WHAT: Complete renovation of 400sf studio packing a lot of punch!

CHALLENGE: The entry door at half-level created a treacherous and too-exposed entrance. It also meant that too much area was given over to circulation, robbing the place of walls against which to set furniture. There was almost zero storage space, and no way to distinguish different areas in this single space.

SOLUTION: A “swiss army knife” of cabinetry at the entrance creates a large entry closet area, as well as clothes closets accessible from the living room; reroutes the stair to create a separation between entry and living space; and minimizes circulation space. Built-in cabinetry runs the full length of the apartment, combining standard Ikea cabinets with custom pieces and a sofa/murphy bed to maximize usage. A large bookcase on the fireplace wall accommodates a through-wall AC and a small desk space, while a window seat creates a nook for a dining table and seating near the large windows. We even managed to fit in a washer/dryer!

CONSTRUCTION: Wulfing Construction MURPHY BED: Resource Furniture; PHOTOGRAPHY: Ben Rahn, A-Frame Studio