Renovating a 70 m2 apartment is a gesture that goes beyond the simple idea of ?? “renovating the rooms” . It means imagining how life will flow between those walls, how light will enter the rooms, what materials we will touch every day.
Often the first thought goes to systems, floors and distribution of spaces, because these are the choices that create the foundations of the house and which are not easily changed. Then come the finishes, the colours, the furnishings: elements that define the identity of the rooms and transform even a few square meters into surprising spaces.
In the city, 70 m2 can become a blank canvas: a bright open space for the living area , an essential bedroom with integrated wardrobes, an optimized bathroom where even the smallest detail is designed.
The value of this transformation is not measured only in numbers, but in the quality of the decisions made along the way: durable materials, tailor-made solutions, objects that do not tire.
When the project is coherent, the house is not just renovated: it becomes a place of character , functional and at the same time welcoming, capable of telling the story of those who live there.
The essence of the project: light, volumes, materials
Every renovation begins with three founding elements: light, spaces, materials .
natural light is the first “material” to be valorised. In an urban apartment it is best to work on light and reflective surfaces: warm white walls (like Bianco Latte by Sikkens), floors in light oak or stone-effect stoneware ( Listone Giordano , Florim , Mutina ). In darker homes, a lighting project on three levels ceiling, wall and atmosphere is indispensable: adjustable spotlights ( Flos or Artemide ), LED strips integrated into plasterboard and table lamps such as IC Lights by Flos or Atollo by Oluce. Investing in good lighting design means spending on average 35% of the total budget , but the result radically changes the perception of spaces.
The distribution of spaces must be rethought to obtain an open and continuous living room: eliminate partitions where possible, move the kitchen into a linear corner with equipped columns ( Veneta Cucine , Febal , Arclinea for those who want to go up a level) and free up the center of the room for the table. Custom-made full-height wardrobes (average budget 600900 /ml ) allow you to have more storage without taking up space.
Finally the materials : for floors, rectified porcelain stoneware remains the most resistant choice (costs from 35 /m2 upwards for quality products). Those who want warmth can consider engineered wood with floating installation, which is more practical in renovations. For walls, microcement or material paints ( Kerakoll Design House , Oikos ) add a touch of architecture even in bathrooms and kitchens.
A project like this is not just aesthetic: it is functional, durable and creates a neutral base on which to insert furniture and design accessories without fearing that they will become “tired”the time.
Furnishings and lighting: creating a common thread
Once the spaces and materials have been defined, the most exciting moment arrives: choosing the furnishings and lighting . This is where the project comes to life and becomes personal.
For the living , it is better to focus on a modular sofa that makes the most of the space: B&B Italia (Charles) , Minotti (Freeman) or, for smaller budgets but with excellent design, Lago (Air Sofa) or Ditre Italia . Prices start from around 3,000 for a good modular, but go up depending on the coverings. Complete with an extendable dining table ( Bonaldo , Calligaris , Cattelan Italia ) and lightweight chairs, preferably made of wood or painted metal to ensure durability.
The kitchen is the operational heart: a linear or L-shaped composition is better, with equipped columns that hide the pantry and oven, and a resistant worktop in HPL, quartz or Dekton . Italian brands offer solutions for every price range: Arclinea for those looking for the top, Veneta Cucine or Ernestomeda for excellent mid-range solutions.
In the bedroom, the choice of wardrobe is strategic: full-height wardrobes with sliding doors optimize space and reduce visual clutter. Among the best: Molteni&C , Poliform , Novamobili . For the bed, opt for a structure with storage if you need extra space (from 1,500 for a good upholstered bed).
The lighting deserves a separate project: in addition to the technical lights, include at least one designer lamp such as Tolomeo by Artemide, Parentesi by Flos or Caboche by Foscarini. They are iconic pieces that give character and remain current over time.
Finally, the accessories : wool or viscose carpets ( CC-Tapis , Amini ), floor-to-ceiling mirrors, paintings and open bookcases to give rhythm to the walls. Here too the advice is to choose few but quality elements, capable of accompanying the home for many years.
Bathroom and laundry: functionality that becomes design
The bathroom is one of the environments that most influences the perception of the home: a small space, but where every detail makes the difference.
For a complete renovation it is better to opt for suspended sanitary ware (Duravit, Flaminia, Catalano) which lighten the sight and simplify cleaning. The floor-level shower tray in resin or reconstructed stone ( Boffi , Agape , Ideagroup ) is now the preferred solution: it creates visual continuity and a contemporary look.
The coverings deserve a careful design: large format stoneware ( Mutina , Marazzi , Florim ) reduces joints and amplifies the space; those who want a more “wow” effect can choose ar mosaicstistic ones ( Bisazza ) for the shower wall or contrasting glossy enamels. For the floor, non-slip stoneware is the safest choice.
The bathroom furniture must be chosen carefully: large drawers, HPL or Fenix top and integrated sink for a clean look. Brands like Arbi , Cerasa or Birex offer modular solutions that start from around 1,2001,500 for a 90 cm composition.
If possible, carve out a space for a hidden laundry room : columns equipped with washing machine and dryer in the column, recessed doors and shelves for detergents ( Rimadesio , Caccaro for those who want tailor-made solutions). In 70m2 apartments it is often a luxury, but it really makes the difference in terms of order and practicality.
The cost of a complete bathroom, with average quality coverings, sanitary ware and furnishings, is generally between 5,000 and 8,000 , variable based on the finishes chosen and the complexity of the systems.
