A Compact Athenian Apartment Full of Quietly Brilliant Design Moves

Nestled in the heart of Athens’ lively Exarcheia neighbourhood, on the ground floor of a traditional Polykatoikia apartment block, the once “dark and disjointed” Carmen Apartment has been reimagined as abright, open and flexible home with a distinct personality. Designed by Italian architect and illustrator Federica Scalise, it balances soft comfort with a few bold, practical moves. Glass bricks pull daylight deep into the plan while keeping privacy intact and a platform bed with a curtain creates a bedroom zone that can appear and disappear as needed. Thoughtful details like including the subtle use of curves, painted window and door frames, playful mirrors, and simple DIY furniture bring charm without clutter. Below, we share five design details that make the space feel flexible, functional, and full of charm.

1. A Platform Bed + Curtain That Creates Privacy on Demand
2. Glass Bricks and Painted Frames That Turn Light Into a Feature
3. A “Random” Mirror on the Kitchen Cabinet That Adds Personality
4. Bathroom Lighting Built into the Door
5. A Cinderblock + Tile Coffee Table bringing Classic NTS Energy

1. A Platform Bed + Curtain That Creates Privacy on Demand

Given the compact footprint of the apartment, Scalise decided to prioritise the living area and “shrink” the typical bedroom into a cosy alcove. To make the zone feel distinct, the bed sits on a raised platform painted in a glossy red, adding both warmth and a surprising colour moment. A light blue blackout curtain provides privacy and blocks light when needed, while still keeping the space softer, less bulky and more flexible than a solid wall. The alcove is finished with practical built-ins too, including an integrated library, storage and nightstand to one side, and a tiny desk tucked under the window.

2. Glass Bricks and Painted Frames That Turn Light Into a Feature

In order to maximise the amount of natural light entering the apartment’s interior and bring it deeper into the plan, Scalise introduced glass brick partitions along the main façade. They filter light into a soft, calm glow while still maintaining privacy, helping the interior feel brighter, more spacious, and more connected to the outside. The bricks also add a subtle retro note that suits the home’s character without overpowering it.

We also love how the window and door frames are painted green as a nod to the original shutter as well as to visually “frame” the view beyond, turning everyday fixtures into intentional design moments.

3. A “Random” Mirror on the Kitchen Cabinet That Adds Personality

In the picturesque kitchen, which feels unusually generous for such a small space, Scalise designed narrow upper cabinetry that emphasises the dramatic three-metre-high ceiling. Leaving space above the cupboards keeps the kitchen visually light, while creating room for plants and everyday objects that add warmth and a lived-in feel without cluttering the benchtop. A “random” mirrored panel added to one of the cabinet doors is a simple but surprisingly effective (and playful) design move. It bounces light around the room, adds depth to the kitchen wall, and breaks up the heaviness of solid fronts with a touch of charm.

4. Bathroom Lighting Built into the Door 

To bring more light into the windowless bathroom, Scalise added nine circular portals to the upper section of the custom made door. The openings allow daylight to pass between the bathroom and living space, while offering a playful glimpse of the striking, colour-drenched blue interior beyond. It’s a smart, practical workaround in a compact layout, and a surprisingly achievable, cost-effective idea for renters or DIYers.

5. A Cinderblock + Tile Coffee Table bringing Classic NTS Energy

We love a practical, sustainable, DIY-friendly solution at Never Too Small, and this coffee table is exactly that. Here, the long term tenant, designer Takis Dimitriadis used four cinderblocks and a large tile to create a coffee table that feels sculptural, functional, and refreshingly unprecious. It also happens to be the perfect height for Takis’ projector, turning the coffee table into an easy, multi-use setup for movie nights. The raw materials add texture and contrast, bringing a grounded, tactile edge to the otherwise soft, calm interior. Because it’s modular and easy to reconfigure, it’s the kind of DIY solution that can evolve with the space rather than locking it into one layout.

These five details show how small homes can be designed to feel generous through light, flexibility, and a few well-placed decisions rather than major construction. From soft zoning tricks to tactile, DIY touches, the apartment has an ease that feels personal, practical, and unmistakably Never Too Small. Scroll on for more images by photographer Lea Martin to see how the materials, colour, and light come together across the space.