Meow Meow

Forget everything you think you know about small spaces. Meet Lura, an interior architect who just dropped a masterclass in urban living, proving that a 56-square-meter (603sqft) early 20th-century heritage home can become an absolute family sanctuary. Tucked away in Temperley, a chill, English-style neighborhood on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, this isn’t just a renovation; it’s a strategic triumph for Lura, her husband Juan, and their four-year-old son, Pedro.

The mission was clear: Their ‘caseriso’—a classic setup where rooms circled a central patio—had a critical flaw. The patio was covered, forcing you outside to get to certain rooms. Lura, inspired by local projects that celebrated original features, knew the play: uncover that patio, connect every space, and forge one massive, bright, comfortable living zone where this trio could truly thrive.

“No Rules” Revolution: The Lura Design Playbook
Lura’s philosophy isn’t just a catchy phrase; it’s the core of her success: “the only rule is that there are no rules”. This isn’t about breaking the law; it’s about breaking free from outdated notions of what a kitchen, bedroom, or living room should look like. The goal? Every corner had to be a “functional, cozy place full of personality”. And for an authentic touch, all new materials were sourced locally, in natural colors, ensuring they seamlessly blended with the home’s historic vibe.

The Big Remodel: Unlocking Hidden Potential
This wasn’t a cosmetic fix. Lura went deep, making bold structural moves that redefined the space:

Walls connecting two bedrooms? Gone. Result: a truly expansive living area.
Kitchen-bathroom divide? Demolished. Outcome: a much larger, more efficient kitchen.
The indoor staircase? A game-changer. It wasn’t just added; the bathroom was brilliantly tucked underneath it.
Sleeping arrangements? Elevated. The former tiny storage room upstairs became the main bedroom, and Pedro’s room was cleverly carved out of roof terrace space.
Inside The Rescued Residence: A Room-By-Room Breakdown
The Patio: The Home’s Unsung Hero Step inside, and you’re immediately hit with the patio – Lura’s personal favorite feature. Original walls, stairs, doors, and gate are all intact, while new limestone tiles ground the space. Practicality reigns with a ledge for passing food during meals and ingenious hidden storage under the stairs for cleaning supplies.
Living & Dining: Adaptable & Authentically You From the patio, two doors open into the main living zone. First stop: a custom-designed entryway piece that banishes clutter, neatly stashing shoes, coats, and backpacks behind closed doors. The living and dining areas? They’re one large, open room boasting impressive high ceilings, achieved by stripping away old drop ceilings to reveal beautiful vaulted brick. Original pine floors and ‘seta’ doors remain, but the walls were painstakingly stripped of plaster to showcase their raw texture. A custom-made modular sofa offers flexible seating, complemented by a coffee table Lura built herself and her mother-in-law’s cherished rocking chair – a unanimous family favorite. A TV on a swivel mount means prime viewing from anywhere, including the dining table Lura crafted from repurposed exhibition materials. This isn’t just for meals; it’s a command center for work and hobbies. Along one wall, a sideboard discreetly holds work gear, computers, and Pedro’s toys, topped by Lura’s grandmother’s still-working sewing machine.
The Kitchen: Green, Bright & Built For Cooks The entryway cabinets flow seamlessly into the kitchen, creating continuity and extra storage. For a family that loves to cook, ample countertops and storage were non-negotiable; everything has its dedicated place. The design mirrors the patio’s green and natural material palette. A large window along the pantry wall was a game-changer, flooding the space with light, while a charming little bar in front of it offers a perfect breakfast spot, soaking in soft morning light overlooking the patio.
The Bathroom & Staircase: Functional Artistry Tucked away under the stairs, the bathroom features a playful mix of black cement tiles and granite mosaics with pink speckles – a bold splash of color in a compact space. But the real showstopper? The indoor staircase. Lura calls it the “star of the renovation”. It’s a masterclass in efficiency, with hidden storage in every nook and cranny and a massive open bookshelf, solving major storage headaches while giving the space its unique character. Built from warm wood with a metal upper section to draw light from the terrace, it’s both beautiful and incredibly practical. Notably, the original outdoor staircase was kept, providing dual access to the rooftop and adding visual appeal.
Bedrooms: Small, Smart Retreats The bedrooms, intentionally designed as “small, cozy caves,” offer a stark but welcome contrast to the open living areas, providing a calm shift in energy before winding down. The main bedroom boasts a wall-to-wall closet and clever hidden storage behind the bed for off-season items. A large window, replacing an old door, now floods the room with light. Pedro’s room, though the smallest, feels special. A short door provides privacy without making it feel cramped, and a custom animal-themed wall vinyl adds a playful touch. It perfectly accommodates his bed, clothes, and beloved Lego and bookshelves. A second door, repurposed from the old storage room, leads to a roof terrace, with future plans to build Pedro a new bedroom there, converting his current space into a study.
Lura’s Buenos Aires home isn’t just a testament to smart design; it’s a blueprint for maximizing every inch, proving that even a small heritage house can be transformed into a functional, beautiful, and deeply personal sanctuary where a family can truly thrive.