1950s São Paulo Penthouse Gets an Original Upgrade


Brasil based Estúdio Paralelo completed the restoration of a 1950s São Paulo penthouse and revamped it for the needs of contemporary city living. The space has a total surface of 150 square meters (1615 square feet) and also displays an unconventional layout.

“The apartment absorbs both floor-plans of the two apartments per floor of this small building in Santa Cecília, each one with 60 square meters (646 square feet), and organizes the space in a fashion that is curious for the time in which it was constructed,” the architects said.

They kept many of the original elements, such as the granilite in the staircase and the wooden floors. They restored other details, like the iron windows with electrostatic paint as well as the terracotta cementile flooring. The complex array of textures gives the São Paulo penthouse an original feel.


“After being closed for 20 years, the owners bought not just the apartment, but the promise to fight for the necessary renovations, which would be structural and require much patience and planning,” the architects also explained. Some of the major changes included updating the entire piping system and also adding concrete roof slabs for support.

“The result is a clean space, with simple lines and clear organization; without spacial hierarchy. The light spreads to all corners, which serves to show the original characteristics of the building”, the designers concluded. Enjoy the photo gallery below and feel free to share your thoughts with us! Information provided by Estúdio Paralelo; photography courtesy of Ricardo Bassetti.

Step inside the São Paulo penthouse

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Door Trends: From Ultra Stylish to Super Secretive

Doors provide privacy, protection and separation, and they can be stylish while providing these functions. A cool door can be a design statement and a conversation starter. Or it can be the entrance to a hidden passage or room. Below are several door trends, along with some practical information on materials and costs.

Exterior Doors

Exterior door 1

This is a standard timber/MDF external door coated with a metal finish. Image: Zeitgeist Photography

Exterior doors have to balance form and function. “The front door needs to be durable enough to withstand the weather and would-be intruders, yet attractive enough to enhance the overall look of your home,” says Dan DiClerico, home expert at Home Advisor.

He recommends taking your cues from the home’s architecture when selecting a door. “A simple steel door will suit a modern, minimalist home, while a carved wood door with sidelights and a transom will be appropriate for more traditional homes, such as craftsman or colonial,” DiClerico explains.

Pros and Cons of the Most Popular Types of Exterior Doors

Exterior door 2

This front door in San Francisco complements the concrete wall. Image: Elevation Architect

Exterior doors are available in a variety of materials. DiClerico lists the pros and cons of the three most popular types of exterior doors:

Fiberglass

  • Pros: The practical option, fiberglass doors combine value, performance and low maintenance. Many fiberglass doors can be painted or stained so you can change the look easily.
  • Cons: Though their embossed wood textures are convincing, visitors probably won’t mistake them for a real wood door up close. The synthetic material is also prone to cracking.

Steel

  • Pros: A very popular option nowadays, steel doors are durable, secure and affordable. Most are also extremely energy efficient, making them a good option in extreme climates, whether hot or cold.
  • Cons: Steel doors are prone to dents and scratches, which are difficult to repair.

Wood

  • Pros: The most beautiful doors tend to be wood. Solid-wood versions are also extremely durable and weather-resistant, plus dents and scratches can be easily repaired.
  • Cons: They’re expensive and require regular maintenance, including periodic painting or staining.

Cost/Security

exterior door 3

Strength meets beauty in this Phoenix front door. Image: IMI Design

The average price for a new entry door ranges from $500 to $2,000. “This includes installation, though with high-end custom doors the project can quickly exceed $10,000,” DiClerico says. “The labor usually runs between $40 to $90 per hour, with an average of about $70 per hour for a licensed contractor.”

Regarding security, your entry door is only as good as its lock, explains DiClerico. “For best results, HomeAdvisor locksmiths recommend a lock with a 1 inch-long deadbolt and a reinforced metal box strike. For good measure, securely fasten the box strike to the jamb with 3 inch-long screws.”

Amira Johnson at Emerald Doors provides four tips for maintaining your doors. “Clean the doors on a regular basis, oil hinges when needed, replace weather stripping regularly and, when required, repaint them.”

Interior Doors

home theater door

Check out the doors to this home theater in Salt Lake City. Image: Element Homes

When choosing an interior door, the choices are seemingly endless. “Traditional hinged doors can be either pre-hung or slabs,” DiClerico explains. “Pre-hung doors are mounted in a frame with the hinges already attached to the door jamb. A slab is the just the door itself.”

