February 26, 2026

5 Inspiring Small Italian Homes Under 60sqm/645sqft

From a 21sqm/226sqft micro-apartment in Milan to a fresco-lined flat in Mantua and a colour-rich Naples revival, these five Italian homes prove that small spaces can be bold, layered and deeply considered.

Italy is often defined by architectural grandeur — palazzos, piazzas, sweeping coastlines — yet some of its most inventive design thinking happens at a far smaller scale. Tucked away within historic city centres and post-war apartment blocks, these five homes reveal how constraint sharpens creativity. In Milan, a 21sqm/226sqft micro-apartment becomes an exercise in overlapping function and sculptural joinery. Along the Deiva Marina, a former 1970s studio is reorganised like the interior of a sailing boat, concealing two bedrooms within its compact footprint. In Mantua, a 15th-century fresco re-emerges as the centrepiece of a contemporary layout, while in Naples, an abandoned flat is revived through colour, craftsmanship and contrast.

Together they demonstrate a distinctly Italian approach to small-space living — one that balances heritage and reinvention, material richness and spatial precision, proving that reducing square metres doesn’t mean reducing experience.

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Fashion Student’s Cool Milan Micro Apartment - 21sqm/226sqft

In the heart of Milan, architect Bianca Magi of ATOMAA reimagined a 21sqm/226sqft micro-apartment — turning their smallest project to date, aptly named So far the Tiniest, into a showcase of compact, creative living. Once dark and cramped, the space was completely transformed by removing interior walls, relocating the bathroom and introducing layered zones for living, sleeping and storage. A curved walnut kitchen features a fold-down backsplash to extend prep space, while a fold-out dining table and modular benches reflect the project’s guiding principle: overlapping function without shrinking experience. From the walk-in wardrobe tucked beneath the raised bed to the handcrafted mosaic tile floor, every element maximises light, flow and joy.

Find out more details about ‘So Far, The Tiniest’ in this full article, including professional photos and the full video tour. https://www.nevertoosmall.com/post/micro-milan-apartment

In an apartment of just 21sqm/226sqft, ATOMAA carved out an entryway where none existed before, adding a full-length mirror and concealing the washing machine behind built-in storage.

The kitchen backsplash folds down onto the benchtop to create extra surface area, allowing the space to adapt easily from cooking to dining or working.

A retractable dining table folds flat against the wall when not in use, while the lightweight benches can be moved around to suit different activities.

The sleeping nook’s deep blue palette creates a quiet, enclosed space that feels both restful and distinct from the rest of the home.

Small Boat-Inspired Two-Bedroom Apartment in Italy - 35sqm/376sqft

Inspired by the tightly designed interiors of sailing boats, llabb Architecture converted this 1970s open-plan studio into a two-bedroom home without expanding its 35sqm footprint. A multifunctional storage unit along the rear wall compartmentalises the apartment, embedding two concealed bedrooms stacked one above the other. A long wooden strip creates a distinct ‘waterline’ that leads the eye into the living space. Despite its compact size, Riviera Cabin maintains a fully featured kitchen, bathroom and dining space — containing everything needed for complete and complex living.

Find out more details about ‘Riviera Cabin’ in this full article, including professional photos and the full video tour. https://www.nevertoosmall.com/post/riviera-cabin-deiva-marina

The multifunctional storage unit offers both great storage and helps to compartmentalise the apartment’s layout.

Although compact in size, the apartment’s kitchen is a fully equipped and functional space.

Hidden behind the built-in unit’s doors are the apartment’s two bedroom spaces, neatly stacked on top of each other.

The lower bedroom in *Riviera Cabin* is an enclosed, peaceful space complete with generous storage and shelf space.

