Small Apartment Organized Using Function Boxes And Lots Of Creativity

Architects and interior designs are constantly struggling to pack as much function into as little space as possible and the biggest challenging is knowing how to combine all the different elements in a way that doesn’t make a small apartment feel tiny or claustrophobic. We could learn a thing or two from TOWOdesign. They recently transformed the interior of a loft apartment from central Shanghai into one of the most inspiring homes we’ve come across. The apartment only measures 48 square meters in total but that doesn’t stop it from being very bright, open and airy. To achieve the perfect balance between looks and functionality, the designers organized the apartment into a series of function boxes.

Some of the pillars and wall sections have been left exposed, revealing the original outline of the apartment
Some of the pillars and wall sections have been left exposed, revealing the original outline of the apartment
There's a very nice and organic flow of spaces throughout the apartment which doesn't involve any traditional walls
There’s a very nice and organic flow of spaces throughout the apartment which doesn’t involve any traditional walls

At the center of the apartment stands a yellow box which incorporates the kitchen cabinetry and which acts as a separator between the sleeping box and the living area. This yellow box is like a ray of sunshine, cheering up the decor and giving it a fresh and playful vibe. The living space is open and airy, with plenty of natural light and a very comfy and casual feel. The sleeping box is at the opposite side of the apartment and is covered in wood which gives it a warm and cozy ambiance. These are the highlights regarding the layout and organization of the spaces. As far as the whole apartment decorating strategy is concerned, the images speak for themselves.

The separation of the functions was done in a rather unconventional manner, through function boxes
The separation of the functions was done in a rather unconventional manner, through function boxes
The sleeping box has a staircase and lots of hidden storage plus beautiful cove lighting warm colors inside
The sleeping box has a staircase and lots of hidden storage plus beautiful cove lighting warm colors inside
The sleeping box is basically a small bedroom, with a bed, nightstands, storage shelves and all the basic features
The sleeping box is basically a small bedroom, with a bed, nightstands, storage shelves and all the basic features
Large mirrors are placed strategically throughout the apartment, reflecting the space and giving the impression of openness
Large mirrors are placed strategically throughout the apartment, reflecting the space and giving the impression of openness
The walls, flooring and ceilings are white throughout the apartment, with the exception of a few exposed surfaces
The walls, flooring and ceilings are white throughout the apartment, with the exception of a few exposed surfaces
No space goes to waste in this apartment. Every little nook and corner is used in creative ways
No space goes to waste in this apartment. Every little nook and corner is used in creative ways
In the living room, the gray of the area rug and the sofa matches the gray of the exposed beams and pillars
In the living room, the gray of the area rug and the sofa matches the gray of the exposed beams and pillars
The yellow of the kitchen box is complemented by light wood accents, grays and crisp white surfaces
The yellow of the kitchen box is complemented by light wood accents, grays and crisp white surfaces
This shallow nook on the hallway didn't go to waste either. It accommodates a coat tree and a cool sculpture
This shallow nook on the hallway didn’t go to waste either. It accommodates a coat tree and a cool sculpture
The mirrors reflect the space and some of its coolest features, like this rugged, exposed concrete beam
The mirrors reflect the space and some of its coolest features, like this rugged, exposed concrete beam