Some interior door styles are quite popular with consumers. “Pocket doors are good space savers since they don’t swing into the room, sliding doors are common with closets, barn doors are in keeping with the farmhouse look that’s so popular and French doors are great for allowing light into an interior room that doesn’t have many windows.”

If you’re thinking about using an interior door outside, don’t do it, warns Johnson. “Exterior doors typically run 36″ wide, whereas interior doors are not as broad (30″), so cutting will be required.” In addition, she says that exterior doors are designed for rain, snow and UV rays. “So an interior door used outside could end up being warped from this type of abuse,” Johnson says.

Pros and Cons of the Most Popular Types of Interior Doors

barn door

There are two unique doors in this San Diego home: the lattice front door and the red barn door. Image: Dunn Carpentry

DiClerico lists the pros and cons of the most popular interior doors as follows:

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

  • Pros: This engineered material is durable and stable, so it’s not likely to warp.
  • Cons: It doesn’t show grain the way real wood does.

Solid Wood

  • Pros: Solid wood doors tend to be the most attractive and they offer good durability, energy efficiency and sound insulation.
  • Cons: They’re also the most expensive.

Hollow Core

  • Pros: Made of plywood or molded composite around a hollow core, these doors are the least expensive.
  • Cons: They’re pretty flimsy and don’t do a good job containing noise or temperature.

Solid Core

  • Pros: These doors are also made of plywood or molded composite, but with a core that’s filled with wood fiber. They offer better durability and insulation as a result.
  • Cons: They’re pricier than hollow core doors, averaging about $50 to $200 more.

Costs

basement

This Portland basement has sliding chalkboard doors. Image: Hammer & Hand

You can expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $125 to have a standard interior door installed. “Custom units can run a lot higher, especially if they require a new opening in the wall or the existing opening needs to be modified,” DiClerico explains. “For example, a set of French doors might cost as much as $5,800 to install, according to our True Cost Guide.”

So, what about barn doors? “They’re unique in that they open and close on track hardware that is mounted above the door’s opening. Depending on the size of the door, multiple tracks might be needed,” DiClerico says. “A basic sliding barn door with track hardware starts at $300 and goes up to around $1,000.”

Hidden Doors

Check out these hidden doors and hidden door bookshelves:

basement door

This Ottawa basement has the ultimate hidden door. Image: Just Basements

wardrobe

These wardrobe closet doors hide a secret room for the kids. Image: Roger Wade Studio

bedside cabinet

The bedside cabinet in this Denver master bedroom includes hidden storage. Image: Nehemiah General Contractors

laundry

These homeowners in Austin found a great way to hide the laundry room. Image: Jenkins Custom Homes

seamless

This door blends seamlessly into the wall. Image: Pursley Dixon Architecture

girl's bedroom

These doors, in a young girl’s bedroom in Miami, open to a large closet. Image: Phabrica

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California Residence Nestled Between Massive Oak Trees

Dougal Murray completed the design of Mulholland Hills Home, a contemporary California residence located in Beverly Hills. The project restores a run-down 1930’s home hidden between massive oak trees above the Studio City valley. In order to integrate the building into its surroundings, the developers used a variety of earth tones inside and out. Neutral textures also wrap the exterior decks and the infinity pool.

“I’ve always been a massive fan of contemporary Californian architecture, and my goal was to create an open space that utilized the incredible views and natural light the land so generously gave us,” Murray said. “Whilst we wanted to build something impressive, it was also important for myself and my design partner, Jonathan Waud, that the concept and the interior itself was understated and reflected its surroundings.”
Meant as a sanctuary away from the hectic life of Los Angeles, Mulholland Hills Home California residence combines generously-sized social spaces with calm interiors for a personal retreat.

“For the kitchen we wanted to design something functional, but also sleek, and easily maintained,” the lead architect added. “As you ascend to the tiered second floor, two guest bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms and north and south facing views can be found to the right, and to the left a charismatic seating area leads to an impressive 1200 square-foot master bedroom with a double fronted, glass façade and master bathroom access.” Photography and information provided by Dougal Murray Architect.

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What Classifies A House Style: What Makes An International Style Home?

Whether you know it or not, you’ve seen an international style home before. These buildings look impressively modern, yet their concept has stood the test of time. We’ve been marveling over feats of international style architecture for the past four decades.