Colourful Naples Apartment Revived from Abandonment - 58sqm/642sqft

What was once an abandoned apartment in Naples is now Paradisiello, a vibrant home and studio, reimagined by architect couple Giuseppe Punzo and Julie Nebout of La Fotosintesi. With a love of colour, craftsmanship and contrast, the pair revived the historic space to reflect both the city’s layered history and their own creative lives. Original patterned cement tiles and an exposed wall uncovered during renovation were left visible, its aged surface adding texture against modern insertions. A compact kitchen and open-plan living area encourage gathering, while a mezzanine studio, tucked-away desk and flexible guest set-up maximise function. Outside, a sunny terrace with a repurposed tub offers sweeping views across Naples — from sea to volcano.

Find out more details about ‘Paradisiello’ in this full article, including professional photos and the full video tour. https://www.nevertoosmall.com/post/58sqm-624sqft-apartment-in-naples

Beyond the entryway, the compact kitchen anchors the main space beneath the mezzanine, where the bathroom and fridge are tucked discreetly below. A vivid orange steel staircase rises alongside it, acting as both structure and sculptural statement.

In the living area, vintage pieces like the Edra sofa and Carlo Scarpa marble table sit alongside custom steel joinery. The walls were left raw in places, revealing layers of time and texture that speak to the building’s history.

Just off the living area, the bedroom features terracotta resin flooring, vintage lighting sourced in Naples, and expansive views of Mount Vesuvius and the sea.

Back in the main living area, the mezzanine sits above the kitchen and serves as both a home office and a guest room, making full use of the apartment’s vertical space.

Architect’s Stylish Small Apartment Renovation Italy- 50sqm/538sqft

Originally part of a larger family home opposite Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Flat Eleven was reconfigured by architect Claudio Pierattelli of Pierattelli Architecture into a fully independent apartment. A new entrance, kitchen and open layout allow spaces to flow seamlessly into one another. White walls and cabinetry, paired with semi-gloss French herringbone parquet flooring, amplify natural light throughout. The kitchen conceals appliances and extraction, while a floating dining table serves two. A refurbished cantilevered staircase leads to a loft bedroom, where a glass balustrade ensures light continues to circulate. The redesign transforms a once dim interior into a bright, minimal city home.

Find out more details about ‘Flat Eleven’ in this full article, including professional photos and the full video tour. https://www.nevertoosmall.com/post/flat-eleven-florence

Connected by an eye-catching archway, the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space flow seamlessly into one another.

The kitchen’s minimalist units offer ample storage options to conceal kitchen appliances and keep counter space clutter-free.

The apartment’s refurbished cantilevered staircase maximises both floorspace and light flow in the *Flat Eleven’s* living space.

A glass balustrade in the redesigned loft bedroom allows light to still reach up to the bedroom space.

15th-Century Mantua Apartment with Restored Fresco Mural 36sqm/387sqft

Located in the historic centre of Mantua, Monolocale EFFE is defined by an original fresco mural discovered beneath layers of paint during renovation by Archiplanstudio. Once part of a larger apartment, the space was reconfigured to create a new entrance, bathroom, kitchen and dining area arranged around a central sleeping cube. The open living area features an expandable dining table and a floating bench integrated into the cube’s wall. A compact grey kitchen with brass finishes includes a wall-mounted induction hob that can be placed on the counter when needed, freeing up prep space. A custom bench along the window doubles as storage and guest seating — proving that even a 15th-century shell can adapt beautifully to contemporary life.

Find out more details about ‘Monolocale EFFE’ in this full article, including professional photos and the full video tour. https://www.nevertoosmall.com/post/monolocale-effe-mantua

Arranged around the sleeping cube, the kitchen and dining area include compact and expandable features to help free up space.

Running the length of the windows, the custom-made bench doubles as a low shelf and as a bench and window seat.

Located in the centre of the apartment, the sleeping cube is a cosy, enclosed space.

Additional storage and shelving space can be neatly concealed behind a set of curtains.

From layered micro-living in Milan, to historic reinvention in Mantua and expressive colour in Naples, these apartments demonstrate that compact living is not about compromise. It’s about clarity, craft and making every square metre work beautifully.

To see how each space unfolds in motion — from hidden sleeping cubes to fold-away kitchens — watch the full Italian apartment compilation on our YouTube channel here.

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