The Smallest House in Italy

While people don’t tend to seek out the smallest house in a neighborhood when they are shopping around for places to live, the smallest house in Rome is difficult to pass up. At just 75 square feet, architect and designer Marco Pierazzi knew that he could turn this tiny apartment, just steps from St. Peter’s Square, into something not just livable, but something that was home. He renovated the building, which was likely constructed in the 1700s, adding modern touches without destroying the original structure. Although Pierazzi and his family have since moved to a larger space, he still rents the tiny home to friends who want a neat little nook to stay when visiting the city.

This was how the house looked BEFORE the renovation. 

Although small, the kitchen has a modern stovetop, sink, and attractive cabinetry for holding dishes and other kitchen essentials. 


A dining table that can seat up to four people folds out from the wall and can easily be stowed away when not in use. Exposed brick from the original structure give the kitchen area a feeling of a cozy corner café. 

With the table tucked away, a narrow staircase leads up to the bedroom and living area, where a trapdoor can be closed behind you so you don’t accidentally slip back downstairs. 



The bed folds up into a sofa with a wall-mounted television for relaxing or entertaining. Exposed beams overhead match the dark wood floors and contrast with the mostly modern fixtures and décor. 




The bathroom is small but gleaming with just enough space for comfortable showering and daily rituals. 



Though modern life seems to demand more and more space for things, Pierazzi’s house proves that small can be plenty.