small wonder

Fed up with your boring apartment? Take inspiration - and grab some ideas - from a renovation that maximises space, light and comfort.


A previously dingy two-level apartment receives a modern transformation that incorporates uncluttered expanses of white wall and a large window to keep the apartment airy and light. Neutral colours throughout keep the look uncluttered. Spare as it is, the place feels warmly inviting. The lofted bedroom, queen-size headboard, kitchen counter, and staircase all seem to float, tricking the eye into seeing additional space behind and beneath them.


The view straight back into the apartment gives a good sense of the angles. The countertop shape leads the eye up to the cutout in the floor of the bedroom loft; the wall across from the couch angles back toward the stairs. It’s an old building, so none of the corners are actually square.

A graceful bent-steel railing and free-form stone step add to the sculptural feel of the staircase. The platform at the base of the staircase hides heating ducts, provides extra seating, and is large enough to hold a mattress for guests.


















ABOVE LEFT: In the kitchen, the custom countertop is made from a single piece of stainless steel. Scaled-down appliances keep things in proportion.

ABOVE RIGHT and FAR RIGHT: In the bathroom, frosted glass wall tiles echo the geometry of the large slate floor tiles used throughout the apartment.



LEFT: Sleeping and working areas are separated visually by a structural beam. Behind the bed, a long window extends up from the first floor to flood the area with light.

 chicago home magazine