When most people think of a 20-pyeong Korean apartment renovation, they assume there’s not much room to work with. But this Seoulsup Prugio 1st complex remodel proves that even compact spaces can be completely transformed — not through structural changes, but through thoughtful design details that punch well above their weight.
This project featured three signature elements: a landscaped entryway accent, a wood-tone fake door (페이크 도어) that cleverly conceals the balcony access, and a custom-built home cafe storage unit combining a coffee station and mini bar. The result is an apartment that feels significantly larger, more luxurious, and deeply personal.
The Entryway — Where First Impressions Are Made
The entryway transformation is the most dramatic in the entire renovation. What was once a standard, unremarkable Korean apartment entrance became a space that immediately signals a different kind of home.
Key design decisions:
- Floating shoe cabinet: Elevated bottom with warm LED strip lighting underneath — creates a soft glow that makes the space feel like it’s floating
- Recessed ceiling downlights: Evenly spaced for hotel-lobby-quality ambient lighting
- Large floor mirror: Visually doubles the space and adds an editorial, high-end feel
- Frosted glass interior door: Creates visual flow between entry and living areas while maintaining separation
The Hallway — Gallery-Level Drama
The hallway connecting the entryway to the living area received a gallery-like treatment with one standout feature: an arched niche shelf with warm pink indirect lighting. This architectural detail — typically found in much larger, custom-designed homes — adds tremendous visual interest to what would otherwise be a plain corridor.
The transparent glass door with a slim black metal frame keeps the space visually open while defining separate zones — a technique that makes Korean apartments feel significantly larger than their square footage suggests.
The Mirror Effect — Making Small Feel Grand
One of the most effective tricks in Korean interior design: strategic mirror placement. By positioning two large floor mirrors facing each other, the designers created an infinite reflection effect that makes the compact space feel open and editorial.
Combined with the glass door and the arch niche behind it, this creates a layered visual depth that photographs beautifully and genuinely changes how the space feels in person.
The Living Area & Kitchen — Home Cafe at the Center
The kitchen renovation centered around a concept hugely popular in Korean apartments right now: the 홈카페 (home cafe). Rather than treating the kitchen purely as a cooking space, the design team created a dedicated coffee and beverage station with open shelving for display, a wine/drink cabinet with glass doors, and a marble-finish island that doubles as a casual dining counter.
This reflects a broader shift in how Koreans are living — the home cafe setup means you can recreate the Korean café aesthetic every morning without leaving your apartment.
Key Design Principles
- Consistent warm tone palette: Ivory, cream, beige throughout — no jarring color changes
- Indirect lighting everywhere: Under cabinets, behind niches, beneath floating furniture
- Glass and mirrors to expand space: Highest-impact, relatively affordable upgrades
- One statement feature per room: Arch niche, home cafe bar, mirror effect
- Fake door (페이크 도어): Hiding balcony access behind flush wood-tone panel makes walls look intentional
Final Thoughts
This renovation is a masterclass in working within constraints. A 23-pyeong apartment isn’t spacious by any objective measure — but with the right approach, it feels like a completely different class of home. Invest in lighting, be strategic with mirrors and glass, pick one hero feature per room, and maintain a consistent color story. These principles work regardless of your apartment’s size or budget. 🏠