Meow Meow

Nestled in Temperley, a charming, peaceful English-style neighborhood on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, this home was originally a “caseriso,” meaning rooms wrapped around a central patio. But somewhere along the line, that patio got covered up, stifling the heart of the home. Enter Lura, an interior architect with a vision, her husband Juan, and their son Pedro. Their mission? Not just to uncover that patio, but to redefine urban living in a space that truly serves a modern family.

Lura’s approach is pure genius: she was inspired by local renovations that celebrated and preserved original features. So, every new material brought in was locally sourced, in natural colors, ensuring a seamless blend with the home’s historic charm. It’s about respecting the past while boldly stepping into the future.

Breaking the “Rules”: A Designer’s Mantra for Small Spaces
Lura’s philosophy is one I absolutely live by: “the only rule is that there are no rules”. This isn’t chaos; it’s an empowering liberation from those rigid ideas we sometimes have about what a kitchen should look like, or how a living room must be laid out. The ultimate goal? To make every single corner a “functional, cozy place full of personality”.

This mindset allowed for some truly impactful, strategic moves that completely transformed the home’s flow and utility:

Knocking Down Barriers: Walls between two bedrooms were demolished to create one expansive living area. Similarly, the wall separating the kitchen and bathroom got the boot, creating a much larger, more efficient kitchen.
Vertical Living: A brand-new indoor staircase was ingeniously added, with the bathroom tucked neatly underneath it. This isn’t just about getting upstairs; it’s about making every cubic inch count.
Upstairs Retreats: The sleeping areas moved up, converting a tiny, previously-exterior-accessed storage room into the main bedroom. Pedro’s room was carved out of existing roof terrace space. Talk about maximizing vertical real estate!
A Walk Through the Wow Factor: Every Inch Deliberately Designed
Let’s dive into the details, because this home is packed with lessons on how to live large in a compact footprint:

The Patio: The Soul of the Home You step inside, and bam! The patio immediately captivates you. It’s the first thing you see, and it’s brilliant. They kept the original walls, stairs, doors, and even the gate, preserving that vintage character. The new limestone tiles, traditional for the area, ground the space beautifully. But here’s the clever bit: they added a ledge that functions as a pass-through for meals and even hidden storage for cleaning supplies under the stairs. This isn’t just an outdoor space; it’s the home’s central artery, flooding everything with natural light.
Living & Dining: Flexible, Functional, Fantastic Two sets of doors from the patio lead into the main living zone. First, a custom-designed entryway piece that discreetly hides shoes, coats, and backpacks behind closed doors. Say goodbye to clutter right at the door! The living and dining areas flow into one expansive, open room with incredible high ceilings. They literally peeled back old drop ceilings to reveal stunning vaulted brick – a true architectural reveal that makes the space feel so much grander. Original pine floors and ‘seta’ doors were retained, while plaster was stripped from walls to expose their raw, textural beauty.

A custom-made modular sofa ensures flexible seating for any occasion.
The coffee table was a DIY project by Lura herself!
And the rocking chair? It belonged to Lura’s mother-in-law and is a definite family favorite.
They even put the TV on a swivel mount so it can be watched from the sofa or the dining table. Genius!
The dining table was crafted by Lura from repurposed exhibition materials— it’s not just for meals, it’s a versatile workspace and hobby hub.
A long sideboard along one wall discreetly stores work items, computers, and Pedro’s toys, topped by Lura’s grandmother’s still-working sewing machine. Talk about layering history and function!
The Kitchen: Bright, Bold, and Built for Cooks The entryway cabinets seamlessly wrap around into the kitchen, creating visual continuity and vital extra storage. For a family that loves to cook, ample countertop space and storage were non-negotiables. The kitchen’s design mirrors the patio’s green palette and natural materials, tying the whole aesthetic together. A large window along the pantry wall was a total game-changer, flooding the space with light. And that charming little bar in front of it? The perfect breakfast spot, bathed in soft morning light overlooking the patio.
The Bathroom & Staircase: Where Function Meets Flair The bathroom, cleverly tucked under the new indoor staircase, features a super fun combo of black cement tiles and granite mosaics with pink speckles – a bold, playful touch in a compact space. But the real “star of the renovation”? That indoor staircase. It’s a masterclass in efficiency, loaded with hidden storage in every nook and cranny and a massive open bookshelf. This isn’t just a way to get upstairs; it’s a storage solution and a defining architectural feature. Built from warm wood with a metal upper section to draw light from the terrace, it’s both striking and incredibly practical. And yes, they even kept the original outdoor staircase for dual access to the rooftop – adding another layer of visual interest.
Bedrooms: Smart, Serene Sanctuaries Upstairs, the bedrooms are intentionally designed as “small, cozy caves”. This creates a deliberate contrast to the open living areas, signaling a shift in energy for winding down.

The main bedroom boasts a wall-to-wall closet and incredibly clever hidden storage behind the bed for off-season items. A large window, replacing an old door, now bathes the room in light.
Pedro’s room, though the smallest, feels incredibly special. A short door provides privacy without making the compact space feel cramped, and a custom animal-themed wall vinyl adds a playful touch that he clearly loves. It perfectly accommodates his bed, clothes, and beloved Lego and bookshelves. And here’s a peek into the future: a second door (repurposed from the old storage room) leads to a roof terrace, with plans to eventually build Pedro a new bedroom out there, turning his current space into a study. How’s that for forward-thinking design?
Lura’s home in Temperley isn’t just an architect’s personal project; it’s a living testament to the power of thoughtful, audacious design. It proves that even a small, historic footprint can be transformed into a functional, beautiful, and deeply personal sanctuary where a family can not just live, but truly flourish. This is how you do modern heritage living – smart, stylish, and incredibly soulful.