A Tiny Apartment Transforms Into a Stylish, Space-Saving Bachelor Pad For $84K
Hidden storage and flexible living are prioritized in this modern apartment of just 500 square feet.
When Mr. Xiao—a man of many interests—approached KC Design Studio to renovate his apartment in Taipei, the Taiwanese firm was mildly concerned that a living space of just 500 square feet wouldn’t possibly be enough room to accommodate his numerous demands.
Yet, with clever space-saving strategies and smart style choices, the designers have succeeded in crafting a chic, multi-functional home that flexibly accommodates all of their client’s needs.
This view from the open-plan living space shows the loft bed and sunken office on the right, as well as the storage room illuminated by a window on the left. The storage room is opposite the entrance.
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Dubbed Apartment X, the contemporary one-bedroom residence was completed for a cost of approximately $84,000 USD.
The pegboard wall makes it easy for Mr. Xiao to reorganize whenever needed. Anchoring the office is a chic Paulistano lounge chair by Objekto in the corner.
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The sunken workspace enjoys access to ample natural light and is flanked by three windows.
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A close client-designer relationship helped immensely in the process. "The client trusted us completely and gave us lots of freedom to design," says the firm.
The floors of the loft area and sunken office space were built of engineered wood.
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Hidden storage and recessed lighting were key in giving the dressing room a clean and contemporary appearance.
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Formerly a large empty space, the apartment was divided into three split-levels to clearly define rooms without relying on constricting walls.
The open-plan kitchen, dining area, and living room take up half of the apartment. On the other half is a sunken office with a full bath and a storage-integrated staircase that leads up to the loft bedroom and closet.
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ShopThe black staircase and storage wall act as a threshold between the bedroom/office and the living spaces. Concrete-like faux finishes were used for the walls and floors of the living spaces.
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A view of the L-shaped desk from the loft bedroom.
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In spite of a dark color palette, Apartment X feels surprisingly bright and airy thanks to its corner building location that provides access to windows on two sides for plenty of natural light.
The custom shelving and staircase divides the bedroom and workspace from the living areas.
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The minimalist kitchen features Slate Lite counters, timber cabinetry, and even a built-in oven, which is a luxury in Taiwan.
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For added flexibility, the designers have inserted a rotating table that can pivot outward to accommodate larger gatherings.
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The living areas are smartly furnished with designer items, including an Airborne AO Table and a pair of Galvanitas S16 chairs.
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Apartment X floor plan.
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