When architects Ylenia Rose Testore and Andrea Del Pedro Pera learned they were expecting a baby the same day their mortgage was approved, their 41-square-meter Milan apartment needed to accommodate three people.
The couple, co-founders of architecture studio ATOMAA, had chosen the space for its location on the city’s northeast edge. A nearby park and the Naviglio Martesana canal provided a rare stretch of greenery. “It’s like living in the countryside,” Andrea said. But the original layout, dark and enclosed, wouldn’t suit a growing family.
The redesign that kept the past alive
The apartment’s transformation focused on openness. The kitchen and bathroom were relocated to improve movement, while the original 1960s flooring—a key reason the couple loved the space—was preserved. “We avoid tabula rasa,” Andrea said, referring to the Latin phrase for a blank slate. “It loses the character of the house.”
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The entrance remained open but became more practical. A soft pink storage unit, built into one of the few remaining original walls, holds everyday items. Across from it, a mirrored cupboard with integrated lighting serves as both a last-minute check and storage for seasonal clothing. Above the front door, a small ventilation window allows light and air to enter without sacrificing privacy.
Next to the entrance, the living area opens onto a balcony with park views. The furniture was designed for adaptability: a pink sofa doubles as a guest bed, its cushions rearranged when needed. A yellow circle on the wall behind it mimics a sunrise, while open shelving and a sliding timber panel conceal the air conditioning. A repainted bookshelf, built by Ylenia during her university years, holds sketchbooks and a radio used daily.
The kitchen, a long stainless steel counter, became the center of the home. Careful storage keeps the space safe for a child, with essentials within easy reach. A former fridge alcove was turned into extra bench space, once used for baby changing. Automatic blinds control light, keeping the kitchen bright. The stainless steel countertop, chosen for durability, shows signs of daily use, while marble from an old broken table adds history.
A bedroom that adapts to family life
The bedroom, once separated, now connects directly to the kitchen through full-height sliding panels inspired by Ettore Sottsass. When open, westerly light fills the apartment; when closed, the space becomes private. The sliding doors act as mirrors, while the cabinetry extends into wardrobes divided for each family member.
Their approach highlights a key challenge in small-space living: balancing current needs with future possibilities. A small Milan apartment isn’t just a limitation; it’s a way to decide what truly matters. The storage, sliding panels, and flexible furniture aren’t just solutions—they reflect how a family chooses to live, not how much space they have.
The bathroom’s purple and green colors, chosen for their calming effect, contrast with the rest of the apartment’s brighter tones. Steel-framed glass panels add an industrial feel. Outside, the park and canal remain the apartment’s best feature. The balcony, barely large enough for two chairs, offers a view of changing seasons. For a family that values quality over size, the view may be the most valuable part of the home.
