How a Tiny Berlin Apartment Became a Spacious, Light-Filled Home
A cramped 35-square-meter apartment in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district has been transformed into a bright, functional home. The renovation, led by COES Studio and designer Guillaume Vaslin, rethinks small-space living with clever solutions. What was once a dim, awkwardly partitioned flat now feels open, welcoming, and surprisingly spacious.
The original apartment suffered from poor circulation and gloomy lighting. Narrow rooms and inefficient layouts made daily life difficult. COES Studio and Vaslin, who also owns the flat, set out to change that by maximising every centimetre of space.
The redesign centres on a single architectural volume that stretches along the wall opposite the kitchen. This multifunctional unit combines a bed, bookshelf, and sofa on a mobile platform, adapting to different needs. Birch wood surfaces add warmth and reflect natural light, making the area feel larger. The kitchen was reimagined as a compact, efficient block. Matte-white upper cabinets brighten the room, hide plumbing, and create a clean look. A ‘second layer’ of seamless cabinetry with a ‘push-to-open’ system keeps clutter out of sight while offering plenty of storage. Inspiration came from cities like Paris and Tokyo, where small apartments demand smart design. Every detail—from material choices to hidden storage—shows how thoughtful planning can turn tight spaces into comfortable homes.
The renovation proves that small apartments can be both practical and inviting. By prioritising movement, light, and multifunctional furniture, the team created a home that feels far larger than its 35 square meters. The project sets an example for urban living, where space is limited but quality of life doesn’t have to be.
