Flexibility is a key feature of the design, reflecting the adaptability of Japanese spaces. The master bedroom can be closed off from the open-plan living area with sliding folding doors, while a hidden door behind a bookshelf leads to the bathroom and second bedroom. A kitchen island that doubles as a dining table and a sofa that unfolds into a large futon to transform the living room into a cozy resting area, offer additional functionality without compromising on style.

Natural materials such as raffia panels and oak wood can be found throughout the apartment. Linked to Mediterranean aesthetics, this palette adds warmth and beauty while preserving the apartment’s simplicity, also reinforcing the kanso philosophy by highlighting the inherent beauty of the materials themselves without overcomplicating the space. Lighting also plays an integral role, with natural light maximized during the day and soft, warm artificial lighting creating a soothing ambiance at night.

With its thoughtful design and harmonious use of materials, this apartment reflects Miriam Barrio’s ability to create spaces that inspire both tranquillity and balance in a compact urban setting.