Given the blank slate, I’ve returned to the brief and profile for more requirements and limitations! I only see what John has already told us — open studio, bigger bathroom, more closets, and office space within the given shell. Her top important spaces as living, kitchen, and bathroom, in that order. It was built as a condo in 1945, so I’m assuming 8′ ceilings.

Her profile expresses some personality — she wants a “freer, happier, lighter” studio than she has now. In terms of interests, she writes “everything!” Perhaps that provides a little more spirit if not direction for this design …

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Hoping this is in keeping with Lucinda’s free spirit!…It was a fun exercise.

I had to draw on many examples of well designed small spaces but found the hidden bed concept by Jonas Wagell to be most suited for this apt. as well as the client’s brief.

Louis, I like the laundry and storage and the tub/shower room. Two sinks in the bathroom might be one too many and the kitchen is proportionately too dominate in the remaining space. The personal closst and bed are too small. The outside fireplace is a nice idea – many options are available which will sit on a table.

Brad – One sink could be replaced with more storage/linen. The wall bed can be switched from a single to double or even queen if flipped so that it folds out to towards the kitchen, and without the need to move any furniture around – similar to your plan.

I think the great thing about small spaces is they force you think very creatively. By showing us the Valentin apartment and adapting it to the Hahn residence, Louis has captured that out-of-the-box (in-the-box?) spirit that is required to do these spaces well.

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Brad – Here’s a revision to address your comments on the first plan…

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Now for something completely ordinary…Walls around bathroom, open wall above closet between living space and bedroom. Shelving above desk backing on to wall oven/range hood all enclosed by millwork. And the piece de la resistance…you guessed it…banquette dining. :D

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Louis, the Valentin apt was one of those I had in mind when I asked about the ceiling heights. Nice.
Referring to your plan, does a single need such a large laundry?? I posted this image a little while back. In a small space for a single person, the whole block for laundry/storage can be re-appropriated into the living room, and the second sink can be replaced by a washer/dryer. Just a thought.
I hope I get time to have a go at this one, small spaces are a great opportunity to get really creative, especially with high ceilings!

Oops. Forget to mention that the bed is a murphy.

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Here are two variations of the same basic idea.
One with a murphy bed, the other with a loft bed.

In the murphy bed design, the east wall is all built in, floor to ceiling cabinetry/storage, to the murphy bed, to the kitchen, where I imagine a little cut-out, like a window, for the cook top, sink and counter space.

The murphy bed opens across from the little hidaway study. With a big enough monitor (30″ apple cinema display!!), she can watch a movie in bed.

In the loft design, the east wall is still all built ins, but the kitchen /dining area starts earlier, and towards the end turns into shelving. Tight stairs up to the loft over the bathroom/study/closet block.

In both, The entry opens right up into the loft, no furniture or millwork or walls to define the entry space, just a change of flooring to separate the entrance and private closet/bathroom areas from the living areas. Guests should be impressed by the simple, open space, and hopefully enough light coming in from the north facing windows and/or a great view.

The bathroom is simple, the shower can be a bath if desired. Washer/dryer as per my previous image. The study is compact, close the doors and she can hide the mess when visitors come over, if her desk is as organizationally challenged as mine…

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While I like many of the plans offered here, my student years living in studio apartments suggest that the client will not want to store her bed in a wall every morning. So I offer a real bedroom (like Terri) and office space, both open to the living area and light.

BTW, in my experience, this is a HUGE studio. By Vancouver condo standards, we should be able to fit 2 full bedrooms in this square footage!

Thanks, everyone, for the great ideas!