This 40sqm Studio Unit Will Remind You of Brooklyn, New York
IDr. Geoffrey Campomanes of Camp Disenyo expertly turned the 40sqm space into a cool and modern home reminiscent of boutique shops

The city that never sleeps is known for many things, but when it comes to using New York as design inspiration, many look up photos of Brooklyn to get their creative juices flowing.
In designing this 40sqm studio unit, interior designer Geoffrey Campomanes of Camp Disenyo had to take into consideration the owner’s request of having a Brooklyn-inspired home. “It was refreshing to meet a client requesting for a non-minimalist and non-Scandinavian design for his home. The style is on the ‘cool’ side because it looks partly industrial with its cement wall finish. To make it more warm and inviting, we used various materials and textures like velvet fabrics, cowhide rugs, wood, and bricks,” the designer explains.
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While many instantly dismiss using dark colors in a small space, Geoffrey made black work in the studio by complementing it with the right lighting pieces. He also made sure to maximize the floor layout to keep the unit from looking cramped.
Take a peek inside the Brooklyn-inspired studio unit below:
Foyer
The unit opens up to a foyer defined by a herringbone-patterned wall accent and a built-in shoe cabinet on the right.
Kitchen/Dining Areas
According to Geoffrey, they had to knock down an existing concrete wall between the foyer and kitchen area to create an illusion of a bigger kitchen space. “Originally, the dining area was located adjacent to the wall of the bathroom. To save and gain usable space, we integrated a bar counter that also served as a dining nook,” he explains.
Overhead cabinets give the owner enough storage space for dinnerware and other essentials.
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Dining Nook
Two identical stools complete the compact dining setup.
Nifty Storage
A few steps from the kitchen is a built-in cabinetry that houses the refrigerator and water dispenser. It separates the kitchen and living areas. Geoffrey shares that the cabinetry now occupies the space where the original dining area was found.
Living Area
Simple and utilitarian, the living area is completed with a sofa bed so he can accommodate friends when needed. There’s also a side table that functions as a work-from-home table.
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Bedroom
The sleeping area has a distinct New York vibe. To separate the bedroom from the living area without making the unit look cramped, Geoffrey used a glass partition with black frame. “The strategy of putting up glass partitions also helped in achieving the boutique shop ambiance that the client envisioned,” shares the designer.
From this side of the bedroom, the balcony can be seen. Again, the designer opted for tempered glass partitions so as not to block the natural light and ventilation coming from outside. To make the look cohesive, the balcony also features cement walls, sleek pieces, and faux grass to complement the plants.
Even the AC unit is concealed to maintain the overall aesthetic of the unit. The designer took this opportunity to incorporate extra niches to create storage.
“White brick tiles were also used as an accent wall in the bedroom to add more texture. In order for Camp Disenyo to showcase its trademark of using locally sourced materials, we refurbished the existing mirror with abaca and installed it in front of the open closet,” adds Geoffrey.
Opting for an open closet keeps within the client’s request of achieving a boutique-like aesthetic. The final look is reminiscent of a high-end clothing store.
Bathroom
In designing the bathroom, Geoffrey retained the existing plumbing layout and just enhanced it by completing the space with modern fixtures that go with the concept. The result is an industrial hotel-inspired T&B that features shades from natural elements.
“Most people thought that the materials we used in the T&B are expensive. These are just ceramic tiles which simulate natural stone and wood elements. We believe that a good design doesn’t have to be expensive,” says Geoffrey.
Ready to give your own home a makeover? Get in touch with IDr. Geoffrey Campomanes of Camp Disenyo through email at campdisenyoph[at]gmail.com. You can also follow them on Instagram: @camp_disenyo.
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