Who needs a sofa?! The unexpected centerpiece of this small, minimalist apartment is perfect for relaxation

In the heart of Madrid lies a small minimalist apartment, the brain child of architect and designer couple Matteo Ferrari and Carlota Gallo. ‘Casa Olivar’ is full of ingenious small space solutions (including a hammock in the living room) that allow for a minimalist style in this tiny home.

Rescued from a ruined state, the split-level apartment has seen a complete transformation into a tranquil space defined by neutral minimalism. Matteo and Carlota aimed to improve natural light through their design and made use of local craft materials that spoke to the apartments heritage. Together, these elements give the home the feeling of being a rural retreat right in the city center.

'As a self-commissioned project, the result had to be an expression of who we are,' Matteo tells us. 'We are both designers with a special interest in architecture and the fashion industry, but we couldn't forget that we are first and foremost two people who enjoy spending quality time together. For this reason our house had to be conceived as a sensorial refuge, a non-urban space to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.'

We take a look inside their apartment to see how the pair created a rustic, minimalist modern home in the center of Madrid, evidencing the limitless possibilities a small space has to offer.

(Image credit: Asier Rua)

Proving that limited space is no match for this couple, the kitchen features deep stainless steal cabinet drawers below the countertop, with open shelving above to showcase their minimalist interior design style.

The kitchen storage units are used to hide the appliances and utensils most of us typically have on show. In a small space, too many objects would look cluttered, so Matteo and Carlota ensured there was enough space for their essentials, pairing a minimalist style with functionality. 

'I believe that design has to provide an answer to all different needs, but at the same time teach how to live in the space based on its architecture,' says Matteo, founder of Matteo Ferrari studio. 'Me and Carlota are both busy, sometimes disorderly people, but we're attached to our personal belongings; for this reason we have adopted design solutions that force us to maintain a mental and visual order in everyday use.' 

(Image credit: Asier Rua)

The open plan layout opens onto a living area through partition walls. Natural stone was recovered during the renovation work and have been put to use throughout the space to create low tables and display stands, contributing to the neutral color scheme. Nestled under the floating desk space, these stands don't detract from the available floor space.

Introducing different textures, materials and raw tones is one of Matteo's small space design secrets. There's no sacrificing variety and visual interest as a result of the limited space available. 'In this project we had to maximize spatial perception with a few elements such as materiality and natural light,' Matteo explains. 'They are the most essential tools in an architect's hand: complementary and mutually strengthening.

(Image credit: Asier Rua)

An arched doorway leads on to the bathroom where ochre colors and a delicate shower curtain bring a sense of warmth and dynamism to the space. The handmade terracotta tiles give continuity between the different rooms, covering the floor and walls of the bathroom for a modern rustic feel. Used in various formats and sizes, they enrich the spatial perception while offering a neutral backdrop that gives the illusion of greater space. 

(Image credit: Asier Rua)

Flow is created between the rooms thanks to the open floorplan, also contributing to more open and airy feel, while the central partition allows them to still act as distinctive spaces in their own right. Two arched doors are formed as a result, mimicking the traditional Mediterranean heritage of the building. 

'It was clear to us that different uses had to be well allocated and defined without sectioning the available area,' Matteo notes. 'We have achieved this through the use of architectural transition features that allow the feeling of open space through visual and lighting connection between the different rooms.'

(Image credit: Asier Rua)

Possibly the cleverest small living room solution we've seen is the use of a hammock. Extending between opposing corners, it offers relaxing seating like you've never seen before, stretching the entire floorspace. And yet, being completely detachable, it can also hang on a hook on the wall when not in use to free up space, the ideal couch alternative. 

'The choice to include a hammock brings back memories of outdoor spaces and a more relaxed use of the living room,' Matteo says. 'On the other hand, it is an extremely flexible and very useful solution for such a small flat. When closed, it becomes a decorative element; when open, it integrates and expands the seating areas together with the sofa. And I assure you, it's a really nice vibe when hosting guests.' Or, if you're anything like us, perfect for whiling the hours away with a good book!