Apartment Design: Masterclass in Small Spaces

Location: Vila Mariana, São Paulo
Size: 398 sq ft (37 sq m)
Interior Design: RMV Interiores
Key Features: Mezzanine bedroom, vertical space optimization, multifunctional furniture, cohesive material palette

Nestled in Vila Mariana, one of São Paulo’s most charming and traditional neighborhoods, this 398-square-foot (37-square-meter) apartment is a masterclass in small-space design. Through intelligent spatial planning and a contemporary material palette, RMV Interiores has transformed a compact footprint into a functional, stylish, and surprisingly spacious home.

Maximizing Space: The Power of a Mezzanine

The apartment’s standout feature is its ingenious mezzanine, made possible by the rare double-height ceiling. By relocating the bedroom to the upper level, the designers freed up the ground floor for a fluid, open-plan layout that includes:
✔ A fully equipped kitchen
✔ A living room with a home office nook
✔ A compact yet well-appointed bathroom

This vertical zoning not only enhances functionality but also creates a sense of separation between private and social areas—a crucial factor in small-space living.

A Cohesive & Calming Material Palette

To maintain visual harmony, the designers opted for a neutral yet textured palette, featuring:

Shades of gray, white, and light wood
Suvinil’s “Mantra” paint (a muted gray with blue undertones) for subtle zoning
Linen curtains to soften the modern geometry

The consistent materiality extends to the flooring—Cemento Grigio 90×90 porcelain tiles (from Porto S.A.) unify the living room, kitchen, balcony, and bathroom, reinforcing a sense of continuity and spaciousness.

Smart Built-Ins & Multifunctional Design

Formas Marcenaria, the carpentry firm behind the project, played a crucial role in maximizing functionality without sacrificing aesthetics. Key highlights include:

1. Moveable Wood Fins Divider

A custom divider between the stairs and living room features adjustable wood fins, allowing residents to control light and privacy as needed.

This divider between the stairs and living room, has moveable wood fins, allowing the light to be closed off when needed.

2. Staircase with Hidden Storage

The stairs double as storage, with built-in drawers and recessed lighting—proving that every inch counts in compact living.

This home office is cleverly integrated beneath the staircase, making full use of an often-overlooked space, with the desk and storage areas fitting seamlessly into the custom carpentry and serves as a functional workspace without interrupting the apartment’s flow.

3. Home Office Under the Stairs

A cleverly integrated workspace beneath the staircase ensures no space goes to waste. The custom-built desk and shelving blend seamlessly into the design.

The Loft Bedroom: A Private Retreat

Positioned on the mezzanine level, the bedroom benefits from the double-height ceiling, creating a cozy yet airy sleeping area. A minimalist railing ensures safety without blocking natural light, maintaining an open, connected feel with the living space below.

Positioned on the mezzanine level of a small apartment, the bedroom takes advantage of the apartment’s rare double-height ceiling to create a sense of separation and privacy within the compact layout. Elevated above the social areas, it functions as a quiet retreat while remaining visually connected to the rest of the space. A subtle railing frames the sleeping area without obstructing the flow of natural light.

The Bathroom: Small but Fully Functional

Despite its compact size, the bathroom doesn’t compromise on style or utility. It mirrors the apartment’s material consistency, with:
✔ Sleek gray porcelain tiles
✔ Efficient storage solutions
✔ A clean, modern aesthetic

Despite its small size, the bathroom is fully equipped, with material choices complementing those found throughout the rest of the apartment.

Conclusion: Small Space, Big Impact

This Vila Mariana apartment proves that limited square footage doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style. Through strategic vertical planning, cohesive materials, and multifunctional carpentry, RMV Interiores has created a home that feels spacious, intentional, and full of personality.

For those looking to optimize small spaces, this project offers key takeaways:
Utilize vertical space (mezzanines, tall storage)
Stick to a unified material palette for visual flow
Invest in custom carpentry for hidden storage
Prioritize natural light to enhance openness

Whether you’re a minimalist, urban dweller, or design enthusiast, this apartment is a testament to the power of intelligent small-space design.

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