Determined to make their small apartment work for their growing family, one couple turned their home into a shape-shifting marvel. They wanted to stay in their beloved space but needed more functionality—so they enlisted architect Robert Garneau, a master of transforming apartments.
source.image: Kirsten Dirksen
His solution: a telescopic design that expands and contracts as needed, using sliding walls, hidden beds, and built-in cabinetry to make every inch count. The original bedroom, now a child’s private retreat, features a Murphy bed, a built-in desk, and storage that disappears into the walls. A pocket door closes it off when needed, creating a self-contained suite.
At the opposite end of the apartment, a pivoting floor-to-ceiling wall swings out to reveal a concealed Murphy bed, instantly forming a second bedroom. Another hidden panel completes the enclosure, offering privacy without the permanence of fixed walls.
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Beyond sleeping arrangements, the apartment transforms effortlessly for daily life. The living room, equipped with a recessed fireplace and hidden television, doubles as a gathering space. A coffee table expands into a full dining setup, making room for dinner parties. Even the compact kitchen is designed for serious cooking, with high-end appliances integrated into the space.
