Grand Living, Copyright Gestalten 2017
Designer: L'Atelier Miel
Inspired by Japanese folding screens, an accordion-style wall of doors closes up to reveal a compact wall of kitchen appliances and accessories.
Photographer: Satoshi Shigeta
Source: Small Homes Grand Living, Copyright Gestalten 2017
Designer: Minorpoet
This tiny apartment in Budapest was redone with the intention of listing it on Airbnb. A small square sink, a two-burner convection cooktop and a wall of kitchen essentials within easy reach means it’s perfect for those on the go. Plus, the peg-style system allows shelves to be moved as necessary, keeping things fresh and interesting.
Photographer: Balazs Glodi
Source: Small Homes Grand Living, Copyright Gestalten 2017
Designer: Position Collective
In this Manhattan micro-house, a sliding partition transforms the space with the push of a button. When closed, it becomes an entertainment center. When partially open, a back wall of closets is accessible and when fully open, as seen here, a queen-size bed folds down from the wall.
Source: From Small Homes Grand Living, Copyright Gestalten 2017
Designer: Michael K Chen
Italian interior designer and architect Silvia Allori’s combined home and office space does more than double duty. Modular platforms can act as tables, seating or sleeping areas, while the walls either open up to reveal closet storage or fold down to reveal a hidden library. Behind the living space, the kitchen is hidden behind a glamorous golden curtain.
Photographer: Simone Bossi
Source: From Small Homes Grand Living, Copyright Gestalten 2017
Designer: Silvia Allori
For kitchens short on counter space, a pull-out cutting board is paramount for quick and easy meal prep. Work surfaces concealed as slim drawers create an illusion of spaciousness.
Photographer: Jedrzej Stelmaszek
Source: From Small Homes Grand Living, Copyright Gestalten 2017
Designer: Szymon Hanczar