With that in mind, we decided to take an in-depth look at what makes these structures so unique. Keep reading to learn more about the history behind this architectural movement, as well as for an explanation of some of the defining characteristics of its buildings. By the end of this post, you’ll know for sure whether or not you’re a fan of the international style.

international style home

International style homes are a result, in part, of the Industrial Revolution. Image: Charlie & Co. Design, Ltd

History of the international style home

Like most architectural styles, international style homes can be seen as a rejection of the trends of its time period. During the 1920s and 1930s in Europe, there was an emphasis on eclectic buildings that hosted a mix of decorative elements from different architectural periods. Architects of the time were starting to search for ways to create less ornamental and more utilitarian designs.

As luck would have it, at the same time, the Industrial Revolution brought about a host of new building materials such as mass-produced iron and steel. These materials meant that architects like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and J.J.P. Oud were able to create structures in which the form and aesthetics were dictated by a desire to push the boundaries of structural engineering, rather than decoration.

With the advent of World War II, international style came to the United States along with its architects, who were hoping to escape persecution. There, it stayed the dominant architectural style until the 1970s, when architects began to get frustrated with international style’s formulaic, “boxy” appearance.

commercial

Most international style buildings are for commercial use. Image: David Small Designs

What makes international style so unique

The difference between the international style home and many of the other types of architecture that we’ll talk about in our “What Classifies A Home Style” series is that only a small percentage of these buildings are residential homes. By and large, these buildings are used for commercial purposes. In fact, if we had to think of one type of building that was synonymous with international style architecture, it would be the American skyscraper.

With that in mind, some famous international style buildings include:

  • The World Trade Center (New York, New York)
  • The Museum of Modern Art (New York, New York)
  • Willis Tower (Chicago, Illinois)
  • Villa Savoye (Poissy, France)
  • The Design Museum (London, England)
  • Glaspaleis (Heerlen, Netherlands)
characteristics

These homes are known for their rectangular form. Image: Lochwood-Lozier Custom Homes

Defining characteristics of international style homes

Since international style homes are so uniform in their design, it’s especially crucial to look at the defining characteristics that tie them together. With these homes, there’s little ornamentation to speak of so most of the similarity comes through their form. Below is a list of identifying features:

Exterior

  • Rectangular shape
  • Flat roof
  • Utilitarian materials such as concrete, steel and glass
  • Smooth, untextured surfaces
  • Rounded corners
  • A “weightless” quality, as if parts are floating

Interior

  • One or more stories
  • Open floor plans 
  • Continuation of utilitarian materials (e.g. concrete floors)
  • Large, floor-to-ceiling windows

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Choosing an Architect: 5 Things to Consider

If you planned on cutting your hair short, you’d probably choose a stylist known for creating gorgeous pixie cuts. It’s the same idea with architects: each has their own style and specialty. And while two architects could have the same technical training, the end results could be completely different. That’s why choosing an architect is such an important part of the home design process. By choosing a designer that has the same style, taste, and philosophies as you, you’ll be on the same page. Take these factors into consideration when choosing an architect and you’ll be able to pinpoint the one that’s right for your project.

Websites are the best place to start. Image: Adelaine Construction

Research online

First thing’s first: narrowing the field. On the bright side, architecture is usually a smaller field than other contractors. Still, you might feel overwhelmed with all of the possibilities. Start by checking out architects and residential designers in your area. Click around their websites and see if you can get a feel for their design aesthetics. One might be great with traditional craftsman design, while another focuses more on modern. Online portfolios are the best way to “get to know” a designer before you start to narrow your decision down to a few.

Ask for referrals

If you really want to know how an architect collaborates with homeowners, ask for referrals. You can put out feelers on social media to see if any of your friends or family have recommendations or check out online review sites. Still no luck? Go straight to the source and contact the designer directly for referrals. Talking to past clients is the absolute best way to see if an architect is right for you. It’s best to ask specifically about the timeline, collaboration, and how residents feel about the finished product. Feel free to also ask past clients what they didn’t like about a designer and weigh their comments against your own set of dealbreakers. If communication is huge for you and a past client complains that they didn’t feel included in the process, you’ll know it’s not the right fit.

