In a 45 sqm apartment in Milan, graphic designers Giovanni Cavalleri and Cecilia Bianchini have turned a one‑bedroom flat into a space that shifts from a quiet studio to a lively gathering spot, all while keeping a strong visual focus on their art and books.
Designing a Flexible Corridor‑Gallery
The entryway features a low metal shelf that holds everyday items like keys and sunglasses. From there, a narrow passage stretches across the length of the home, lined with a custom aluminium bookshelf built by specialist metalworkers. The shelf, which hangs from the ceiling, holds the largest volumes and keeps the floor clear, preserving an open feel. Along the opposite wall, framed posters and artworks by friends turn the walk into a daily gallery experience.
“The bookshelf is the backbone of the house. It guides you all the way to the end of the corridor,” Bianchini says. The shelving continues above the kitchen, extending the gallery concept into the heart of the apartment.
Related: Architect Restores Century-Old Paris Apartment
Kitchen as a Cinema and Pantry
Even within the tight footprint, the kitchen remains full‑sized. Stainless‑steel cabinets house an oven, a compact fridge and concealed storage, while a built‑in extractor sits directly in the stovetop, freeing the wall above the benchtop. That blank surface doubles as a projection wall for movies and TV in the evenings. A freestanding metal unit near the sofa serves as a flexible pantry and also supports the projector.
“We really, really love having friends over,” Cavalleri notes, adding that the open layout encourages frequent dinner parties.
Living Area That Moves
The dining and living space shares the same open zone as the kitchen. At its centre sits a custom table on wheels, designed with the architects. The tabletop flips from yellow to blue, a simple change that alters the mood. The sofa’s backrest can be lowered to become a bed for overnight guests. A floor‑length white curtain, taken from the designer’s mother’s house, hangs from a taut metal wire rather than a conventional rail; the fabric is folded and tied to avoid pooling on the low ceiling.
Related: Surviving Cabinet Install Day: Realistic Timeline, Prep Tips, Surprises
For anyone unfamiliar with modular interiors, this approach shows how a compact footprint can still host a variety of functions without feeling cramped.
By anchoring the design around a continuous shelving line and movable furniture, the apartment adapts to daily routines and social occasions alike, proving that limited square footage does not have to limit lifestyle choices.
Overall, Cavalleri and Bianchini’s home demonstrates a balance of practicality and playfulness. Personal artifacts—curtains, second‑hand furniture—intermix with custom‑made elements, creating a space that feels lived‑in yet uncluttered. Their design choices reflect a desire to slow down and unplug from the city while still welcoming friends into a setting that feels both airy and intimate.
