A Minimalist Apartment Makeover Done Right
When it comes to designing a home that stays stylish for years, the details matter. This two-bedroom apartment in Bucharest’s Domenii neighborhood is a perfect example of how smart material choices and thoughtful lighting can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Completed for a couple by a Bucharest-based interior design studio, the project drew on premium solutions across every category — from custom furniture and flush-mounted doors to architectural lighting and motorized wood blinds.
Architectural Lighting in the Living Area
The living room ceiling features a square-shaped recessed track with adjustable spotlights, neatly defining the living zone from the kitchen without any physical partition. The TV wall is anchored by a Caccaro Living Wall unit with a sleek black ceramic finish.
Above the solid wood dining table, the Heracleum pendant by Moooi makes a statement — providing warm, focused light while doubling as a sculptural centerpiece.
Instead of traditional curtains, the homeowners opted for automated natural wood blinds. Handcrafted in Romania, these motorized shades offer a clean, modern look with the added bonus of real-wood warmth — and yes, there are moisture-resistant versions available for bathrooms.
In the kitchen, a combination of recessed downlights and surface-mounted Top Mini spotlights by Arkoslight handle task lighting, while integrated LED strips under the cabinetry brighten the countertops. The hidden baseboard — a Shadow Gap profile — creates a floating wall effect and is backlit with RGB LED tape, so the accent color can be changed on a whim.
Pro tip: Install the LED strip after the baseboard is in place. The baseboard goes in after flooring — leave the gap between the wall and floor before the final finish. The same Shadow Gap profile is used at the top of the wall for cove lighting, with room for an LED strip and diffuser.
Custom Storage by Caccaro
The walk-in closets were custom-built by Italian manufacturer Caccaro — a brand represented exclusively by Design Radar in this market. Going custom means every inch of the space is put to work, regardless of the room’s dimensions. Lead time runs five to six weeks, which is hard to beat for made-to-order Italian cabinetry.
Italian Interior Doors by Albed
Every interior door in the apartment comes from Albed, another Italian favorite. The project uses a mix of swing doors, sliding doors, and wall-mounted sliding doors on track hardware. The standout detail is the filomuro effect: doors integrate flush with the wall, with no visible frames or decorative molding. The result is a seamless, uninterrupted surface that keeps the minimalist aesthetic consistent throughout.
Bedroom Lighting
The bedroom follows the same recessed track approach as the living room, with fully directional spotlights. Rather than bedside table lamps, the homeowners chose two compact adjustable spotlights — one for each side — so neither person has to disturb the other when reading. The cove lighting above the bed uses RGB LEDs controllable directly from a phone or tablet.