A 550-square-foot award-winning apartment with plenty of storage and space.

What was once a drab and rundown multi-room pre-war apartment in New York City has been transformed into a fresh, adaptable, modern sanctuary courtesy of Studio Garneau architects Rosa and Robert Garneau.

This 550-square-foot apartment, known as the Transformer Loft, has won awards for being an urban paradise far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in New York City. Once you see inside, you’ll be amazed by what has been achieved in such a small space.

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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels

The 550-square-foot Transformer Loft is an adaptable mini loft transformed from a rundown and cramped apartment in New York City. Architects Rosa and Robert Garneau from Studio Garneau prioritised multi-functional furniture, storage, and contemporary elegance to meet the needs of the average modern-day dweller.

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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels

Studio Garneau overcame a common problem of injecting warmth into a modern space while retaining the illusion of space. The stark, fresh white walls make the living room appear much larger than it is, while the warm wooden floors, bookcase, and furniture give it the life and coziness it needs.

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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels
It’s hard not to be impressed with how traditionally classic materials and features complement the modern architectural elements. The white walls and doors beautifully complement the oiled walnut, while the precious mementos displayed in the wall unit are a nod to former decades.
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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels

While the gorgeous bookcase is undoubtedly a feature in the living space, a large white sliding door can hide it away. This can give the living room a ’cleaner’ look while also taking on a second use as a projector screen.

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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels

Designing a small home requires out-of-the-box thinking, and this kitchen table is proof of what can be achieved. While it can be a convenient place to gather for a meal, its hydraulic components make it useful for meal prep. This table also has five drawers for easily accessible kitchen storage. Its beautiful warm wood works in harmony with the polished wood floors and kitchen cabinetry.

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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels

Storage is abundant in this Transformer Loft. While the living room sofa is a comfortable place to sit and relax, it’s also a storage hub. There are plenty of hidden drawers underneath the upholstered seat cushions.

tr5 The 550-square-foot loft plan was always going to be challenging to work with. However, Studio Garneau created a practical and fully functional home with a kitchen, dining area, office space, a foyer, a library, a living room, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a dressing room.

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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels

With only a small bedroom tucked away in the rear of the Transformer Loft, Studio Garneau had to get creative. They opted for a Murphy Bed that can be opened and closed within seconds. The bedroom has been beautifully designed with fresh white walls paired with wood paneling for that classic-meets-contemporary look.

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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels

The bedroom can be easily separated from the living area with a large sliding door. Once closed, it just looks like a feature wall panel.

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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels

No home is complete without clothing storage. Studio Garneau custom-designed their built-in cabinetry to include both closet space and drawers. These close flat against the wall between the bedroom and bathroom, taking up no extra space than the structural wall itself.>

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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels

The moody bathroom is a show-stopper in this cleverly designed loft. Small blue tiles contrast beautifully against the white bath, vanity, and toilet. The luxury shower even has a waterfall bath spout and rainfall shower head.

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Photo Credit: Bart Michiels
Storage space doesn’t always have to be on display. Studio Garneau designed camouflaged storage decorated with wall tiles. The towel rods also cleverly open up to the clothes hampers for efficiency.
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