Apartment Design: Embracing Modern Minimalism

The architecture and interior design firm Lucas Y Hernández-Gil has successfully challenged spatial limitations, transforming an ordinary apartment in the Spanish capital, Madrid, into a contemporary masterpiece that embodies the “less is more” philosophy. This two-bedroom project blends visual brightness and functional comfort through an intelligent open plan and carefully selected elements, presenting an inspiring model for modern living in the heart of the city.

The open-plan living and dining area represents the beating heart of the apartment, an intentional design strategy that achieves an unprecedented visual flow and kinetic efficiency. Three massive floor-to-ceiling windows are the main heroes here; they not only flood the room with vibrant views of street life but also ensure a continuous influx of natural light that alters the perception of space and mood throughout the day. These windows can be fully opened, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside and providing natural ventilation.

To manage this vast space practically, the designers divided it functionally while maintaining visual unity. At one end, an organic dining area features a table made from a raw wooden plank, where natural grains and warm color add a human touch that contrasts with the surrounding minimalist aesthetics. At the opposite end, a built-in bookshelf set into the wall depth not only provides space for storing books and artifacts but also acts as a focal point that reflects the occupants’ personality, suggesting that aesthetics are inseparable from function.

The open living and dining space in this apartment is anchored by three large windows that can be fully opened, offering street views and filling the room with sunlight. One end is dedicated to the dining area with a wood sideboard, whereas the other end of the open room is home to a bookshelf.

The Hidden Chef’s Kitchen: Elegance Under Disguise

The kitchen follows the philosophy of “The Hidden Kitchen,” with one side entirely dedicated to a row of white upper and lower cabinets that conceal all cooking utensils and appliances, maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance. Opposite this, a functional kitchen island (countertop) incorporates a stainless-steel sink and an integrated cooktop, creating a central workstation. The reflections of sunlight on the white, glossy surfaces enhance the sense of spaciousness and cleanliness, proving that good design can transform even the smallest spaces into an efficient and pleasant working environment.

This minimalist galley kitchen features white cabinetry on one side for storage, while the opposite side hosts the countertop, sink, and cooktop. Sunlight from the tall end windows bounces throughout, keeping the space airy and bright.

The Bedrooms: Personal Sanctuaries for Relaxation and Recharging

Master Bedroom: A Harmony of White with Wooden Accents
In the master bedroom, a serene color scheme of white and acrylic prevails, with soft window shades that block light when needed. This monochrome is gently broken by natural wooden accents in the light parquet flooring, the simple bed frame, and an accent wall behind the headboard, adding warmth and depth. A smart solution was the integration of a full wall of wardrobes colored in an identical white to the wall, making them blend into the background and providing massive storage without sacrificing visual space.

Second Bedroom/Study: Flexibility and Intelligence
This narrow room was designed to maximize every centimeter. Two single beds are cleverly placed along a wall of white wood, utilizing the space underneath for storing bedding or personal belongings. The addition of a small built-in desk next to the window transforms part of the room into a naturally lit study nook, adding a layer of function without complicating the design or making it feel cramped—a perfect solution for guests or teenagers.

This main bedroom balances white walls and window shades with light wood accents in the floor, bed frame, and an accent wall, while a wall of white cabinetry blends seamlessly with the surrounding surfaces.

The Bathroom: A Canvas of Natural Textures

In the bathroom, wood, stone, and glass meet to create a holistic sensory experience. The wooden vanity with open shelving offers a warm, organic feel, while the double sinks and long mirrors provide comfort and efficiency during peak times. The shower is enclosed by a transparent glass wall, allowing light from the narrow vertical windows to spread freely, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. The subtle-textured stone tile on the floors or walls adds durability and resistance to moisture while providing a delicate natural touch that complements the overall design philosophy.

This bathroom features a wooden vanity with open shelving and double sinks topped by tall rectangular mirrors. A glass shower surround lets light from vertical windows pass through, while stone tile introduces a subtle natural texture.

Conclusion: Lessons in Emotionally Sustainable Design

What this Madrid apartment offers is more than just a place to reside; it is a statement on contemporary lifestyle. Through an open floor plan, strategic use of natural light, and a smart selection of colors and materials, Lucas Y Hernández-Gil proves that design quality is not measured by square footage but by the intelligence used to utilize it. This project is a practical demonstration of how thoughtful design can create sensorially rich and practical environments that enhance well-being and bring modern tranquility to urban life.

✦ Archup Editorial Insight

This article reviews the transformation of a limited-space apartment in Madrid into a modern, open home flooded with light, thanks to smart design solutions from studio Lucas Y Hernández-Gil. The content is distinguished by its rich descriptive style and engaging subheadings that enhance reader experience and SEO. However, it could have added a deeper critical dimension by discussing the structural challenges the designers faced or evaluating the energy efficiency of the large glass spaces. Nevertheless, the article remains an outstanding example of inspiring content that successfully blends storytelling with technical information, enriching our archive and satisfying the curiosity of design enthusiasts and those seeking innovative housing solutions.