Meow Meow

Ever dreamt of a city apartment that feels expansive, bathed in natural light, and magically stores everything without feeling cluttered? For many of us living in bustling urban centers, that’s the ultimate fantasy. But for architect Fran L., co-founder of Sun Building Workshop, it became a vibrant reality for her sister’s 33 square meter (355 square foot) apartment in the charming Maxéville neighborhood of Paris. This isn’t just a renovation; it’s a testament to how intelligent design can breathe new life into compact spaces, even those steeped in history.

Fran’s sister had two main requirements: to open up the space and create loads of storage for her beloved plants and clothes. The result is a home that feels significantly larger than its footprint, proving that less space can still mean more style and functionality.

The Golden Thread: A Birch Plywood Masterpiece

The absolute game-changer in this apartment is the continuous birch plywood joinery. Think of it as the heart and soul of the design, seamlessly weaving through the entire volume. This isn’t just a kitchen cabinet or a staircase; it’s an integrated system that includes kitchen functions, abundant storage, the stairs to the mezzanine, and even the base for the upper-level bedroom. This clever spine ensures a fluid connection between spaces and was the key to fulfilling the storage brief.

Low sections of the joinery double as versatile surfaces for displaying plants, mirrors, and personal touches, as well as providing informal seating for friends.
Even the often-overlooked space under the staircase is ingeniously utilized, with an archway providing access to hidden storage for larger items, extending even under the first two steps.
From 1980s Clutter to Luminous Oasis

The apartment, last renovated in the 1980s, was due for a refresh. Its original layout was highly compartmentalized, with the toilet awkwardly by the entrance and the shower tucked away on the other side of the apartment, next to the bedroom.

Fran’s first bold move? Removing the partition walls that separated the rooms. This single decision allowed natural light to flood in through the three large windows, instantly transforming the living room into a spacious and breathable area. They also made another brilliant discovery: by removing the old ceiling, they found an extra 50 centimeters (nearly 20 inches) of vertical space above, which was absolutely crucial for creating the mezzanine bedroom. The toilet was also strategically moved into a new, more central bathroom. The overall effect upon entering is a bright and warm atmosphere, enhanced by a curtain at the front door that makes the room feel more intimate.

The Kitchen That Works Hard (and Looks Good Doing It!)

Even though the kitchen is tucked under the mezzanine, resulting in a slightly lower ceiling height, it feels remarkably open. The secret? Choosing white for the walls and ceiling to counteract any feeling of being small.

The star of this compact kitchen is a large island counter, designed to be a truly multi-functional hub. It’s perfect for cooking, eating, entertaining friends, or even working. This powerhouse island cleverly houses an induction stove, a countertop extractor, an oven, and additional storage. To further define the kitchen visually, they played with different colors and finishes: large gray concrete-looking tiles for the floor and a distinctive greenish-blue color for the cabinets and splashback. Even the appliances were thoughtfully chosen; a smaller fridge fits perfectly under the stairs, and Fran’s sister hasn’t needed a bigger one in four years. A washing machine is neatly concealed below a pantry, maintaining a clean, clutter-free look from the living area.

Living Room: Parisian Charm Meets Modern Ingenuity

The removal of the main wall truly opened up the living room, allowing it to bask in the natural light from the three large windows. Adding a playful touch, a green wallpaper accent adorns one side of the back wall where a chimney runs. Additional shelves and a cabinet provide even more storage.

The floor is a stunner: a beautiful herringbone pattern in natural oak. This isn’t just a design choice; it’s a subtle nod to Parisian bourgeois tradition, making a sophisticated statement for an apartment located in a working-class neighborhood. The continuous joinery also extends into the living room, maintaining that simple, connecting line and offering even more storage for clothes and household items. These low storage units also act as perfect surfaces for plants, mirrors, and other display items.

The Mezzanine: A Cozy Cocoon in the Sky

The custom-designed staircase leads up to what Fran describes as a “cozy cocoon” bedroom. The stairs are intelligently designed so you can stand on a platform next to the bed and even have standing height when rolling out of bed.

Despite its compact nature, the bedroom feels both open and intimate. This is achieved by leaving enough space around the mattress and incorporating open shelves along the window. While the mattress sits directly on the floor, a ventilation system was cleverly built underneath. More storage for private items is integrated into shelves at the end of the stairs, and the space around the stairs was also maximized for additional storage.

Bathroom: Flow, Function, and Privacy

The bathroom, benefiting from full ceiling height and a small window overlooking a courtyard, boasts excellent airflow. It features a custom vanity unit that perfectly fits into the corner – a thoughtful adjustment made during renovation when a traditional vanity wouldn’t fit. A small niche with shelves and the hot water tank is located in front of the toilet.

For both space efficiency and privacy, especially when guests are using the facilities, the shower is in its own dedicated part of the bathroom. As Fran wisely notes, Parisian apartments are rarely perfectly square, demanding creativity in making compact spaces feel as spacious, luminous, and comfortable as possible. This apartment is a beautiful testament to finding that delicate balance and perfecting those proportions.

This Paris apartment isn’t just a place to live; it’s a masterclass in thoughtful, intelligent design that proves small spaces can truly live large. It’s inspiring to see every element work in harmony to create a home that feels far more expansive and luxurious than its actual footprint.