A tight timeline could limit your choices. Image: Firmitas Design

Check availability

Homeowners are often surprised at how full architects’ schedules are. The timeline and availability could change the field of potential designers. If you’re looking for a tight turnaround and a quick build, a designer who can’t schedule you for another eight weeks is going to be a no-go. What’s more, the actual design process can take up a large chunk of your build timeline, so make sure you check each designer’s current workload and completion timeline. While you should plan for about six weeks for the process, individual schedules can vary widely when choosing an architect.

Consider pricing

Pricing is obviously a huge consideration when choosing an architect. Most architects calculate pricing based on square footage and it’s pretty rare to find one that uses an hourly rate. Still, it’s worth asking so you can run some calculations yourself. With a general idea of the size of your project, it’s easy to ask for quotes or pull pricing from websites and figure out how much your plans will cost. Remember that your finished project could be smaller or larger than you thought, especially after hearing your architect’s input. Give yourself some wiggle room in the budget and choose an architect who can deliver what you need at a price you can afford.

Meet face-to-face to see how you work together. Image: Heartwood Homes

Schedule a meeting

Before you make your final decision, schedule a meeting with two or three potential designers. It’s best to meet face-to-face to see how (and if)  you work together. Designing a home is an extremely collaborative process, so it’s important to work with someone with whom you can communicate effectively. Ask questions about style aesthetic and specialties, as well as the general design process. How many meetings can you expect? What’s the typical timeline? What happens if there are changes after the plans are complete?

Once you’ve interviewed a few architects, you’re in a much better position to make a final decision. Remember that if you do your homework, you’ll find a designer that can help your vision come to life. It’s worth it to shop around, ask the right questions, and find the fit that makes sense for you and your project.

Here are some additional tips for finding the right architect.

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Six-Bedroom Residence in Canada Opens Up to Gorgeous Views


The Vallée du Parc Residence is a reinterpretation of the works of Frank Lloyd Wright. The six-bedroom residence’s ground-floor plan sits in close relationship with the surroundings. Located in Mauricie, Québec region, Canada, the project opens up to the neighboring valley. This is because of its numerous terraces.

“From a distance, the eye is attracted by the complex angular roof that establishes a geometrical reciprocity with the surrounding hills,” the team from Chevalier Morales Architectes explained. “The perceived horizontality of the house is created by the extensive program – six bedrooms, two family rooms, four bathrooms, and three garage spaces – mainly located on one single ground floor,” they also said.

A series of terraces surround the house and bring it closer to nature. The openings also invite plenty of natural light inside. All of the interiors are minimalist, so that attention can focus on the magic outdoors.

“Covered with dark-tinted, rough wood planks of various depths, the exterior walls were designed to offer a dynamic and unique texture defined by the ever-changing natural light throughout the day and the seasons,” the designers also added. “Through its original geometry, textural richness, and spatial connection with its surroundings, the Vallée du Parc Residence initiates an architectural conversation within a delicate natural environment.” Information and photography courtesy of Chevalier Morales Architectes

Take a look at the six-bedroom residence’s breathtaking views

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Defining a House Style: What Is a Mediterranean Home?

If you’re a fan of luxurious living, there’s no better architectural style for you than Mediterranean. These homes remind viewers of seaside villas and time spent on vacation. That said, have you ever wondered what exactly it is that makes the Mediterranean home so unique?

We decided to take an in-depth look at what it is that sets Mediterranean homes apart. If you take the time to read over these distinctions, you’ll be an expert on this style before you know it.

Mediterranean home

Mediterranean homes boast both Spanish and Italian influences. Image: McHarris Planning & Design

History of the Mediterranean home

Mediterranean homes as we know them today are based off an architectural style known as Mediterranean Revival. This style aims to emulate the feeling of being in a luxurious Mediterranean villa. It became popularized during the 1920s when a cultural obsession with wealth and leisure led to a boom in seaside resorts.

Originally, the style was only used for public structures like hotels. However, eventually, architects like Addison Mizner of Florida and Bertram Goodhue of California saw that the style’s breezy layout might be a good fit for their coastal climates. It still remains most popular in coastal areas today.

types

There are three distinct sub-types of Mediterranean homes. Image: Taralon Homes

Types of Mediterranean homes

Mediterranean Revival homes are unique in that they borrow influences from a few different cultures in that geographic region. In particular, Italian and Spanish are seen most commonly. Below is an explanation of the differences between the two:

Italian Renaissance (1890-1930)

As the name suggests, Italian Renaissance homes borrow some of their inspiration from the 16th-century buildings of the Italian Renaissance. Specifically, this can be seen in their imposing scale, as well as architectural details like columns and rounded arches. That said, this style also borrows from its own time period, which began at the end of the Victorian era. Of the different styles of Mediterranean home, Italian Renaissance homes are the most ornate.

