A 323-Square-Foot Tiny Italian Apartment Is Packed with Smart Small Space Maximizing Ideas

Name: Alice Schirone
Location: Portello neighborhood — Padua, Italy
Type of home: Apartment
Size: Approximately 323 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year, owned

Tell us a little (or a lot) about your home and the people who live there: I found a great deal on this apartment and bought it with the help of my mum after graduating. I moved alone into the apartment while working my first graduate job. We had to completely remodel it. It’s been a true work of love and the first project I did with my mum. She brought in clever ideas to maximize the tiny space, creating a laundry nook and finding space for a comfortable shower. I chose the modern, lean furniture, and brought in the art pieces.

This home really reflects my personality and my taste. I tried to make it feel welcoming and airy despite the tiny size. There are no casual knick-knacks. All pieces have been gifted to me (including the man drawing from my mum, and the large portrait from my dad), I inherited, or I bought them during travels. Fun fact: the tavern chairs in the kitchen were gifted to me by a friend who was renovating his osteria [restaurant]! I love how they don’t really fit with the style of the kitchen and give it more personality.

Describe your home’s style in 5 words or less: Compact, cozy, artistic, clever, eclectic

What is your favorite room and why? I love the office nook I created in the entryway; I just used a wood plank and fixed it to the walls to create a desk. The cabinet under it was painted and decorated by me. It gave a purpose to a room that otherwise wouldn’t have been used.

What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? This IKEA sofa — it fits perfectly and sleeps two people!

Any advice for creating a home you love? Start with a versatile, functional base when choosing large furniture, and then add everything that makes you smile! Don’t pay too much attention to the color scheme or style of every single object; if you love everything that is in your space, it will work out!

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

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