Houzz Tour: A Tiny Studio is Transformed into a Home for Four
Smart innovations like a pivoting parapet and a disappearing bed turn an old attic into a cosy mini apartment
Trastevere is one of the most famous historical districts in Rome, and housing here is in high demand. Many famous artists have lived in this neighbourhood, including spaghetti western director Sergio Leone. It’s here that a Luxembourg-based Italian family of four owns a 30 sq m attic that, until a short time ago, offered only a dark and cramped living space.
Architect Antonio Aurigemma renovated the attic and transformed it into a comfy and cosy pied-à-terre. Not only did he open up and brighten the living area, but he also came up with clever, space-saving solutions that make the apartment both dynamic and flexible.
Architect Antonio Aurigemma renovated the attic and transformed it into a comfy and cosy pied-à-terre. Not only did he open up and brighten the living area, but he also came up with clever, space-saving solutions that make the apartment both dynamic and flexible.
BEFORE Originally, the apartment wasn’t designed to be an open space, and the kitchen was a separate room, located through the doorway seen here. The property looked much smaller and darker. Here, you can see the original dark beams.
BEFORE The attic was accessed by a staircase. The entrance below has remained in its original place, but the staircase and apartment have been renovated.
BEFORE Parapets consisting of a low wall and a wooden rail sectioned off the original staircase, narrowing the space.
BEFORE “I got rid of the parapets because they not only reduced the amount of space, but also made the flat look dark,” says Aurigemma.
AFTER The staircase is a crucial element because it’s in the centre of the attic. To make it less obtrusive, Aurigemma designed a new parapet out of a metal sheet. “When you don’t need it, you can lay it down as if it were part of the floor, thanks to its hinges. This makes the space more fluid,” he explains. When lowered, the metal sheet is strong enough to walk on. The railings, which are fitted on a track, can then be slid forward to the remaining opening.
Want to make more of your staircase? Check out this expert guide
Want to make more of your staircase? Check out this expert guide
In this picture, the metal sheet has been lowered and the railings slid forward.
See Aurigemma’s video of the staircase transforming
See Aurigemma’s video of the staircase transforming
A sketch of the final staircase and railing design.
Another challenging feature of the apartment were the varying wall and ceiling heights. Aurigemma hid a retractable bed where the ceiling was lowest.
A wood panel, secured with small chains, hides the custom-made structure. The design allows for a comfortable pull-out, queen-size bed.
The bench, which is a comfy seat when the bed is stowed away, serves as a support for the bed.
This entire wall unit is bespoke. The compartment on the end was specially designed to hide the combination washer-dryer.
Renlig FWM7D combination washer-dryer, Ikea.
Renlig FWM7D combination washer-dryer, Ikea.
BEFORE This is what the kitchen looked like before the renovation began.
AFTER Now, the kitchen is open to the rest of the apartment. The built-in cabinetry is over 2m long. The units are in dramatic black because the owners wanted them to stand out from the other furniture in the apartment. The worktop is made of black laminated ash wood.
Got a bijou kitchen? See these smart ways to maximise space
Got a bijou kitchen? See these smart ways to maximise space
In front of the bed is a console table that can be extended from 90cm to 2.8m in length – the frame telescopes to support two additional panels. The extra support underneath is part of the table’s structure and can be easily folded away when not in use.
The transparent stools also have multiple purposes and turn into bedside tables when it’s time to sleep.
Transparent Stone stools, Kartell. Table, Penta. Cucina Demode kitchen cabinetry, Valcucine. Tap, Foster. Dishwasher, Electrolux.
The transparent stools also have multiple purposes and turn into bedside tables when it’s time to sleep.
Transparent Stone stools, Kartell. Table, Penta. Cucina Demode kitchen cabinetry, Valcucine. Tap, Foster. Dishwasher, Electrolux.
To the right of the dining area is a custom-made wardrobe.
Another multi-purpose feature, though less unique, is the sofa bed. The flooring is pre-finished oak.
In addition to designing new features, Aurigemma also changed the colour and lighting in the apartment. The ceiling beams have been repainted white, while new PVC windows have been installed, their thinner frames letting in more daylight. Three 2m-long LED strips installed in the ceiling illuminate the apartment: the first is over the kitchen, the second in the dining area, and the third over the living room. Adjustable light fixtures have also been placed under the ridge.
On the right you can see the bathroom door. “I got it custom made since its height of only 18cm is not quite standard,” says Aurigemma.
Friheten sofa bed, Ikea.
In addition to designing new features, Aurigemma also changed the colour and lighting in the apartment. The ceiling beams have been repainted white, while new PVC windows have been installed, their thinner frames letting in more daylight. Three 2m-long LED strips installed in the ceiling illuminate the apartment: the first is over the kitchen, the second in the dining area, and the third over the living room. Adjustable light fixtures have also been placed under the ridge.
On the right you can see the bathroom door. “I got it custom made since its height of only 18cm is not quite standard,” says Aurigemma.
Friheten sofa bed, Ikea.
BEFORE The bathroom also received a makeover. This is what the original wash room looked like.
AFTER Now, sleek new sanitary ware makes optimal use of the space. The bathroom also houses a large shower that extends across the entire wall.
On the short wall behind the sink you can see a handy shelf, which was a byproduct of the renovation process as Aurigemma had to create a tiled false wall to hide the bathroom’s plumbing.
In this home, even a necessary construction detail turns into a multi-purpose design feature.
Braviken sink;
Godmorgon/Odensvik cabinet, both Ikea.
What do you think of this cosy mini apartment? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
On the short wall behind the sink you can see a handy shelf, which was a byproduct of the renovation process as Aurigemma had to create a tiled false wall to hide the bathroom’s plumbing.
In this home, even a necessary construction detail turns into a multi-purpose design feature.
Braviken sink;
Godmorgon/Odensvik cabinet, both Ikea.
What do you think of this cosy mini apartment? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
Who lives here An Italian family of four living in Luxembourg, who occasionally come to Italy to visit relatives and friends
Location Trastevere district, Rome, Italy
Size About 30 sq m
Architect Antonio Aurigemma
Renovation costs About £42,000 (50,000 euros), including £4400 (4000 euros) for the cost of the bed structure, including the wall unit. The staircase cost about £3000 (3600 euros), including assembly.
Photos by Paolo Fusco