Spanish Revival (1915-1930)

Spanish Revival homes are based off of the architecture that the Spanish Colonists brought to America in the 16th century. This architectural movement was especially popular in warmer, coastal areas like California and Florida. Spanish Revival homes are a bit simpler than the other Mediterranean varieties. They feature cleaner lines, as well as a lower-pitched roofline that appears thicker and heavier.

Modern Mediterranean

Modern Mediterranean architecture can follow either Spanish or Italian design. It brings back a concentration on resort-style living. These homes borrow aesthetic details from the traditional Mediterranean home style with many of the comforts of modern living. These homes usually feature open floor plans, expansive, updated kitchens and an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living.

features

Mediterranean homes play with shape. Image: GEI Homes & Design

Defining features of Mediterranean homes

Though there are some distinct differences between the sub-types, there are a few defining features that tie them all together. They are as follows:

Exterior features

  • Sprawling, symmetrical façades
  • Stucco exteriors
  • Low-pitched, tile roofs
  • Arched windows and doorways
  • Wrought-iron balconies and window grilles
  • European-style gardens or courtyards

Interior features

  • One to two stories
  • Rectangular floor plan
  • High ceilings
  • Heavy use of wood and patterned tile
  • Designed to let breezes flow through the house

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This Stunning Frank Lloyd Wright Home is for Sale

This Frank Lloyd Wright home is in the news after lots of controversy. Decades after Lloyd Wright built the home for his son, the Arizona home was scheduled for demolition. In 2012, Wright’s apprenticeship program, the School of Architecture at Taliesin, saved it. But funding fell through and the home is now listed for sale for almost $13 million.

Frank Lloyd Wright home

The estate features sweeping views and a spiral design that became famous almost a decade later when Lloyd Wright completed the Guggenheim museum in New York City. All images courtesy of Sotheby’s.

Lloyd Wright built this home for his son, David, in 1952 and it is arguably his best design. In typical fashion, Frank Lloyd Wright not only designed the estate, he also created custom furniture and textiles to complete the look.

The Phoenix-area home is 2,553 square feet and features curves and bends that were the precursor to the iconic Guggenheim museum he completed seven years later in New York City.

Frank Lloyd Wright home and designs

The spiral-designed Guggenheim Museum in New York City is still as contemporary looking today as it was when completed in 1959. Image: Guggenheim

Here’s a closer look at the stunning Frank Lloyd Wright home

Frank Lloyd Wright home

The round complex features many open spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows in order to enjoy the breath-taking surroundings.

Frank Lloyd Wright home exterior lighting

Innovative for its time, the landscaping plan includes lighting to highlight the fluid shapes of the exterior.

Frank Lloyd Wright home lit pathways

Lighting flanks the curved and geometric pathways to guide visitors to the property. The lighting also creates a fascinating view from in the home.

Frank Lloyd Wright kitchen design

The kitchen’s curved walls feature custom wood curved cabinetry and custom ergonomic countertops.

Frank Lloyd Wright fireplace designs

Frank Lloyd Wright’s attention to detail shows in the fireplace he built for the estate. The curves repeat on the fireplace, ceiling, carpet design and inner fireplace grill.

Frank Lloyd Wright furniture

The living room features custom furniture and a large bespoke rug by the famed architect.

Would you want to buy this Frank Lloyd Wright home? Which one is your favorite of his iconic designs? Let us know in the comments.

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What Classifies A House Style: What Makes A Contemporary Home?

For many people, the meaning of the word “contemporary” is hard to pin down because it’s always evolving to fit a modern context. The same can be said for contemporary architecture. However, we’re here to put a face and a definition to the contemporary home once and for all. Keep reading to learn how to identify this style of architecture, as well as what sets it apart from the crowd.

contemporary home

Contemporary homes reflect today’s architecture. Image: Lochwood-Lozier Custom Homes

What is a contemporary home?

