![Custom cabinetry makes the most of the space in this small studio apartment.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-custom-woodwork-desk-fold-down-bed-180422-847-01.jpg)
Architects Juan Alberto Andrade and Maria Jose Vascones, have shared with us their recently completed project, a small apartment in Quito, Ecuador, that includes custom wood cabinets that makes the most of the available space.
The 296 square foot (27.5 sqm) studio apartment needed a solution that would include a kitchen area, storage space, laundry room, bed/bedroom, library, desk/dining table, bar, and closet. The architects decided to design custom cabinets that would include all of the requirements.
The cabinets include a variety of hidden features, like a fold-down bed, which when lowered, shelves behind and to the side of the bed are revealed.
![The minimalist wood cabinets in this studio apartment include a variety of hidden features, like a fold down bed. Once lowered, shelves behind and to the side of the bed are revealed.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-built-in-murphy-bed-180422-833-01.jpg)
![This studio apartment includes a variety of hidden features, like a fold down bed.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-built-in-murphy-bed-180422-833-02.jpg)
When not in use, the bed simply folds back into the wall, allowing the desk to be dropped down. The clever design has a simple locking mechanism that keeps it in place.
![A small studio apartment with a built-in desk that can be dropped down.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-fold-down-desk-180422-827-01.jpg)
![A small studio apartment with a built-in desk that can be folded down or locked in place when not in use.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-fold-down-desk-180422-827-02.jpg)
On a nearby wall, there’s a black metal ladder that allows the apartment owner to easily access the upper storage like the green shelves, as well as the cabinets above the kitchen.
![A studio apartment includes a black metal ladder that allows the apartment owner to easily access the upper storage cabinets.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-with-ladder-storage-180422-824-01.jpg)
![This small apartment includes a black metal ladder that allows the apartment owner to easily access the upper storage like the green shelves, as well as the cabinets above the kitchen.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-with-ladder-storage-180422-824-02.jpg)
![A small apartment has a rail for a ladder to gain access to the upper cabinets.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-with-ladder-storage-180422-824-03.jpg)
The opposite wall and the open plan area are dedicated to the living room, with a simple couch and a couple of chairs. Next to the living room is a hidden closet that slides out to reveal drawers, shelves, and a space to hang clothes.
![A hidden closet slides out to reveal drawers, shelves, and an space to hang clothes.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-closet-living-room-180422-756-01.jpg)
![A hidden closet in this small apartment slides out to reveal drawers, shelves, and an space to hang clothes.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-closet-living-room-180422-756-02.jpg)
![A small apartment includes a hidden closet that slides out to reveal drawers, shelves, and an space to hang clothes.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-closet-living-room-180422-756-03.jpg)
The corner has been softened with a curved cabinet that opens to shelving.
![The corner has been softened with a curved cabinet that opens to shelving.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-storage-ideas-180422-759-02.jpg)
![The corner of this small studio apartment has been softened with a curved cabinet that opens to shelving.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-storage-ideas-180422-759-01.jpg)
The small kitchen is located in the hallway, where a folding cabinet door opens to showcase a contrasting dark kitchen countertop, sink, cooktop, and microwave.
![The small kitchen in this studio apartment is located in the hallway, where a folding cabinet door opens to showcase a contrasting dark kitchen countertop, sink, cooktop, and microwave.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-custom-cabinets-hallway-kitchen-180422-837-01.jpg)
![A small black kitchen is hidden behind cabinet doors in the hallway of this small apartment.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-custom-cabinets-hallway-kitchen-180422-837-02.jpg)
![A small kitchen is hidden behind cabinet doors in the hallway of this small apartment.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-custom-cabinets-hallway-kitchen-180422-837-03.jpg)
![The black kitchen of a small apartment is hidden behind cabinet doors.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/small-apartment-custom-cabinets-hallway-kitchen-180422-837-04.jpg)