Urban Studio

LOCATION

Durban, KZN

TYPE

Airbnb | Short-Term Rental

BRIEF

Renovate an existing studio flat into a fully equipped Airbnb offering a boutique hotel experience, incorporating a bedroom, lounge, kitchenette, workspace and ensuite bathroom within a compact 20m² footprint.

The challenge with Urban Studio was not simply fitting everything into the available space, but creating a layout that felt generous, comfortable and easy to use. Careful consideration of furniture proportions, circulation and the relationship between different areas allowed each function to have its own place without the interior feeling overcrowded.

Rather than playing it safe with a neutral interior and challenging the idea that smaller spaces need to play it safe with colour and pattern, oversized botanical wallpaper, warm timber finishes and retro-inspired fabrics introduce colour and personality, creating a distinctive space that feels more like a thoughtfully designed hotel room than a conventional studio flat.

Beyond the aesthetics, attention was also given to the less visible aspects of the guest experience, including acoustic insulation, privacy, lighting and everyday conveniences. The result is a welcoming, well-equipped retreat that balances the practical demands of an Airbnb with the character and comfort of a boutique hotel.

Open-plan bedroom, lounge and workspace at Urban Studio Airbnb in Durban North, featuring dark green botanical wallpaper with gold palm detailing, a queen-size bed, retro-inspired cushions and warm timber furniture.

Clever space planning was central to the studio's design, with four distinct zones accommodating sleeping, lounging, working and food preparation within the open-plan layout. The bed anchors the sleeping area, the sofa creates a separate place to relax, the dedicated desk provides somewhere to work or get ready and the built-in kitchenette provides a functional area to prepare food. Their arrangement allows each area to function independently without the need for partitions or competing for floor space.

Lounge area at Urban Studio Airbnb in Durban North, featuring a charcoal sofa, terracotta scatter cushion, timber coffee table, indoor greenery and large garden-facing windows.
Bedroom detail at Urban Studio Airbnb in Durban North, featuring dark green botanical wallpaper, charcoal upholstered headboard, colourful retro-inspired cushions, bedside lighting and timber workspace.

The colour scheme takes its inspiration from Durban's subtropical climate, with a combination of deep greens and warm oranges setting the direction for the interior. The bold botanical wallpaper became the starting point for the finishes and furnishings, with olive, rust and terracotta tones carried through the fabrics and accessories. Warm timber, charcoal upholstery and simple neutral finishes balance the stronger colours, while the mix of retro-inspired patterns adds a fun element without making the interior feel too busy.
Bedroom detail at Urban Studio Airbnb in Durban North, featuring layered retro-inspired cushions in orange and olive tones, with a grey lounge sofa and garden-facing windows in the background.

The ensuite bathroom was completely renovated with a focus on creating a more refined, hotel-style experience. Vertically laid, textured wall tiles add warmth and interest, while the frameless glass shower enclosure, floating vanity and arched mirror keep the space feeling open and uncluttered. Black fittings provide a subtle contrast to the neutral finishes.
Bathroom detail at Urban Studio Airbnb in Durban North, featuring an arched black-framed mirror, textured taupe wall tiles, white basin, matte black tapware and wall-mounted toiletries.

The kitchenette was designed to provide the essentials for short-term stays without taking over the space. The compact kitchen incorporates a food preparation space, a fridge, sink and coffee station. Simple white cabinetry and black fittings keep the design visually understated alongside the more expressive bedroom and lounge zones.
Contemporary ensuite bathroom at Urban Studio Airbnb in Durban North, featuring textured taupe wall tiles, a frameless glass shower, floating white vanity, arched mirror and matte black fittings.