Put simply, contemporary homes reflect the architecture of today. While you may think that definition makes it synonymous with modern architecture, that’s actually a common misconception. Modern architecture refers to a style that was popularized from the 1920s to 1950s, one that embraced clean lines and stark minimalism. Contemporary architecture goes beyond that to define the ever-evolving architectural styles of the 21st century.

Most contemporary homes do have a modern flair to them, with design tweaks from postmodernism and deconstructivism, as well. For the first time, we also see homes where the building materials are just as important as the final product. With contemporary homes, we see a huge emphasis on natural and sustainable building materials.

popular

Contemporary homes are popular because they allow for individuality. Image: Openspace Architecture

What makes these homes so popular?

Contemporary homes are popular because they’ve broken the mold when it comes to changing architectural styles. Traditionally, the dominant architectural style of the time will be the complete opposite of the one that came before it. For example, the simplicity of Craftsman homes is in direct opposition to the over-opulence of the Victorian era that came before it.

However, the same cannot be said for contemporary architecture. In fact, this style borrows a lot from modern design, its predecessor. It borrowed what worked, as you can see from the emphasis on clean, simple lines and a connection to the outdoors, and fixed what didn’t. Contemporary homes are often much warmer in design than modern versions.

This ability to pick and choose characteristics led to a never-before-seen emphasis on individuality. Homeowners were free to design their homes in a way that truly worked for them, architectural conventions aside. It also may be why contemporary design seems to be sticking around for the long haul.

feature

In general, contemporary homes try to bring the interior and exterior together. Image: RW Anderson Homes

Defining features of a contemporary home

Though contemporary design does hold a strong emphasis on individuality, there are a few defining characteristics that tie this style of home together. They are:

Exterior:

  • An irregular, asymmetrical façade
  • Strong emphasis on geometric shapes
  • Large windows
  • Clerestory windows
  • Use of recycled building materials
  • Mixed materials on the exterior (e.g. wood and stone)

Interior:

  • One to two stories
  • An open floor plan
  • Lots of natural light
  • Use of natural or recycled materials
  • Green systems for plumbing, heating and air conditioning
  • A flexible layout suited to meet the family’s needs

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Micro Apartments are the Next Big Thing

For fans of tiny houses, there’s a new way to live small and affordably – even in the biggest, most expensive cities. Micro apartments are hot in many cities with developers busy building entire buildings of them in places like New York City and San Francisco. Read on to learn more about micro apartments and where they’re located.

The difference between a studio apartment and a micro apartment

Studios and micro apartments have many things in common. They’re often a single-area open floor plan and they’re both usually less than 600 square feet. The difference comes down to function and ease.

Micro apartments are designed to be space-efficient as well as LEED certified or energy efficient. They are designed so that they feel bigger and more open than their actual square footage. They typically feature a community feel with plenty of common areas and high-end amenities including gyms, recreation areas, spas and bike valets.

Best micro apartment developments across the U.S.

Here’s a roundup of some of the best micro apartment developments in the U.S. Even if you live in a larger space, the design and lay out of these tiny spaces can still provide inspiration. All images courtesy of the developer.

1715 Micro Apartments, Seattle

micro apartment living

Contemporary and crisp white decor, high ceilings and plenty of windows ensure a bright and airy 150 square foot space.

micro apartments

A small designated office workspace next to the bathroom.

Seattle may have the largest selection of micro apartments in the country. This development offers small and relatively affordable units (as little as $800 per month) and also makes renting a snap. All units are pet friendly, have flexible lease lengths, come furnished and also include all utilities and wifi in the monthly rental price.

Stream Belmont, Seattle

best micro apartments and small studio apartments

The tall ceilings create space for large windows and a floating bed loft.

The large rooftop deck features views of downtown Seattle.

This 70-unit development in Seattle’s Capital Hill neighborhood is a combo of 460 square foot micro apartments and 1-2 bedroom apartments. The property offers a central location and earned a walkability score of 98 according to Walk Score. Built with a net-zero carbon footprint, it is LEED gold certified with:

  • reflective roofing
  • passive cooling
  • reverse cycle air-to-water chillers for hot water
  • LED lighting
  • no-VOC paints and finishes
  • bike parking

Turntable Studios, Denver

The cheerful and colorful interior matches the exterior’s warm hues.

The community club house next to the large outdoor pool is the social center of the development.