Colors and atmosphere: giving identity to the house
Once materials and furnishings have been chosen, color becomes the signature of the project. There’s no need to dare on every wall: just identify a coherent palette and use it with balance.
For spaces of 70 m2 in the city, warm neutral shades work well: milky white, sandy beige, light grey. These colors amplify the light and make the perfect background for furniture and paintings. A stronger touch can come from a sage green (ideal for the wall behind the sofa or for the kitchen doors), a petrol blue for the headboard, or a burnt terracotta for the entrance wall.
Those who love minimalism can focus on a tone-on-tone palette beige, ivory and light wood enriched with details in satin brass or matt black for handles and lamps. Those who prefer a more eclectic mood can introduce brighter color accents: a mustard velvet armchair ( Gubi Beetle Chair ), a bookcase lacquered in oxide red ( Lema ), a geometric carpet in warm tones ( CC-Tapis ).
Even ceilings can become protagonists: painting them a slightly darker tone than the walls creates an enveloping effect, especially in the bedroom. For the bathroom, green light for contrasts: light walls and dark floor, or colored mosaic in the shower niche to break up the monotony.
The designer’s advice is always the same: few colours, but chosen well . The objective is to create a common thread that accompanies the eye and gives continuity between the various environments.
Smart ideas for those starting from scratch
Having a low budget does not mean giving up design. Indeed: with targeted choices you can obtain an elegant and contemporary result without going overboard.
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Mix & Conscious match alternates iconic design pieces with more accessible solutions: a modular sofa Lago or DitreItaly as the protagonist, combined with tables from emerging brands ( Miniforms , Midj ) or even artisanal ones.
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Tailored where you need it investing in a single full-height wardrobe, custom-made by a local carpenter, solves storage problems and makes the house look tidier.
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Project lighting instead of a thousand expensive light points, choose ceiling tracks with adjustable spotlights (IKEA Track System or Flos Zero Track ): they cost less than a series of wall lamps and are super spectacular.
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Simple color palette neutral colors for walls and floors reduce costs and create an elegant base. Add color with textiles and accessories, easy to change over time.
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Quality second hand flea markets and platforms such as Deesup or Pamono allow you to purchase original designer pieces at lower prices, maintaining stylistic coherence.
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Efficient appliances if the kitchen is new, focus on built-in appliances with a good energy class (Bosch, Electrolux) to save in the long term.
A smart project is one that knows where to save (chairs, accessories, some coverings) and where to invest (flooring, kitchen, fixed lighting). The result will be a beautiful home to live in today and ready to grow with you.
Two example moodboards to start from scratch (without sacrificing style)
Moodboard 1 Soft Minimal
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Floor: light stone effect stoneware (Florim Stones&More or Marazzi Grande Stone Look )
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Sofa: Air Sofa by Lago in neutral fabric
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Table: Planet by Calligaris in glass and painted metal
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Chairs: J77 by Hay in natural wood (or Ikea design alternative: Ypperlig Chair )
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Lighting: ceiling track Ikea Skeninge + table lamp IC Lights by Flos
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Carpet: Ikea VINDUM light gray to define the conversation area
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Decoration: handcrafted ceramic vases and a contemporary graphic print for the main wall
Moodboard 2 Warm Urban
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Flooring: engineered parquet in honey oak (Listone Giordano or Garbelotto)
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Sofa: Ditre Italia Sanders in sage green velvet
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Table: Twiggy by Bonaldo, round extendable
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Chairs: Masters by Kartell (tone-on-tone color mix)
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Lighting: suspension Aim by Flos above the table + LED strip under the wall unit in the kitchen
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Bookcase: modular system Lema Selecta to create a reading corner
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Complements: geometric carpet CC-Tapis + terracotta colored linen cushions
Cost estimate for moodboard type
Here is an estimate for each of the two mood boards:
| Voice | Moodboard 1 Soft Minimal | Moodboard 2 Warm Urban |
|---|---|---|
| Floor (70 m2, stoneware or medium/high parquet) | Stone effect stoneware: ~ 40-60/m2 ? total 2,800-4,200 | Medium engineered oak parquet: ~ 55-80/m2 (Listone Giordano) ? total 3,850-5,600 |
| Modular sofa / protagonist design | Economy version/medium design: ~ 2,500-3,500 | Velvet version or more refined finish: ~ 3,500-5,000 |
| Table + chairs | Extendable table + medium design chairs: ~ 1,000-2,000 | Brand table + designer chairs: ~ 2,000-3,500 |
| Lighting (iconic design main lamp + general lights) | Lamp like Flos Aim single: ~ 420-600 + support lights / spotlights etc: others ~ 500-1,000 | Richer version (more light points, premium finishes): ~ 1,000-1,500 |
| Carpet / accessories / textiles / secondary furnishings | Low budget: ~ 500-1,000 | More elements + quality: ~ 1,000-2,000 |
Estimated total
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Moodboard 1 Soft Minimal : the sum of the parts gives an approximate range between ~6,500 and ~10,000 to have those basic elements (flooring, main furniture, lighting, accessories).
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Moodboard 2 Warm Urban : versions with premium materials, fine finishes and more details, you could be between ~ 10,000 and ~ 15,000 just for those elements.
From renovation to design house
A 70 m2 house can become a project of great character if every decision – from systems to colors – is made consistently. The combination of durable materials , quality furnishings and a harmonious color palette is what transforms a renovated space into a designer home, designed to last over time.
On Archieinteriors.com you will find althree interior projects and ideas to get inspired and build your home, one detail at a time.
