This 430-Square-Foot Studio Uses Color, Plants, and Custom Details to Feel Surprisingly Expansive

published Jan 8, 2026

This 430-Square-Foot Studio Uses Color, Plants, and Custom Details to Feel Surprisingly Expansive

published Jan 8, 2026

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About this tour

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Home Type

Studio Apartment

Location

Cali, Colombia

Style

Modern

Bedrooms

Square feet

430

Sq ft

430

This 430-square-foot apartment in Cali, Colombia, was a completely white canvas when interior designer Natalia Flórez, owner of interior design studio Florez Atelier, moved in about two years ago.

Credit: Natalia Flórez of @florezatelier

The kitchen didn't come with a ton of storage, so Natalia looked for ways to maximize every inch. "There was an empty niche, and I added a wooden shelf there to display all my dinnerware. Between the fridge and the kitchen cabinet there was another unused gap, so I designed a tall, narrow shelving tower where I keep fresh fruits and vegetables. These small, customized additions have made the apartment much more functional without overwhelming the space — and they let me stay organized while keeping everything visually calm and intentional."

Natalia says the walls were all white, and the doors and existing furniture were a walnut-colored wood. But she loved that the floors were marble and that there was a panoramic view of Cali, her hometown.

Credit: Natalia Flórez of @florezatelier

"In many ways, my home reflects how I see myself: vibrant, intentional, and always in the process of flourishing," Natalia writes.

“My home today feels colorful, warm, and very personal,” she writes of the small space, which she says has two real stars: the plants and the view of the mountains. “I wanted to bring the green from the mountains into the interior, so the plants naturally became a central part of the design — not only because I love them, but also because they make the space feel alive.”

Credit: Natalia Flórez of @florezatelier

Natalia believes that acquiring furniture that’s scaled correctly for a space is key: "[O]versized pieces can make a small apartment feel even smaller. I also like incorporating practical pieces that don’t add stress to daily life," she explains. "For example, the rug I have between the living room and my home office is an inexpensive, lightweight one from IKEA that I can simply throw in the washing machine. It keeps the space cozy without making me feel tied down by maintenance. All these choices have helped me add personality, comfort, and function to my rental — without compromising my ability to return it to its original state."

“I gravitate toward color because I think it injects energy and personality into a home. Even my dinnerware is intentionally vibrant; I’ve collected pieces during my travels so I can display them instead of relying on plain white dishes,” Natalia continues. “Altogether, these elements make the space feel like a reflection of who I am and how I love to live.”

Credit: Natalia Flórez of @florezatelier

Although technically a studio apartment, the bedroom is located on a slightly higher level than the rest of the space and divided by this storage area, a layout she appreciates for the sense of independence and privacy. She had to get a little creative with the bedroom divider, though. "In the bedroom, there was already a built-in closet, but in front of the bed — right where the low wall separates the bedroom from the living room — there’s a built-in unit that originally had no doors," she explains. "I had custom doors made for it so I could fully use that storage space and keep everything hidden. That’s also how I created a dedicated area for my partner’s clothes when he stays with me."

Natalia’s last name is Flórez, which she says connects to the idea of “flourishing,” a concept that guides the way she designs. “That’s why there’s so much color throughout the apartment — color, to me, represents life and joy,” she writes.

Credit: Natalia Flórez of @florezatelier

"As an interior designer, I knew exactly what small, renter-friendly changes would make the biggest impact," Natalia admits. "The first thing I did was hire my electrician to swap all the cool white bulbs for neutral light, which is the lighting I prefer and is much easier on my eyes. When it came to painting, I did it myself and focused only on specific areas — the columns and the L-shaped wall. That way, when it’s time to move out, it’s much easier to repaint just those sections instead of the entire apartment. I think one of the best tips for renters is to use every corner intentionally. Give each space a purpose, and be mindful of circulation — especially in a small home."

“Everyone who visits says the space feels very ‘me,'” Natalia continues. “Everything has a place and a purpose, almost like a little dollhouse, as some people describe it. Even the objects I buy are chosen with intention and scaled to fit the apartment. For example, my fan is a miniature version of what you usually find on the market, but it works perfectly and looks just right for the size of my home.”

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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