Where two can live, three can too — not all in one space, but by transforming the basement into a separate apartment. With AmbienTo Déco, it’s easy to make it work by simply measuring the space and understanding your guests’ needs.
When it comes to remodeling, every project presents its own challenges, but when the goal is to create a space for an elderly mother to move in with her son, precision is key. AmbienTo Déco was entrusted with transforming the family home’s basement into a cozy, functional apartment for the mother, maximizing every square meter. The objectives were clear: design a kitchen, dining area, and living room, all within a 20 m² space.
With an elderly mother in the picture, a Swiss couple decided it was wise to have her live with them permanently. Everyone agreed that the lifestyle of both parties should not be disrupted; thus, essential elements like independence and privacy would come from creating a new apartment within the existing house. This idea was far from crazy, as the basement was the only part of the home that was not being used. However, the 30 square meters available for the mother posed a significant challenge in optimizing every corner for ample storage and ensuring the furniture could enhance the little natural light coming in.
Thanks to the versatility of modern building materials and the creativity of AmbienTo Déco, the space beneath the stairs was cleverly utilized. The entire staircase was designed to support the weight of people using it, while also providing hidden storage on both sides and even within the steps themselves. For example, the side facing the kitchen was functional for that area, while the side near the living room featured shelves for decor or books, ensuring the guest had everything she needed within easy reach.
In terms of aesthetics, a consistent choice of materials was made, opting for light natural oak wood throughout the project. This type of wood was selected not only for its durability but also for its ability to create a sense of spaciousness, in contrast to darker woods that can make small spaces feel more cramped. Additionally, tempered glass was chosen for the staircase railings to prevent the kitchen from feeling closed off and to allow more light to flow in.
The remodeling project carried out by AmbienTo Déco is a clear example of how an intelligent and detailed approach can transform even the most challenging spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing homes. By combining space optimization with a careful selection of materials and strategic layout, a warm and welcoming environment was created that not only meets the functional needs of the couple’s mother but also provides a cozy place to live. This project demonstrates that with proper planning, any design vision can become a reality, regardless of spatial limitations.
