Inside a 721‑sqft Micro‑Apartment: A Pilot, His Two Cats, and a Loft That Means Business
When pilot Ernest Khong rang up design guru Selina Tay, he didn’t just want a pretty living space; he wanted a cat‑friendly haven, a queen‑size bedroom, and a wardrobe that could hold all his sweaters. “Make it feel open and light,” he told Selina, “but make sure Chevy and Lexie have a playground.”
Dreaming of a Loft‑Inspired Life
- Thickness in the ceilings was the secret sauce. Instead of turning the second bedroom into a walk‑in wardrobe (thereby killing a bedroom), Selina’s brainchild was a loft that slashes the floor and gives the cabin you’d usually reservat
- The loft rises above the main room, and a custom ladder keeps things safe so that Ernest can move his queen‑size mattress like a pro.
- Below the bed comes a walk‑in wardrobe with a head room of just 2.2 m—so slightly lower than the norm but massively more useful. A hidden compartment behind the back adds that extra secret stashroom.
Kitchen Innovation: From Scattered Countertops to a Functional Island
The original kitchen was a beehive of cabinets, a hob, an oven, a sink, and an entire laundry stack—no room for a sitting area. Ernest was willing to duck a tiny six‑seat table next to the kitchen, but Selina had a sharper vision.
- Island in the center of the kitchen becomes the focal point, with a mini dining platform tucked at one end for two stools.
- Did you know a kitchen island can double as storage? Selina added drawers that let Ernest stash crockery, knives, and his secret snack stash.
- He cooks almost daily (once he’s not flying), so the island is more than a table—it’s a personal cooking station.
Unleashing the Feline Fun
Below the island’s dining area, Chevy and Lexie’s bowls and litter are neatly tucked away, keeping the kitchen tidy while giving the cats a dedicated space. The real wizardry? Wall‑mounted cat shelves that look like ordinary steps with a twist. They’re positioned behind the TV console and create a little cat obstacle course that keeps the furry pals entertained for hours.
- Chevy climbs up cabinets, the chin‑up bar, and even the loft platform—all while the cat shelves keep them safe.
- The shelves entice them with the thrill of a staircase; each shelf has a slight incline that swings them from one step to the next—short for “fun” and “exercise” in cat‑centric terms.
Why Everyone Loves this Space
Ernest says: “It’s a micro‑apartment that feels huge. The loft lets me keep a bedroom, a cat playground, and walk‑in wardrobe without feeling cramped.” Like many who live in limited areas, the key was smart layering—not just 1‑floor thinking, but 2‑D thinking.
Takeaway: Small Space Design, Big Impact
If you’re frustrated with cramped micro‑apartments, consider a loft, smart storage, and a central island. And make room for a cat. It’s the ultimate life hack—cat‑friendly, functional, and with a twist of elegance. Happy designing, folks!
