Architects Ylenia Rose Testore and Andrea Del Pedro Pera faced a practical reality check shortly after buying their 41-square-meter apartment in Milan. On the same day their mortgage was approved, they learned they were expecting a baby. Suddenly, a home designed for two had to work for three, forcing a complete redesign focused on flexibility and openness.
The couple, who co-found the practice ATOMAA, preserved the original colorful 1960s flooring as a nod to the past, even as they completely restructured the interior. They avoided a “tabula rasa” approach, keeping elements that added character to the home. The entrance was reorganized with a soft pink storage unit anchoring the space, concealing everyday items like keys and shoes, while a mirrored cupboard with integrated lighting offers a last check before leaving the house. Above the door, an original ventilation window maintains air flow and privacy.
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Living areas were positioned to maximize views of the adjacent park and canal. A pink sofa shares a base with a side table and can transform into a guest bed when needed. The room features open shelving and a sliding timber panel inspired by Italian architect Ettore Sottsass, which hides the air conditioning unit. A bookshelf built by Ylenia during university holds personal items and the family radio. The stainless steel kitchen, located opposite the south-facing windows, features thoughtful storage and was once used as a baby changing station. Automatic blinds were added to manage light and privacy in this central living hub.
Blurring Boundaries for Family Needs
Full-height sliding panels in the same Sottsass style separate the kitchen from the bedroom, allowing the couple to control light and privacy as needed. When open, the space feels expansive; when closed, it offers a quiet retreat. The bedroom includes cabinetry that doubles as wardrobes for each family member and mirrors that serve as the sliding doors. A painting of a setting sun faces the child’s cot, adding a touch of warmth to the room.
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The bathroom, tucked behind a ceiling-height panel, is the most inward room in the plan. Andrea and Ylenia installed two internal windows to bring in natural light and vent steam. The compact area includes a washer-dryer, a concrete sink finished in resin, and a shower that functions as a shallow bathtub for bathing the baby. Despite the challenges of a small footprint, the couple has found a balance that accommodates their growing family without needing to expand.
