How a 355-Square-Foot Taipei Apartment Became a Dream Solo Home
A small Taipei apartment has been transformed into a stylish, functional home for a single professional woman. Local interior design firm AODA took on the challenge of renovating just 355 square feet. The project reflects a growing trend as more people worldwide choose to live alone.
The shift is particularly noticeable in the U.S., where over a quarter of adults now live by themselves—a figure that has doubled in the last 50 years. Meanwhile, households of married couples without children have also risen by 10.6 percent, signalling broader changes in living arrangements.
The renovation focused on maximising space while keeping the design clean and practical. The team divided the apartment into two distinct zones: a public area and a private one. A sliding screen door separates them, allowing flexibility in how the space is used.
The main living area serves multiple purposes. It functions as a sitting room, dining space, and workspace, all within an open-plan layout. The kitchen, designed for someone who enjoys cooking, includes two ovens, a dishwasher, and a full-sized refrigerator.
Behind the sliding door, the private zone holds a sleeping loft and a walk-in closet. The closet features rattan-clad doors, adding warmth to the compact space. The bathroom was also updated to create a higher ceiling and extra storage, making it feel more open.
This kind of thoughtful design is becoming more common as societies age and urban living spaces shrink. With retirees downsizing and younger professionals prioritising convenience, small but well-planned homes are in demand. While specific data on single-person households in Taiwan isn't available, global trends suggest similar patterns in cities worldwide.
The project highlights how clever design can turn even the smallest apartments into comfortable, modern living spaces.
The completed renovation shows how limited square footage doesn't have to mean limited functionality. The client now has a home tailored to her needs, from cooking to working and relaxing. As more people embrace solo living, projects like this one could set a standard for efficient, stylish urban apartments.
