▷ Case study and complete interior design budget: Modern Cozy Apartment, 2 rooms, 62 m²

An apartment with an area of 62 square meters, belonging to a couple without children, with a predilection for the Scandinavian lifestyle, minimalist and functional, but premium. The color palette fits into the premium notes offered by the black and white surfaces, with warm accents provided by the light wood species.

The owners spend little time in their apartment, which is why they wanted to benefit from comfort and budget optimization. The furnishing therefore cost less than 1,000 euros/m2 and the large custom-made pieces of furniture are made by the high-end brand Formmat, using Romanian wood species. The minimalist Scandinavian-style lighting fixtures were complemented by the use of warm LED strips to highlight areas of interest in the composition, whilst bringing depth and elegance to the spaces.

Complete interior design budget, from design to completion

Total budget: 55,500 EUR (estimated)
Design budget / m²: 860 eur/m² + VAT
Design €2,200 – 4%
Finishes, Sanitary, Doors 9,900 EUR – 18%
Work (estimate) 12,400 EUR – 23%
Furniture, appliances, lighting EUR 30,500 – 55%
***Prices do not include VAT

LIVING AND DINING ROOM – 23.7 mp

A glamorous and welcoming room where functionality was the central theme. The space has been optimized as much as possible, the living room serving as both a relaxation area and an office and dining room.
The custom furniture features a design perfectly integrated into the theme of the apartment: oak textures, warm gray tones and black accents. The open bookcase from premium brand Formmat with a warm LED strip adds depth to the space, while the ribbed panel with hanging desk completes the room’s inviting aesthetic.

Main elements:
• Sofa with textile finish and wooden structure
(Italy furniture)
• Solid black finish dining table (Italy furniture)
• Track lighting, black, Scandinavian style

Product budget (estimate): 8,200 EUR (furniture, lighting) + 1,700 EUR (finishes)

KITCHEN – 8 m²

Ergonomics and charm go hand in hand when the proposed design is exceptional. The kitchen has white furniture with wooden decorations, Formmat brand, produced in Romania. Pendant lights are double deep and reach to the ceiling to maximize storage space. The built-in refrigerator fits into the simple and modern lines that characterize the entire apartment.

Main elements:
• High-end furniture with Romanian species, tailor-made
(Formmat – made in Romania)
• Upholstered bar stools, a delicate textile touch
(Italy furniture)
• Black finish pendant light, with reel
decorative (Remake – Italy)

Product budget (estimate): 9,500 EUR (furniture, household appliances, lighting) + 600 EUR (finishes)

BEDROOM – 12.6 m²

Play of textures, lights and high-end materials, translated into a uniquely designed room. The dressing room with smoked glass fronts and LED strip integrated into the shelves adds depth and optically enlarges the space. At the same time, it has an impressive decorative impact, but also increased functionality: it greatly facilitates the selection of items, without opening the doors! The wooden beams, pendant lights, as well as the walls with relief profiles, decorative coatings and contrasting textures offer a dynamic and warm landscape, an oasis of relaxation, as any bedroom should be.

Main elements:
• Footless bed, padded, with full-width headboard
the wall (Italy furniture)
• Light fixtures with a black finish, suspended, for ambiance
• “Puff” type armchair for an extra cozy touch
(Italy furniture)
• High-end furniture (dressing room & library) of Romanian species, tailor-made (Formmat)

Product budget (estimate): 7,200 EUR (furniture, lighting) + 800 EUR (finishes)

BATHROOM – 3.6 m²

Wood, black finishes and white furniture with modern, straight lines are also present in the bathroom. Porcelanosa wood-effect ceramic tiles and oak-finished furniture provide a warm and inviting atmosphere with a touch of Norwegian sauna. The stars of the bathroom are Dalet sanitary ware, a high-end Romanian brand, with colorful finishes and recognized for its durability and unique design.

The interior demonstrates that a relatively compact apartment can feel sophisticated without relying on excessive decoration. Instead, the design focuses on proportions, materials, lighting, and carefully selected furniture to create a comfortable environment with a strong visual identity.

With only 62 square meters available, efficient use of space becomes particularly important. Every major piece of furniture needs to serve a purpose, while circulation areas should remain as open as possible. This approach fits naturally with Scandinavian design, where simplicity and practicality are fundamental principles.

Black, White and Natural Wood

The restrained color palette creates continuity between the different areas of the apartment. Black elements provide contrast and definition, while white surfaces help maintain brightness and a greater sense of space. Light-colored wood softens this contrast and introduces the warmth commonly associated with Nordic interiors.

Natural wood can also prevent minimalist rooms from appearing too cold or impersonal. Used for furniture, panels, flooring, or smaller details, it provides texture while maintaining the clean appearance of the overall design.

Choosing Romanian wood species for the custom-made furniture adds another interesting dimension to the project. Local materials can be incorporated into a contemporary interior without compromising the premium aesthetic the owners wanted.

Custom Furniture for Better Use of Space

In an apartment of this size, custom-made furniture offers important advantages. Standard pieces do not always correspond perfectly to available walls, corners, or storage requirements. Furniture designed specifically for the property can make better use of these areas.

Large cabinets can incorporate different storage functions behind uniform surfaces, reducing visual clutter. The same principle can be applied to wardrobes, entertainment units, shelving, and kitchen furniture.

This is especially practical for owners who spend limited time at home. A well-organized apartment requires less effort to maintain and makes everyday objects easier to store and access.

Lighting as Part of the Interior Design

Lighting is particularly important in a minimalist environment because there are fewer decorative elements competing for attention. Instead of being purely functional, each light source can contribute to the atmosphere of the room.

Simple Scandinavian-inspired fixtures provide general illumination without overwhelming the composition. Warm LED strips introduce an additional layer of light and can emphasize furniture, architectural details, shelving, or specific surfaces.

Indirect lighting also creates depth. During the evening, it can produce a softer atmosphere than relying exclusively on ceiling fixtures, making the apartment feel warmer and more comfortable.

Premium Design Without Excess

Creating a premium interior does not necessarily mean selecting the most expensive product for every part of the home. Careful budget allocation can often produce better results.

Investing in large custom pieces that significantly influence functionality can be more valuable than spending heavily on decorative objects. Durable surfaces, quality hardware, comfortable furniture, and good lighting are elements that affect everyday experience and can justify a larger portion of the budget.

At the same time, keeping the design simple reduces the need for numerous accessories. A few carefully selected elements can provide personality without making the apartment feel crowded.

Final Perspective

This 62-square-meter apartment shows how Scandinavian principles can be adapted to a more refined and premium interior. The combination of black and white surfaces, light Romanian wood, custom furniture, and warm indirect lighting creates an environment that is minimalist without feeling austere.

More importantly, the design responds directly to the lifestyle of its owners. Efficient storage, easy maintenance, comfortable spaces, and controlled spending were prioritized alongside aesthetics.

The result illustrates an important principle of contemporary interior design: luxury does not always depend on size or excessive spending. Thoughtful planning, quality materials, functional furniture, and carefully designed lighting can give even a modestly sized apartment an elegant and sophisticated character.