When space matters

Transforming a suite in a high-rise poses its own challenges. For starters, there's the fixed footprint, and plumbing services may be difficult to alter.

Architect Andreas Charalambous came up with a novel solution for his own Miami apartment. Working with designer Juan Gutierrez, he removed a walk-in closet to gain more space in the bedroom. He also repositioned the doorway so that the bedroom can be glimpsed from the living area there is a direct line of sight down the passageway to the bedroom.

"By removing the closet, which I didn't need, I gained 4-5ft of space, which meant the bedroom could easily accommodate a king-sized bed," Charalambous says. "The low height of the bed helps make the ceiling seem higher the light fixtures are secured directly to the concrete slab between the floors."

To bring natural light into the ensuite bathroom, the designer glazed the door, and added a privacy film to the glass.

"I removed the existing bathtub and specified a very open vanity with a vessel sink to make the room more spacious," he says. "Using the same off-white porcelain tiles on the floor and walls also helps to create a seamless, uncluttered look. The same floor tiles flow right through the entire apartment."

The designer introduced a rainhead shower, with a textural pebble wall and floor enhancing the tranquil ambiance.

"The pebbles are a nod to the view of the bay, which is the focus of attention in the apartment. Both the master and the guest bedroom face the views."

Story by: Trendsideas