A tiny apartment turned open studio

In the heart of Newton, a one-bedroom condo has been transformed into a light, airy studio that prioritises openness, calm, and connection. Designed by OVON, the project redefines compact living through careful spatial reconfiguration, multifunctional features, and a serene palette that reflects the lifestyle of its owners.

Originally, the unit followed the typical one-bedroom layout: an enclosed sleeping area separated from the living and dining zones. While functional, this configuration chopped up the limited square footage and restricted the flow of light. OVON designer Gary’s first move was bold but effective — removing the bedroom wall entirely.

In its place, he introduced the home’s most distinctive feature: a rotating TV unit positioned between the living and sleeping areas. It’s a solution that maintains a subtle sense of separation between zones without the need for partitions that could shrink the space.

“This allows the couple to enjoy their shows from either the sofa, dining area or the bed, simply by swivelling the screen to suit their mood,” explains Gary.

For a home this compact, colour selection plays a critical role in shaping its atmosphere. Gary chose a crisp white as the dominant base, enhancing the apartment’s natural brightness and helping to blur the boundaries between walls and ceilings. This creates the illusion of greater depth and volume, while also providing a clean backdrop for the detailing to stand out.

To balance the white and avoid a sterile effect, soft blue accents were layered throughout. These touches appear on key elements like the rotating TV frame and the study desk, offering gentle contrast and visual rhythm.

Blue naturally evokes a sense of calm and serenity, which was important in creating a restful atmosphere for the homeowners – yoga and pilates instructors who value calmness. “It adds just enough contrast to define key elements like the rotating TV and the study desk,” says Gary.

In small homes, every square inch needs to earn its keep. In this residence, the kitchen and dining zones merge around a custom high-table island that integrates a sink and comfortably seats up to three. Finished with a durable Dekton top, the island provides additional prep space next to the hob, making cooking more efficient while also functioning as a casual dining spot.

The kitchen’s streamlined footprint leaves room for circulation and avoids the boxed-in feeling often associated with small cooking areas. Its placement also connects it visually to the rest of the home, encouraging interaction between zones.

One of the biggest challenges of compact living is accommodating storage without overwhelming the interior. Gary’s solution was a continuous run of concealed cabinetry that begins in the bedroom, flows through to the bathroom, and extends to the entrance.

This unbroken millwork conceals not only everyday storage but also the bathroom door, maintaining a clean, cohesive visual language throughout. The result is a clutter-free environment that feels larger.

With the bedroom now fully open to the rest of the apartment, its design needed to be both integrated and distinct. A compact study desk was incorporated into the space, giving the couple a dedicated work area without compromising its restful quality.

The calm palette continues here, with the same white-and-blue combination ensuring visual continuity. This consistency allows the eye to move easily through the home, enhancing the perception of openness.

By opening up the plan, incorporating multifunctional furniture, and using colour and cabinetry to define rather than divide, Gary has created a home that feels far larger than its 560-square-foot footprint. The apartment is proof that small-space living doesn’t have to mean compromise. Here, every decision — from the placement of the island to the concealment of the bathroom door — has been made in service of a clear design goal: to create a home that’s as open and fluid as its owners’ way of life.

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