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Interior design firm A Little Design has completed the renovation of a tiny 189 square foot apartment in Taipei, Taiwan, proving that small living does not have to mean sacrificing comfort or calm. The flat was once a piano teaching studio and never designed to function as a proper home. For its owner, who regularly lives abroad for work and returns to Taipei only between assignments, location mattered more than size. What she needed was a smart, efficient place to land, rest and reset.
The Entryway
Stepping inside, the apartment opens with a compact entryway that looks directly toward the kitchen, instantly giving the space a sense of direction and flow. Large plain white doors conceal a full height closet, keeping visual clutter out of sight and creating a clean, minimalist first impression. The wardrobe also quietly separates the entrance from the living area beyond, defining zones without closing anything off.
The Kitchen
The kitchen was completely rethought during the renovation. Along one wall sits the fridge, sink, washer dryer and a run of practical storage, all neatly integrated into solid cabinetry. On the opposite side, a small electric stove is paired with open wood shelving, adding warmth while keeping everyday items within easy reach. By swapping the original kitchen and bathroom locations, the designers created a more open and workable cooking space that feels far larger than its footprint.
The Living Room
Just around the corner from the kitchen is a compact living area that makes the most of every inch. A sofa sits tucked behind the wardrobe wall, forming a cozy nook that replaces the need for a traditional living room. The couch can also double as a guest bed, while a wall unit unfolds into a desk or dining table depending on the moment. It is a flexible setup designed for working, eating or simply unwinding.
Hidden Storage Throughout
Storage is quietly woven into nearly every surface of the apartment. Cupboards are tucked above the bathroom door, drawers are built beneath the stairs, and deep compartments sit below the sofa. Even changes in floor height caused by plumbing were turned into additional cabinets. Rather than adding bulk, these solutions keep belongings out of sight and allow the apartment to feel open and intentional.
The Bathroom
The bathroom, once oversized for the original layout, was slightly reduced and repositioned to improve ventilation and access to natural light. Inside, a bath and shower sit on one side of the vanity, while the toilet and open shelving line the other. White walls reflect light throughout the space, helping it feel brighter and more generous than its size suggests. A sliding mirrored door further enhances the sense of openness.
The Stairs
Simple wood stairs with a white handrail lead upward, doing more than just connecting floors. The staircase also unlocks access to cabinets built into the wall, while the space beneath houses both kitchen appliances and living room storage.
The Loft Bedroom
At the top of the stairs sits the loft bedroom, tucked beneath the ceiling and separated by a structural beam that now doubles as a design feature. A small wood shelf with a drawer provides a bedside surface, while the opposite wall acts as a clean, understated headboard.
Micro flats like this have existed in Taipei for decades, shaped by rising housing costs and evolving urban lifestyles. Through careful planning and design, A Little Design shows how even the smallest homes can support real, comfortable living.
Photography by Hey! Cheese | Design Studio: A Little Design | Architect: Szumin Wang
