Small Spaces: Monochrome Interiors and Sculptural Furniture Make This Tiny 60m2 Apartment Feel Bigger

When it comes to small spaces, there is a common misconception that only walls painted the same colour will make a tiny apartment look bigger. This 60^m2 apartment with white and solid black walls corrects it. Its secret sauce? A directional look that focuses on statement pieces that will make the eye travel.

In the living room, a Tulipa lamp by Cristian Herrera at Il-lacions Gallery, a 150225 artwork by Alicia Gimeno (Escat Gallery), a vintage armchair by Fenix Originals and a Piedra coffee table by Otra. Next to the sofa, an Archipelago side table by Brats (Il-lacions Gallery) and bespoke coach by Miki Beumala.

© Javi Dardo

In a Barcelona neighbourhood, where culture, design and art meet, is the swoon-worthy home of entrepreneur Maria Carvajal, whose strong sense of style manifests in an unexpected mix of radical looks that, whilst recalling the aesthetic manifestos of the past, feel resolutely futuristic.

The digital influencer and creator invited interior stylists Santa Living to orchestrate an interior setting that leaves no room for the ordinary. The result is a bold yet calm home that will make you look at the style potential of small spaces in an entirely new light.

In the hallway, a vintage Sirio T Lamp by T. Takahama at Fenix Originals, and an Ode Chair by Sizar Alexis (Il-lacions Gallery).

© Javi Dardo

Brutalist and radical inspirations

In this compact yet intensely expressive apartment, every square centimetre is invested with intention. Lively and cinematic, it reveals an interior architecture conceived as a singular narrative, where every detail tells a story of contrast and balance. Renovated by Spanish architect David Ruiz, the small 59-square-meter apartment, it is the sculptural accents – by way of lighting and furniture in raw, organic finishes – and a bold black or white colourway that give it a WOW! factor. “The designer and the owner called us to elevate the project, to give it a more emotional, more personal dimension,” say the Santa Living stylist duo. “We created bespoke pieces that spoke to both Maria Carvajal and the designer to best illustrate their world.”

In the dining room, Betty Chair chairs by Thau and Kallio (&Tradition) surround the vintage Altar Table by Miguel Milà (Fenix Originals). On the table, the Antoinette bowl by Isabel Francoy enhances light dinners. On the String System bookcase (String Furniture), the Nesso lamp (Artemide) lights up the room.

© Javi Dardo

In the living room, Arco lamps by Flos (left) and Funiculi by Marset (right), and the String System bookcase by String Furniture.

© Javi Dardo

A black-and-white interior

“Life is not all about sharp contrasts,” is Carvajal’s mantra; her warm and radical Barcelona pied-à-terre, with its strict codes of black or white, both challenges and appreciates that thought. Bringing refinement through raw materials, sculptural volumes and skilfully controlled lighting, matt-white walls radiate with a soft, almost silent glow, whilst black walls highlight the clean lines of the metal furniture, waxed concrete and burnt wood. Together they create a brutalist-meets-futurism vibe that still feels warm and lived-in – a key consideration for decorating small spaces.

In the bedroom, the Flexo Lamp (Zara Home), the Kahn Stool by Sanna Volker at Il.lacions Gallery and the Raku artwork by Carla Cascales.

© Javi Dardo

© Javi Dardo

In the kitchen, Lantern Lamps (New Works), Moka Pot – La Cup ola bowls (Alessi), Metal bowl (H&M Home), and a Beige Degrade Glass vase (Los Objetos Decorativos).

© Javi Dardo