Meow Meow

Living in a bustling city often means making the most of every square foot. But what if you could transform a compact apartment into an open, light-filled sanctuary brimming with smart storage? That’s precisely what architect Fran L, co-founder of Sun Building Workshop, achieved for her sister’s 33 square meter (355 square foot) apartment in Paris. This remarkable renovation is a masterclass in maximizing potential, proving that even in a historic building, modern design can create a truly extraordinary home.

A Continuous Design Thread: The Birch Plywood Spine

The ingenious core of this apartment’s design is a continuous birch plywood joinery. This isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s the architectural backbone of the entire space. It seamlessly incorporates kitchen functions, abundant storage, the staircase, and the base for the mezzanine bedroom, creating a fluid connection throughout the volume. This custom joinery was a key solution to Fran’s sister’s primary requirements: opening up the space and creating lots of storage for plants, clothes, and various household items.

The low sections of this joinery aren’t just for hidden treasures; they also serve as versatile surfaces for displaying plants, mirrors, and other personal items. Plus, they offer a convenient, informal spot for seating when friends visit. Even the often-wasted space under the staircase is cleverly utilized, with an archway leading to an accessible area for storing larger items, extending even to the space under the first two steps.

From Compartmentalized to Luminous: A Radical Transformation

The apartment, located in the charming and quiet Maxéville neighborhood near the Marché aux Puces, was last renovated in the 1980s and was ripe for a refresh. The original layout was significantly more compartmentalized, with the toilet by the entrance and the shower all the way on the other side of the apartment, next to the bedroom.

Fran’s first major step was to remove the partition walls separating the rooms, allowing natural light to flood in through the three large windows. This single change instantly made the living room a more spacious and breathable area. Beyond that, they removed the old ceiling, uncovering an extra 50 centimeters (nearly 20 inches) of valuable vertical space, which was crucial for the creation of the mezzanine bedroom. The toilet was also strategically relocated into a new, more centrally located bathroom. The overall effect upon entering is a bright and warm atmosphere, enhanced by a curtain at the front door to create a more intimate feel.

A Kitchen That Does It All: Smart Design Under the Mezzanine

Though situated under the mezzanine, which means a slightly lower ceiling height, the kitchen feels anything but cramped. Fran chose white for the walls and ceiling to help the space feel less small.

The centerpiece of this compact kitchen is a large Ison counter/island. This isn’t just for cooking; it’s a truly multi-functional hub for eating, entertaining friends, or working. This island cleverly houses an induction stove, a countertop extractor, an oven, and additional storage. To further define the space visually, the designers used large gray concrete-looking tiles for the kitchen floor and a distinctive greenish-blue color for the cabinets and splashback. Even the appliances were chosen with space in mind; a smaller fridge fits perfectly under the stairs, and after four years, the owner hasn’t felt the need for a bigger one. A washing machine is neatly tucked away in a corner below a pantry, cleverly concealed from the living area to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.

Living Room: Parisian Charm Meets Modern Function

The removal of the main wall truly opened up the living room, allowing it to benefit from the ample natural light. The apartment’s character is celebrated with a playful touch: a green wallpaper accent on one side of the back wall where a chimney runs. Additional shelves and a cabinet provide more storage.

A beautiful herringbone pattern in natural oak covers the entire floor. This choice is a subtle yet powerful nod to Parisian bourgeois tradition, making a statement for this apartment situated 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 other household items.

The Cozy Cocoon: A Mezzanine Bedroom Retreat

The custom-designed staircase leads up to a “cozy cocoon” bedroom. The stairs are intelligently designed, allowing one to stand on a platform next to the bed and even achieve standing height when rolling out of bed.

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

A Bathroom Designed for Flow and Privacy

The bathroom, benefiting from full ceiling height and a small window overlooking a courtyard, enjoys 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 a hot water tank is located in front of the toilet.

For both space and privacy, especially when guests are using the facilities, the shower is in its own dedicated part of the bathroom. As Fran notes, Parisian apartments are rarely perfectly square, which demands creativity in making compact spaces feel as spacious, luminous, and comfortable as possible. This apartment is a testament to that balance and clever proportioning.

This Paris apartment isn’t just a home; it’s a testament to thoughtful, intelligent design that can transform even the smallest spaces into havens of style, functionality, and comfort. It’s truly inspiring to see how every element works together to create a space that feels far larger than its actual footprint.