Tucked away in Trento, Italy, this small apartment has been quietly transformed by architecture firm Studio Raro into a space that feels far more inventive than its footprint suggests. Designed as a vacation apartment, the renovation focuses on using height, light, and clever detailing to turn everyday functions into moments of surprise.
A bold yellow sideboard sets the tone
The experience begins the moment you step inside. A long yellow sideboard stretches along the entry, immediately catching the eye and setting a confident tone for the apartment. It is not just a splash of color, but a piece that hints at the playful thinking behind the renovation. In a compact home, storage and function are usually hidden away, but here they are put front and center as part of the design story.
A kitchen hidden in plain sight
The sideboard reveals its true purpose when its top is lifted. Beneath it sits the kitchen counter, complete with a sink and cooktop. The lid itself doubles as a backsplash, turning a single gesture into a fully functional cooking space. When closed, the kitchen disappears entirely, allowing the apartment to return to a calm, uncluttered living area. It is a solution that feels both practical and theatrical, perfect for a holiday home designed to impress without trying too hard.
A glass bedroom lifted above the living space
One of the defining moves of the renovation is the raised, glass enclosed bedroom. The generous ceiling height of the main room allowed Studio Raro to introduce a mezzanine level, lifting the sleeping area above the kitchen and living space. Enclosed in glass, the bedroom feels separate yet connected, elevated both physically and visually from the everyday functions below. This move transforms the apartment vertically, making it feel larger and more layered than it actually is.
Storage tucked neatly beneath the stairs
By raising the bedroom, the level below is reclaimed for storage, accessed discreetly via the stairs. In a small apartment, this hidden storage is invaluable, keeping clutter out of sight and preserving the clean lines of the living area. It is a reminder that smart design is often about what you do not immediately see, as much as what you do.
Light flowing through glass and open space
The use of glass walls allows natural light from the living room windows to filter through the apartment and into the bedroom. Rather than blocking light, the open plan and transparent enclosure help it travel, giving the entire space a brighter, more generous feel. This sense of openness is key to the apartment’s success, especially given its modest size.
Dining and living brought together with quiet elegance
Adjacent to the bedroom and kitchen, the dining area and living room come together as one relaxed zone. A minimalist light fixture anchors the dining space without overwhelming it, while the overall palette remains warm and refined. The designers describe the use of warm colors and gold accents as a way of interpreting charm, turning the apartment into a small jewel of hospitality rather than just a place to stay.
This Trento apartment shows that small spaces can still feel indulgent when designed with care. By using height, glass, and multifunctional elements, Studio Raro has created a vacation home that feels elegant.