Near the coast outside Braga, Portugal, an apartment known as Pinhal da Foz I has been completely reimagined. Interior designer Ângela Castro took a space once defined by enclosed rooms and narrow corridors and transformed it into a fluid, open-plan home. The redesign serves a family of three—Ângela, her partner Pedro, and their son Nico—along with their dog, Gorila. Every structural change and furniture choice was driven by how the family actually spends their days, prioritizing flexibility over rigid zoning.
Storage Solutions That Redefine Space
The entrance sets the tone for the rest of the home. A full-height oak storage unit occupies the arrival zone, integrating coat hooks, concealed drawers, and overhead cabinetry into a single continuous line. A small built-in bench allows residents to remove shoes, which are stored directly underneath.
On the opposite side, a designated “drop zone” for keys and sunglasses sits atop drawers for daily essentials. Above this area, a two-sided corner mirror reflects light, visually expanding the narrow entryway. This joinery connects the living area to the private sleeping zones through a single visual line, effectively lengthening the apartment.
By unifying these disparate functions, the design makes the compact footprint feel significantly more spacious than it is. The use of warm tones, specifically cream and oak, respects the original palette of the building while introducing a modern, adaptable character.
A Kitchen Built Around Movement
Inside the kitchen, the pantry door itself has been repurposed. Castro calls this feature a “dry fridge,” with shelves mounted directly onto the interior of the door. This modification brings spices, oils, and smaller pantry items within easy reach during cooking. To make this work, the depth of the internal shelves was slightly reduced, ensuring that the door could take on extra storage without sacrificing capacity inside the unit.
Beyond the pantry, storage lines the walls from floor to ceiling, mixing concealed cabinets with open shelving to keep the most-used items within arm’s length. At the center of the room stands the kitchen island, mounted on castors. This rollable bench adapts to the family‘s needs, serving as a breakfast bar, a room divider, a prep surface, or a setup for entertaining.
Beneath the surface, concealed storage and appliances connect to recessed floor outlets. Pull-out stools are tucked away for informal meals, and a side drawer slides out to reveal a vinyl player. “This house is constantly in motion,” Castro says, “so with the island, I can rearrange the pieces to refresh the energy in the room.” Suspended directly above the island is a double-sided hanging shelf, accessible from both the kitchen and the living room, offering storage without blocking the flow of light.
The dining area features a long built-in bench that extends beyond the table it serves. Received as a birthday gift to Castro, the piece offers extra room for guests and includes open shelving below for storing records and other items. The table itself doubles as a workspace, puzzle table, and family hub.
This setup means the bench provides more than just seating; it anchors a multi-functional zone where work and leisure overlap seamlessly. Given the limited square footage, the ability to shift furniture without structural changes is likely the most critical aspect of this design. By removing fixed walls and relying on movable elements, the home can accommodate changes in routine or guest numbers without feeling cramped. The layout avoids the static feel common in small apartments, allowing the space to breathe and adapt as the family’s needs evolve.
Modular Comfort and Daily Life
In the living area, a large dark blue modular sofa takes center stage. Designed by Castro, the sofa was built to fit the specific dimensions of the room and to shift within it. Each section can move independently, allowing the layout to adapt for guests, gatherings, or quiet evenings. Most of the time, the sofa sits against the kitchen island, positioned close enough for Nico to climb up and watch the cooking from above.
The project demonstrates that compact living does not have to mean sacrificing comfort or personal style. By integrating multifunctional joinery and movable furniture, the home remains practical for daily chores while staying open for social interaction. The design proves that a small space can feel generous when it is tailored to the specific habits of its inhabitants.
“When designing a small home, the most important thing is not to follow standard conventions,” Castro explains. “Every family has their own habits and preferences – the house should adapt to the person, not the other way around.” Pinhal da Foz I achieves this balance through layered storage and flexible design. The result is a home that moves with the people who live there, including Gorila, ensuring that every corner serves a purpose in their daily lives.
