Here’s Proof That Sleeping in Your Living Room Can Actually Be Stylish

As part of our quest to bring you the most interesting, unusual, and inspiring small spaces, allow us to present this incredibly stylish, high-ceilinged Italian apartment—that also happens to be a studio. It’s outfitted in that funky, eclectic-yet-streamlined European way that I’m convinced is the Next Big Thing— proof that sleeping in the living room doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.

The studio, located in Milan, is the former home of designer Pietro Russo. He’s furnished the place with a very, very light hand, keeping pieces to a minimum so that the space itself remains the center of attention. And the space itself is absolutely stunning, with a gorgeous tile floor, soaring ceilings and beautifully textured walls, stripped back to reveal old frescoes.

The few pieces of furniture still manage to intrigue. There’s that suspended corner shelf, a design of Russo’s I’m guessing, which reminds me of a tension shower shelf I used to have, or what that shower shelf would look like if it were rendered in brass and also something you actually wanted to look at. The petite desk next to it is the perfect spot for a laptop, and the cane screen is an ingenious way to create a little privacy for the bed without blocking the light.

In the studio’s separate kitchen, an elephant mural, discovered by Russo while stripping the walls, draws the eye. Dark cabinets set a melancholy yet stylish mood for the space, and what looks like tennis racket heads set into the wall add a bit of whimsy.

See more photos of the apartment on Yellowtrace.