5 Multifunctional Design Details Inside This 60sqm/645sqft Portuguese Home

Designed for Ângela, her partner Pedro and their son Nico, every decision in this apartment was made around how the family really lives. Walls were removed to create a large open-plan living area connected to the apartment's biggest window and balcony, while storage and furniture were carefully integrated throughout to maximise flexibility without overcrowding the space. Keeping tones warm and using cream with oak wood to respect the original palette of the building, the design weaves movable islands, modular seating, hidden compartments and multifunctional joinery into a flexible space, allowing the apartment to shift constantly between everyday routines, entertaining and family life.

Below, we highlight five clever design ideas that make this compact Portuguese apartment feel practical, flexible and full of warmth.

1. Entrance Storage That Expands the Apartment
2. A “Dry Fridge” Built Around Cooking Habits
3. A Movable Island and the Shelf That Floats Above
4. A Long Built-In Bench for More Than Dining
5. A Custom-Modular Sofa Designed to Move

1. Entrance Storage That Expands the Apartment

At the entrance, a full-height oak storage unit transforms the small arrival space into a hardworking entry zone. Integrating coat storage, concealed drawers and overhead cabinetry, the joinery even includes a small bench for removing shoes and storing them below. On the other side, a "drop zone" for keys, sunglasses and everyday items sits on top of drawers for everyday essentials. Above, a two-sided corner mirror reflects light and expands the entry space. Sitting neatly between both the kitchen and corridor to the private zones, the joinery connects the living and sleeping spaces through a single continuous line, lengthening the apartment and making it feel more spacious than its footprint.

2. A “Dry Fridge” Built Around Cooking Habits

Inside the kitchen pantry is what Ângela calls a "dry fridge" – shelves mounted onto the door itself, bringing spices, oils and smaller pantry items within easy reach while cooking. Space was made by slightly reducing the depth of the internal shelves, so the door could take on extra storage without losing anything inside. Beyond the pantry, storage lines the kitchen from floor to ceiling, with both concealed and open shelving making the most of every available centimetre, bringing all the most-used items within arm's length.

3. A Movable Island and the Shelf That Floats Above

At the centre of the apartment is the kitchen island. Mounted on castors, the rollable bench adapts to however the family wants to use the space, whether as a breakfast bar, room divider, dinner prep bench or party setup. Underneath, concealed storage and appliances connect to recessed floor outlets, pull-out stools are tucked away for informal meals, as well as a side drawer that slides out to reveal a vinyl player when the occasion calls. "This house is constantly in motion," says Ângela, "so with the island, I can rearrange the pieces to refresh the energy in the room." Suspended directly above is a double-sided hanging shelf, accessible from both the kitchen and living room – two neighbouring elements that offer storage and spatial definition without interrupting light or flow.

4. A Long Built-In Bench for More Than Dining

Built longer than the table it serves, the bench was designed specifically for the dining space. Received later as a birthday gift to Ângela, the bench deliberately extends beyond the table to offer more room for guests and open shelving below for storage of more pieces, including records. With the table itself doubling as a workspace, puzzle table and family hub, the bench offers more than just seating.

5. A Custom-Modular Sofa Designed to Move

Another custom design by Ângela, the modular sofa was built to fit the living space and shift within it, given that it's where the family spends most of their time. Adapting to guests, gatherings or everyday moments, each section of the large dark blue sofa can move independently — though most of the time it sits against the kitchen island, close enough for Nico to climb up and watch the cooking from above.

"When designing a small home, the most important thing is not to follow standard conventions," says Ângela. "Every family has their own habits and preferences – the house should adapt to the person, not the other way around." And Pinhal da Foz I does exactly that. Movable furniture, layered joinery and hidden storage, designed to move with the people who live there, including Gorila.

Scroll on to explore more images by Luis Pedro on the project and see how thoughtful, flexible design can make compact living feel both generous and deeply personal.