SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 — Turning a poorly planned purchase into a dream home requires vision, expertise, and trust. When a couple of doctors in Berlin found themselves with an attic apartment that failed to meet their needs, their search for an architect seemed endless. That is, until they met Francesca Mori, a specialist in architecture and interior design known for her innovative problem-solving skills. What seemed like an insurmountable challenge became an opportunity to create a personalized and functional living space.
A Design Challenge Turned Opportunity
Trust is the foundation of any successful home design project, and this was no exception. The 60 m² attic apartment in a newly constructed building had an impractical floor plan that deterred multiple architects from taking on the project. However, for Mori, overcoming obstacles is a passion. Instead of focusing on the limitations, she provided the couple with innovative solutions that would transform their space into a comfortable and stylish home.
From Concept to Reality
To bring clarity to the project, Mori started with a 3D visualization of the apartment. "Unfortunately, cases like this happen again and again with new buildings. The space was simply poorly planned. Sales are made solely through brochures, and most buyers lack the imagination and experience to realistically assess the design," she explains.
One of the biggest challenges was a gable wall that ran through the apartment, creating awkward angles and disrupting the space's harmony. "My clients were going through a real crisis and were about to sell the property again at a loss," Mori recalls. However, with a strategic approach, she found ways to maximize the apartment's potential without extensive structural changes.
A Clever Space-Saving Solution
One major issue was the access to the outdoor terrace, which initially required visitors to walk through the couple's bedroom. Since altering the apartment's fundamental architecture was not an option, Mori devised a unique room-in-room solution. "The 16 m² roof terrace was one of the reasons the buyers chose this apartment. They wanted a space to entertain friends," she says. To protect their privacy, Mori and her team designed a custom-built sleeping box with sliding doors that could be closed when necessary. This innovative installation ensures the sleeping area remains hidden while maintaining easy access to the terrace.
Functional and Aesthetic Enhancements
In the narrow entrance area, Mori maximized storage with a bridge system made of melamine-coated multiplex boards and oak-veneered MDF. The design included a combination of open and closed modules, offering practical storage solutions without overwhelming the space. "For the wardrobe and storage space, we designed a system that cleverly integrates functionality with a neutral aesthetic," she explains.
The transformation extended to the living-dining area, where Mori introduced a custom-built kitchen island. The handcrafted piece was designed to integrate seamlessly into the space, featuring an indoor window that serves as both a divider and a natural light source. Additionally, a sliding glass door crafted by a skilled metalworker separates the living area from the kitchen, allowing the space to be used flexibly. "The couch can be pulled out to make a bed, and the semi-transparent wall ensures that the kitchen can be used without interference," Mori notes.
Tailor-Made Solutions for Work and Leisure
A key priority for the homeowners was incorporating dedicated workspaces. Mori addressed this by designing a fold-out panel within a built-in shelving unit in the living room, providing a discreet yet functional home office. In the bedroom, a niche next to the window was transformed into a workspace with a built-in secretary. These additions ensured both homeowners could work undisturbed within their compact yet highly functional apartment.
A Dream Home Realized
Through innovative design and meticulous planning, Mori turned what was initially a regrettable purchase into a personalized sanctuary. "With all the individual fittings and tailor-made solutions, we were ultimately able to turn what was supposedly a bad purchase into a real dream apartment for the clients. We discussed all the ideas together and refined them to their best form. I always say: My projects are not my projects. They are my customers' projects. And in the end, they should feel at home in them," she concludes.
Mori's ability to reimagine spaces and enhance functionality showcases the power of smart design. This project exemplifies how a challenging living situation can be transformed into a harmonious and beautifully designed home, proving that with the right expertise, any space can reach its full potential.
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