Developers refurbished an old cylindrical hotel in order to offer Denver’s first micro-apartments in Colorado. One of the coolest communities for rent in Denver, in includes amenities like:

  • Central lobby/reception
  • 24-hour gym
  • 24-hour laundry
  • Common outdoor grill area
  • Car-charging ports
  • Pet-friendly units
  • Clubhouse with adjacent swimming pool
  • High-floor game room featuring pool tables and stunning city views
  • Key fob access

77 Bluxome, SoMa, San Francisco

micro apartment and micro studio

Generously appointed features, such as a pantry, dishwasher and gas range, offset the small size of the kitchen.

The development includes plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy.

San Francisco may arguably be the most expensive city to rent in the U.S. This 240-square-foot micro apartment located in the highly desired SoMa district rents for $2,247 per month. The available amenities add real value to the monthly price tag. They include valet dry cleaning service, an arcade, a rooftop deck with 360-degree views as well as a gourmet community kitchen.

Shattuck Studios, Berkeley, CA

All units are furnished and have a murphy bed that converts the sitting area into a sleeping area.

A small but functional kitchen in a contemporary white washed wood finish.

Shattuck Studios is a four-story building for Berkeley students with 21 units. This project is exceptional due to the fact that the building went up in just 4 days. This is the first building to use MicroPADS, tiny modular apartments modeled on shipping containers. Each prebuilt apartment follows a shipping container model and then gets connected on site.

Carmel Place, New York City, NY

small studio living

Minimalist yet cozy living. The sofa quickly converts into a drop-down murphy bed.

The smart design of the sofa/bed ensures both are large and generous enough for 2 people.

Part of the large outdoor terrace space.

This development of micro apartments in Manhattan consists of 55 units that vary from 260 to 360 square feet in size. It includes a ground floor gym and lobby as well as a top floor communal commercial kitchen, dining area and large terrace with grills.

The Flats, Chicago

This breathtaking lobby offers micro apartment dwellers the perfect place to lounge if they need a little space.

CB2 furnishes these 300 square foot ready-to-go micro apartments.

The developers of The Flats have several properties throughout Chicago, including three locations with micro apartments for rent:

  • Lawrence House in Uptown Chicago (shown in images), a formal 1925-built hotel, renting for $1018 per month
  • The Bachelor, a 1922-built industrial-style building Uptown
  • Bush Temple on River North, the most upscale of the three, starting at $1700 per month

The Wharf, Washington D.C.

The studios feature 9-foot ceilings in order to avoid an enclosed feeling. The well-appointed kitchen offers a washer/dryer as well as stainless-steel appliances including a dishwasher.

Renters can access amenities like a rooftop 40-foot-long infinity pool which overlooks the river in addition to the surrounding restaurants, nightlife and marina.

This high-end community set on the Potomac River combines luxury housing, restaurants, boutiques and more. A third are micro-units which average 350 square feet and are designated as affordable housing. According to the developers, the market rate for the micro apartments will be, “in the range of $1,500-$2,000 per month.”

Micro Apartments Around The World

Here are some stylish and very innovative micro apartments from around the world, proving you don’t have to have a big house to enjoy good design.

Vienna, Austria

Rotenturmstrasse 5-9, located in the heart of Vienna. These eight fully furnished and nicely designed micro apartments range from 320 to 400 square feet with high-end finishes as well as smart technology like adaptive ambient lighting, keyless entry, high speed internet and satellite TV.

Budapest, Hungary

This 322 square foot space includes plenty of practical and modular storage. The pegboard wall along the kitchen and bed area can hold shelves anywhere. The stairs also feature cubbies and large concealed pullout drawers.

Beirut, Lebanon

Aptly named the Shoebox apartment by Eliemetni Architects, this rooftop micro studio is just 150 square feet. The bathroom is located behind the glass door while all the furniture is arranged against the walls for easier movement and flow.

Hong Kong

These are perhaps the most unusual of the world’s micro apartments. James Law Cybertecture refitted these tubular pipes as homes and stacked them as shown to create a micro apartment community.

Sao Paolo, Brazil

Casa 100 designed this 258 square foot studio to function like a modern hotel room.

Madrid, Spain

This micro apartment in Madrid takes advantage of its 13 foot ceilings with a vertical space that goes beyond the 226 square foot floor plan. Design firm MYCC created a stacked design in order to provide levels for a living area, work space and sleeping, all accessed by a wall-mounted ladder.

Would you live in a micro apartment? Which design is your favorite?

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