CM NEWS

In a world where urban density is rising and city dwellers are increasingly prioritizing location over square footage, the concept of “home” is undergoing a radical transformation. No longer defined by expansive floor plans, the modern living space is becoming a rich and layered narrative of its inhabitants’ personalities, where every square inch is forced to work twice as hard.

Nowhere is this shift more evident than in the “Old Milan” districts of Italy. In a classic 1930s building located between Porta Venezia and Milan Central Station—an area described as vibrant and rich in contrast—architects are proving that even a compact 50-square-meter (538 sq. ft.) layout can feel luxurious through an “urban sensibility” and a richness of materials.

The Rise of the “Invisible” Home

One of the most significant ways modern lifestyles are reshaping interiors is the move toward disappearing functionality. According to Andrea, an architect at the Milan-based studio Zero, modern clients often prefer that utility does not dominate their aesthetic space. This has led to the innovation of the “hidden kitchen.”

In one recent renovation, the kitchen was relocated to a corridor niche to accommodate an irregular floor plan. To maintain a clean, non-utilitarian look, the countertop can be hidden behind a shelf that flips down when not in use, effectively turning a cooking area into a sleek corridor sideboard. Even the lighting is strategic; LED strips are used because they are virtually invisible when switched off, reinforcing the concept of a disappearing workspace.

Multi-Functionality as a Necessity

As living spaces shrink, furniture must evolve to serve multiple roles. The modern living room is no longer just a place for a sofa and a TV; it is a fluid environment. In these high-design small homes:
• Seating becomes sleeping: Large sofas are designed to become beds simply by removing pillows.
• Benches become anchors: A single low bench can act as seating for a dining table, a surface for decor, and a stand for the television.
• Storage is centralized: To avoid clutter, main storage—such as wardrobes for clothes and shoes—is often moved to the entrance “color box” to keep the rest of the home minimalistic.

Zoning Through Color and Light

Modern design uses chromatic immersion rather than physical walls to define spaces. Architects are increasingly using a “color box” approach, where an entrance or a room is painted in deep, immersive tones like teal to create a specific mood or “feeling” when sitting or resting.
In the bedroom, the philosophy shifts toward extreme minimalism, serving purely as a place for rest. To save space, traditional doors are replaced by wooden shutters that slide directly into wall cavities, and furniture is kept to a minimum, often featuring sentimental pieces from previous homes to maintain a sense of history.
A Rewarding Challenge
The trend toward smaller, more intentional living isn’t just about sacrifice; it’s about design sensibility. As Andrea notes, the goal of modern small-space design is to enhance both functionality and beauty while creating an atmosphere that reflects the occupant. By using high-quality materials—such as custom metal tables with smoked glass tops or 70s-inspired decorative laminates—these homes avoid feeling “garish” while maintaining a high-end feel.
Designing a small home is much like navigating a complex puzzle; it requires a delicate balance where every piece must fit perfectly to reveal a beautiful, functional picture that would be lost if even one element were out of place.