Meow Meow

Tired of feeling cramped in the city? What if I told you that a mere 24 square meters could actually deliver on luxurious, efficient urban living? Buckle up, because the “Boneca” apartment in Sydney, Australia, is about to redefine what’s possible in compact spaces.

Located in Rushcutters Bay, a prime Sydney suburb that’s just a short walk from both the central business district and the iconic Sydney Harbour, this apartment is part of a 1960s building that originally contained around forty similar units. When the designers first got their hands on this 24-square-meter unit, it was a typical, rather inefficient setup: a corridor led into a combined kitchen, living area, and bedroom. Their approach? They completely demolished everything within the existing apartment.

The driving philosophy was clear: they needed a “strong divide between what’s sleeping and what’s living”. The goal was to “contain the amenities of the apartment and the sleeping space to the smallest possible area so the living area could be as big as possible”. This radical vision transformed a cramped space into a masterclass in urban efficiency.

Design Playbook: Smart Moves for Any Small Space

So, how exactly did they pull off this magic trick? Here’s the playbook, packed with brilliant ideas you can adapt:

The Dynamic Divide: At the heart of this apartment’s flexibility is a timber sliding screen. This isn’t just a partition; it’s a functional element that dictates the apartment’s use throughout the day. It creates a visual separation for the bedroom when closed, while still letting light filter through. Need to open up the sleeping area? It cleverly slides over the kitchen. Its black finish matches the apartment’s black floor, adding a sleek, cohesive look.

Smart Sleep Zone: Every inch counts, and the bedroom proves it. The bed is raised up, ingeniously incorporating drawers underneath for essential storage. Forget clunky nightstands; a small open shelf acts as a bedside table and includes integrated lighting. It’s clean, efficient, and maximizes every corner.

Maximizing Light & Space: One of the apartment’s unique features is its full-width windows. The design team wanted these to be obvious from the moment you step inside. They achieved this by angling the joinery unit next to the bed, which helps “pick up light and a sense of space”. It’s a subtle yet powerful trick for visual expansion.

The Hidden Powerhouse Bathroom: Here’s a truly clever move: the bathroom and walk-in robe are combined, accessed via a hidden door. This fusion makes the “whole space feel much bigger”. Inside, gray tiles complement the apartment’s timber floor, giving it an “earthy feel”, and concealed lighting adds a touch of luxury. Step through that door, and a full-length mirror immediately gives a “sense of a larger space”.

Compact Kitchen, Full Function: Don’t let the size fool you – this kitchen was “really carefully considered”. It includes all the essentials: a fridge, oven, dish drawer, and even a narrow cutlery drawer. An integrated appliance cupboard and a full-height pantry are also smartly incorporated, ensuring ample storage without sacrificing space. The minimal material palette continues here, with a gray concrete benchtop and splashback, keeping the look sharp and modern.
Sustainable Urban Living: A Blueprint for the Future

This project isn’t just about clever design; it’s a powerful blueprint for sustainable urban growth. Cities like Sydney, like many across North America and the UK, have an abundance of “amazing old housing stock that’s been solidly built and isn’t going anywhere”. The project highlights that “repurposing that amazing housing stock to bring it up to the way we want to live our life now or you know just given that refresh is one of the most sustainable ways we can continue to grow our cities”.

The “Boneca” apartment is a clear win. It proves that with smart thinking, a minimal palette, and an eye for detail, you can turn a small footprint into a high-impact home. Size is truly just a number when design is on your side.