Small Apartment Oasis: 969 Sq Ft of Mediterranean Sunlight

Turning a Small Apartment into a Timeless Escape

This small apartment on the Mediterranean coast is all about light. Before thinking about furniture or finishes, designer Szymon Keller focused on how the sun moved through the space. He called it Casa Soleil. The design was a collaboration between Szymon Keller Studio and Madeux Studio.

The owner had lived in the Middle East, Spain, and the South of France. He did not want to copy any single place. Instead, he wanted a mix of them all, shaped by memory.

Kitchen

The kitchen blends rustic and modern details. The floor is made of traditional piedra caliza limestone, grounding the space with a cool, natural feel. At the center is a custom island in walnut and lilac-veined marble. Its edges are soft and wave-like, inspired by the sea.

Above the island hangs a sculptural pink resin pendant light by Sabine Marcelis. It adds a pop of color without overwhelming the room. Vintage Spanish Brutalist stools bring a touch of history, while sleek Hansgrohe fixtures offer everyday practicality.

From the kitchen, a door opens to the balcony. This connection to the outdoors makes the small apartment feel larger and brighter.

Living Room With Workstation

The living room is the heart of this small apartment. It is bright, warm, and open. Lime-based plaster walls shift from cream to gold during the day. A painted border near the ceiling mimics the way sunlight stretches across the room.

An abstract painting by artist Albert Madaula sets the tone. It shows a man sitting on sand in a quiet, protective pose. The colors—terracotta, sea-glass green, ochre, and ivory—create a calm but playful feeling. Two tufted Roche Bobois lounge chairs look like moss-covered rocks. Raw-edged coffee tables recall the nearby cliffs.

In one corner, a compact workstation fits neatly into space. A high-backed desk chair resembles a coral fragment. A custom desk by Madeux Studio sits in the sunlight, offering a perfect spot for work or study. The area feels private but connected to the rest of the living room.

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Bedroom

The bedroom feels peaceful and airy. An existing wall niche has been transformed into a headboard, lined with Manuel Canovas wallpaper. The design looks like a hand-painted mural from centuries ago. Keller added sunburst sconces on either side, making the bed area glow softly at night.

The wardrobes have cane-panel fronts. This choice allows air to flow through and gives a light, textured look. You can see a hint of the clothes inside, but the room still feels uncluttered. The bedside tables resemble carved stone, but they are lightweight fiberglass. This keeps the room open and easy to move around in—a key factor in a small apartment.

Bathroom

The bathroom is a mix of natural materials and artistic shapes. The shower entrance is not a simple curve—it looks weathered, like a shape formed by wind and sand. The walls and floors are finished in mortero de cal plaster in a soft, sandy tone.

A custom walnut cabinet wraps around the sink and mirror. The countertop is sculptural stone, and the faucet is wall-mounted. Deep burgundy ceramic tiles from the Artantic line the shower, adding rich color. Soft light comes from a pair of sconces by Aromas del Campo.

In the shower entrance, a resin stool from Keller’s Sunburst Collection glows under the light. Each element feels handmade and timeless, giving the bathroom a warm, lived-in feel.

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Balcony

The balcony is a small but essential part of this small apartment. It is framed by plants, making it a green retreat. A bar from the 1960s and seating from the 1970s, both found in Barcelona vintage shops, give the space character. At golden hour, the balcony glows.

The ceiling is hand-painted with a sun motif and stitched border. This detail ties the balcony to the interior’s sunny theme. It is an inviting place for coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening.

Materials and Atmosphere

Throughout the small apartment, Keller used natural and textured materials. Lime plaster, walnut wood, limestone, and resin appear again. These surfaces catch and reflect light in different ways during the day.

The color palette is warm, featuring coastal shades of sand, sun-bleached ivory, and sea green that dominate. Small bursts of pink and burgundy add surprise and personality. Nothing feels forced.

The furniture mix includes both vintage and custom pieces. Some items, like fiberglass tables and resin stools, were made in Keller’s workshop. Others were found in Barcelona’s vintage shops, adding layers of history.

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A Space That Feels Lived In

The design is not tied to a single style. It is shaped by the owner’s experiences and the coastal setting.  

Living in a small apartment does not mean giving up style or comfort. With wise layout choices, multifunctional furniture, and well-placed lighting, even limited space can feel open and inviting. By using high-quality materials and thoughtful design, you can create a home that is both practical and elegant.

Discover how HOMMÉS Studio is shaping the future of stylish and functional interiors. Explore the Summer Poem Guide to find inspiring trends that bring beauty, light, and creative calm into your small apartment this season.

Source: AD