Tucked away in the leafy Auckland suburb of Northcote Point, there’s a 36-square-meter gem that proves even small spaces can be packed with personality. Once a humble “man cave” above a double garage, this space has undergone a stunning transformation into a cozy, stylish apartment, perfect for a couple who live busy, creative lives. Despite the compact size, this apartment manages to balance practicality with a sense of calm, providing a comfortable home for two people — including one big gentleman and his artist wife. The redesign of this space truly shows that a small footprint doesn’t mean small potential.
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An Efficient Entryway with Steep Stairs and Style
Opening the door to this cleverly designed apartment, visitors are greeted by a flight of steep stairs that lead to the main living area. These stairs, once rugged and perhaps a bit daunting, have been given a stylish update with a fresh coat of dark charcoal paint. This not only sharpens their appearance but adds definition to what could have been a forgotten corner. It’s a reminder that even the smallest details can add personality to a space — something every small apartment benefits from.
The Light-Filled Living Space with a Touch of Serenity
Once inside, the apartment opens up into a surprisingly light and airy space. The walls are a soft, hazy white with hints of gray, creating an ethereal, almost dream-like atmosphere. This subtle color choice reflects the natural light beautifully, making the space feel larger than its modest square footage would suggest. However, the room is not without its shadows, depending on the time of day, giving the room a dynamic quality that keeps it from feeling too clinical. It’s a space that evolves with the day — as all good homes should.
The flooring follows suit, offering a calm, quiet foundation that doesn’t scream for attention but rather supports the peaceful ambiance. It’s a welcome contrast to the often chaotic energy that can accompany cramped city living.
Smart Storage Solutions for Sloped Ceilings
One of the biggest challenges in this apartment is the sloped, pitched roof. While this architectural feature adds character, it also limits usable space. The solution? Custom-built storage cabinets under the lowest part of the pitch, where the roof slopes to about a meter from the floor. These cabinets serve multiple purposes — they house the TV opposite the seating area and provide storage for just about everything else, ensuring clutter is kept at bay.
A Kitchenette with Everything You Need
The kitchenette may be compact, but it’s fully equipped with all the essentials. A small oven that doubles as a microwave, a refrigerator, and a sink (one of the smallest available but just big enough to fit an oven tray) make this kitchen incredibly functional. Extra bench space can be created by utilizing the top of the cabinetry or even the dining table for those days when there’s a bit more chopping or prepping involved.
For those quick, busy mornings, the space has been designed with simplicity in mind — everything is within easy reach, and there are no unnecessary steps involved. It’s a kitchen that gets the job done without any fuss.
Mid-Century Comfort in the Seating Area
The living area is designed to be a place to unwind. Two comfortable, mid-century chairs invite the couple to sit back, relax, and enjoy their favorite music or a good TV show. For extra convenience, stackable tables have been included — a nod to the flexible, adaptable design needed in small spaces. The couple, being avid readers and music lovers, has incorporated a music system into the cupboards, ensuring that every inch of this apartment is working hard for them.
A Cleverly Designed Sleeping Area
In a space this small, the sleeping area needed to be just as functional as the rest of the apartment. The queen-sized bed rests on a low futon base to accommodate the pitch of the roof, avoiding the need for a tall bed that would feel out of proportion. Though low to the ground, the bed is perfectly comfortable and fits seamlessly into the space. Opposite the bed, a built-in closet offers ample storage for clothes, with additional storage at the top. This creates a natural division between the sleeping area and the rest of the apartment without disrupting the open feel of the space.
A Bathroom Built for Comfort
Surprisingly, the bathroom is generously sized for such a small apartment. Though there’s no bathtub, the large shower more than makes up for it, offering a luxurious, spa-like experience. Located at the end of the bed, the bathroom is tucked out of sight from the main living area, preserving the peaceful vibe of the apartment. The bathroom also mirrors the storage design in the living space, creating a sense of harmony throughout the apartment.
Designing for the Future of Urban Living
Small spaces like this are more than just a design challenge — they represent the future of urban living. As cities grow and housing becomes more condensed, the need for smart, efficient, and quality spaces is becoming increasingly important. This Northcote Point apartment is a prime example of how small living can still feel expansive, stylish, and full of personality. Every corner, every cabinet, and every piece of furniture is carefully considered to make life easier and more enjoyable for its residents.
Though living in a space this size might sound daunting to some, it’s clear that when designed well, small apartments can offer a unique kind of freedom. There’s no need to pull out a fold-down sofa bed at night or rearrange furniture for a dinner party. Everything is already in its place, ready to be used at a moment’s notice. It’s a home designed for ease and comfort, without sacrificing style.
In a world where space is increasingly at a premium, this Northcote Point apartment proves that you can live large, no matter the square footage.
- Project Name: Man Cave, Garage Loft
- Interior Designer: Karin Montgomery
- Source: Never Too Small
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