A 290 Square Foot Apartment Transformed Into a Smart Open Studio

by Erin Miller on March 30, 2026
A tiny Jakarta apartment redesigned into a bright open-plan studio, where removing one wall completely changes how the space feels and functions.

Interior design firm Co+in Collaborative Lab has reworked a 290 sqft (27sqm) apartment in Jakarta, Indonesia, turning two separate rooms into a compact open-plan studio. The goal was simple but challenging, make the most of every square metre without sacrificing comfort.

By removing the existing partition, the layout opens up completely, allowing natural light from the windows to travel further into the apartment. What was once divided now feels like a single, flexible space.

Opening Up the Space

The original layout limited both movement and light. Knocking down the partition instantly made the apartment feel larger and more usable.

This change also allowed the design to center around a more efficient layout, where each area flows into the next without interruption.

A sleek small kitchen with light wood cabinets and LED lighting, designed to keep a compact apartment feeling bright and uncluttered.

A Bright, Compact Kitchen

Just inside the apartment, the kitchen runs partially along one wall. Light wood cabinetry keeps it visually soft, while integrated LED strips add brightness and clarity to the workspace.

Despite its size, the kitchen offers everything needed for daily use, fitting seamlessly into the overall layout without overwhelming it.

A sleek small kitchen with light wood cabinets and LED lighting, designed to keep a compact apartment feeling bright and uncluttered.
A sleek small kitchen with light wood cabinets and LED lighting, designed to keep a compact apartment feeling bright and uncluttered.
A sleek small kitchen with light wood cabinets and LED lighting, designed to keep a compact apartment feeling bright and uncluttered.

A Living Area That Adapts

At the end of the kitchen sits the living area, where flexibility becomes key. A compact sofa works as both everyday seating and an extra bed for guests.

Above it, wall-mounted shelves and a higher wood ledge take advantage of vertical space, adding storage without crowding the room. Every element is positioned to serve more than one purpose.

A small living room with a sofa that converts into a guest bed, paired with smart wall shelving to maximise vertical space.
A small living room with a sofa that converts into a guest bed, paired with smart wall shelving to maximise vertical space.

Dining, Storage, and Smart Design

Opposite the sofa, the entertainment unit integrates with a dining table that can also function as a desk. This dual-purpose setup keeps the apartment adaptable throughout the day.

Storage is built into nearly every surface. The cabinetry does more than hold belongings, it also forms the stairs leading up to the loft bed, turning circulation into usable space.

A multi-functional setup where a dining table doubles as a desk and built-in cabinets become stairs, perfect for small apartment living.
A multi-functional setup where a dining table doubles as a desk and built-in cabinets become stairs, perfect for small apartment living.

The Elevated Bed Solution

The queen-sized loft bed becomes the focal point of the apartment. Positioned above integrated storage, it frees up the floor below for living and dining.

Underneath, there’s additional storage, while nearby cabinetry includes wardrobe space and concealed compartments. The palette of white, grey, and wood ties everything together, keeping the space calm and cohesive.

An open display cabinet partially screens the bed, creating a subtle separation between sleeping and social areas.

A loft bed with built-in storage underneath, creating extra space in a tiny apartment while keeping the design clean and minimal.

A Simple, Functional Bathroom

Near the entrance, the bathroom follows a straightforward material approach. Large tiles line the lower half of the walls, while smaller square grey tiles cover the upper section. This combination adds texture without complicating the space, keeping it practical and easy to maintain.

A compact bathroom with a mix of large and small grey tiles, creating a clean and functional finish in a small space.
A compact bathroom with a mix of large and small grey tiles, creating a clean and functional finish in a small space.

The Layout

To understand how the layout of the apartment changed during the remodel, here’s the floor plan and exploded axonometric view.

To understand how the layout of the apartment changed during the remodel, here’s the floor plan and exploded axonometric view.
To understand how the layout of the apartment changed during the remodel, here’s the floor plan and exploded axonometric view.

This micro apartment shows how far a small space can go with the right layout and design decisions. By combining open planning, multi-functional furniture, and built-in storage, Co+in Collaborative Lab has created a home that feels complete in every sense.

Photography and Interior Designer : Co+in Collaborative Lab / Nico Andriano