Meow Meow

Ever dreamt of chic city living but flinched at the thought of tiny, cramped apartments? What if I told you that a mere 24 square meters could feel like a luxurious, spacious haven? Prepare to be absolutely amazed by the “Boneca” apartment in Sydney, Australia.

Nestled in the charming Rushcutters Bay, just a stone’s throw from both the bustling city and the iconic Sydney Harbour, this 1960s building once housed forty modest units. Our featured apartment, originally a labyrinth of a corridor leading to a combined kitchen, living, and bedroom space, was ripe for a radical transformation.

The visionary designers went bold: they completely demolished everything inside! Their driving philosophy? To create a “strong divide between what’s sleeping and what’s living”, ensuring the living area felt as expansive as possible by cleverly containing the private spaces.

The Design Secrets: Brilliant Ideas You Can Steal!
So, how did they pull off this magic trick? Get ready to steal some seriously brilliant ideas for your own small space!

The Game-Changing Sliding Screen: Imagine a single timber screen that literally reshapes your home throughout the day! This ingenious feature acts as a dynamic divider, sliding to create a visual separation for the bedroom while still letting light stream through when closed. It can even glide over the kitchen, opening up the sleeping area. Its sleek black finish perfectly matches the apartment’s black floor, adding a touch of sophisticated cohesion.
Sleep Space, Smarter: No space is wasted here! The bed isn’t just a bed; it’s raised up with cleverly integrated drawers underneath for all that extra storage we desperately need. Plus, a chic little open shelf doubles as a bedside table, complete with subtle integrated lighting – perfect for late-night reads.
Light, Bright, and Visually Vast: One of this apartment’s standout features is its full-width windows, and the designers made sure they were the star of the show. By strategically angling the joinery unit right next to the bed, they managed to capture and reflect light, instantly expanding the perceived space. It’s all about making every square meter work harder!
The Hidden Luxury Bathroom: Prepare for another mind-blower: the bathroom and walk-in robe are combined, accessed via a hidden door. This clever move makes the entire space feel much, much bigger! Inside, gorgeous gray tiles beautifully complement the apartment’s timber floor, creating an inviting, “earthy feel”. Combined with concealed lighting, it’s pure luxury. Oh, and a full-length mirror just inside the door? Instant visual expansion!
Kitchen Goals, Minus the Clutter: Even this compact kitchen is a masterclass in efficiency. It boasts a fridge, oven, dish drawer, and even a narrow cutlery drawer. An integrated appliance cupboard and a full-height pantry are seamlessly incorporated, proving you don’t need a sprawling kitchen to have everything you need. The minimal material palette continues here, with a sleek gray concrete benchtop and splashback, keeping the look effortlessly modern.
Sustainable Urban Living at Its Best
Beyond the sheer beauty and cleverness of this design, the ‘Boneca’ apartment offers a powerful lesson in sustainable urban living. Cities like Sydney are rich with well-built, older housing stock, and giving these foundations a modern refresh is highlighted as “one of the most sustainable ways we can continue to grow our cities”. It’s about living better, not just bigger, and doing it responsibly.

So, the next time you think ‘small space,’ remember the Boneca. It’s not just an apartment; it’s an inspiration for creating beautiful, highly functional, and surprisingly luxurious homes, no matter the size!