Space-saving tips abound in this highly functional tiny rooftop apartment, located in Italy. Designed by Gon Architects, Casa Gialla is an ingenious transformation that packs a powerful punch. A host of built-in bespoke storage solutions are crammed into a wall of solid, bold yellow units. The bank of bright units hold two double wardrobes, a secret entryway to the bedroom, a roll-out kitchen island and desk combo, plus a bank of bookshelves, and multiple cupboards of varying sizes. The majority of joinery in the apartment serves multiple roles, delivering new aspects to the interior. Out on the compact terrace, the multifunctional theme continues with a bench that transforms into an outdoor bathtub.
One long wall of eye-catching yellow units is home to many functions of this apartment. One of these multifunctional parts is a roll-out island with storage tucked inside its base. The movable island is utilized as a part of the kitchen layout, as a dining bar, and as a comfortable workstation.
Two closets offer ample storage for the one-bedroom apartment. Upper cabinets make good use of the vertical storage space in the main living area.
The small sofa is lightweight, which means it can be moved around the apartment with ease to accommodate different needs. When pushed to the far end of the room, it opens up the kitchen to receive the island on castors. When the sofa is in a central location, it teams with a drop-down projector screen to fashion a living room theatre.
The one-bedroom apartment is ingeniously adapted to offer guest accommodation with a pull-down bed design, which drops into the main living space. By day, the bed is completely concealed within a wall of inconspicuous flat, white units.
A permanent home workspace is installed in the corner of the living room. The bespoke corner desk design fits two people. The desk receives natural sunlight and a blissful breeze from a small window above it.
On top of the white desk, a cheerful yellow vase adds a pop of color. The unique timepiece is The Ordinary Purposes Clock, designed by Hundreds Tens Units.
A small round dining table and two chairs are pleasantly anchored in place by a column of display shelves that reside in the yellow wall of storage. A small indoor plant peeps out from the shelving nook.
Another indoor plant is revealed from behind a yellow curtain in the storage wall. The curtained window opens the bedroom up to natural light from the living room.
The yellow bedroom door stands flush with the storage wall.
With the curtain drawn back and the door open, the windowless bedroom becomes a bright and airy space.
Wardrobes are tucked by the foot of the bed. A small ensuite bathroom is accessed via a sliding pocket door.
Inside the ensuite bathroom, a vessel basin is mounted on a bright yellow corner shelf that opens up the space. Open wall shelves make toiletries easy to grab.
The projector unit descends from an upper cabinet in the bank of storage.
Yellow mosaic tiles form a colorful threshold into the bedroom.
Wicker planters add a warm, natural element that complements the yellow decor.
A small selection of books and decorative items add further splashes of color.
The kitchen is an understated white installation with concealed appliances.
Out on the compact terrace area, a built-in bench is decorated with sunny yellow mosaic tiles and a sky-blue seat cushion.
An assortment of throw pillows nestles into the corner of the custom bench shape.
The top of the bench opens up on hinges to reveal a hidden bathtub inside.
Bifold glass doors connect the terrace area with the apartment interior to achieve one connected indoor-outdoor living space.
The outdoor bench makes a perfect reading nook with blissful fresh air. Depending on the time of day, the bench is either a glorious sun trap or a corner of cool shade.
The final door in the yellow feature wall is the entry door to the apartment.
A yellow outdoor chair adds another colorful note to the small terrace.
An outdoor shower affixes a fun red accent onto the white stucco wall. The water thunders down amongst a display of lush outdoor plants to create a fresh and uplifting bathing experience.
The small dining table and two chairs can be lifted out onto the balcony for an alfresco dining occasion.
A matt white kitchen faucet and a simple white backsplash blend with the matching kitchen units. The monochrome design creates a peaceful visual that does not compete with the bright feature wall.
A skylight fills the living space with natural illumination.
At the end of the kitchen run, a custom-cut mirror reflects the elegant arch of the kitchen faucet and a display of colorful decorative vases. A white integrated oven sits quietly in the white kitchen layout.
Section drawings, transitioning from the back of the apartment to the front terrace.
In this 3D drawing of the apartment, we see all the storage aspects of the home. This includes the yellow feature wall of storage units, the white kitchen, the pull-down guest bed, and the bedroom wardrobes.
Apartment floor plan. Here, we see the complete layout of the ensuite bathroom design. A sliding pocket door separates the WC and basin area from a walk-through shower enclosure.