When architects Ylenia Rose Testore and Andrea Del Pedro Pera learned they were expecting a baby the same day their mortgage was approved, their 41-square-meter Milan apartment needed to accommodate three people.
The couple, who co-founded the architecture practice ATOMAA, had chosen the space for its location on Milan’s northeast edge. It overlooks a park and the Naviglio Martesana canal. “It’s like living in the countryside,” Andrea said, noting the balance between greenery and urban access.
From enclosed to open, without losing character
Redesigning the apartment through their firm, the couple focused on light and flexibility. The original dark, compartmentalized layout became more open, with the kitchen and bathroom repositioned to improve flow. They kept the 1960s terrazzo-style flooring, a feature that had initially attracted them. “We avoid starting from scratch,” Andrea said. “It removes the home’s character.”
The entrance was simplified but made more practical. A soft pink storage unit, built into one of the few remaining original walls, holds shoes, keys, and electronics. Across from it, a mirrored cupboard with built-in lighting serves as a final check before leaving. A small ventilation window above the front door lets in natural light while maintaining privacy.
The living area next to the entrance centers on the balcony and the park view. The pink sofa, which shares a base with the side table, extends into a guest bed when needed. A tree sits on the table when not in use, and a yellow circle on the wall behind it suggests a rising sun. Open shelving and a patterned sliding timber panel, inspired by Italian architect Ettore Sottsass, hide the air conditioning unit. Below, a repainted bookshelf built by Ylenia during her university years displays sketchbooks, Polaroids, and a radio they use daily.
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A kitchen built for constant use—and a growing family
The stainless steel kitchen faces the park and was designed for everyday use. Storage is layered to keep the space safe for a child, while signs of use on the countertop are accepted as part of its story. Marble detailing above the counter came from an old broken table. A former fridge alcove was turned into extra bench space, once used for changing the baby. Automatic blinds outside the windows control light, ensuring the kitchen stays bright and functional.
The bedroom, previously closed off, now connects directly to the kitchen through full-height sliding panels in the same pattern. When open, western light fills the apartment; when closed, it becomes a private retreat. The sliding doors also act as mirrors, and the kitchen’s cabinetry extends into the bedroom as wardrobes, divided for each family member. Above the bed, more storage conceals an air conditioner.
The redesign proved small spaces can adapt without losing charm or history. Original details like the flooring, ventilation window, and terrazzo remain, now serving a family of three. Preserving these elements while making room for change became the project’s defining achievement.
For those facing similar challenges in tight spaces, creative solutions can make all the difference in balancing function and style.
