Paris Houzz Tour: Brilliant Small-Space Solutions Transform Flat
The designer of this flat had to get creative to fit a separate bedroom into the small space. See the tricks she used
Agnès Carpentier
28 July 2019
When the 19-year-old who lives here first moved to Paris from elsewhere in France, her parents wanted to give her the best possible surroundings and renovated a studio they own in the centre of the capital. The space, which had been rented out, hadn’t been renovated for 25 years and needed a complete revamp.
In early 2018, the owners contacted several interior designers with an ambitious brief: they wanted to fit all the conveniences of a much larger home into these 258 square feet (24 square metres), including a bedroom worthy of the name, a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry area, an office, a comfortable bathroom and all the storage space necessary to keep the place tidy. They fell for Aurore Pannier’s design proposal, as much for its space optimisation tricks as for its fresh feel.
In early 2018, the owners contacted several interior designers with an ambitious brief: they wanted to fit all the conveniences of a much larger home into these 258 square feet (24 square metres), including a bedroom worthy of the name, a fully equipped kitchen, a laundry area, an office, a comfortable bathroom and all the storage space necessary to keep the place tidy. They fell for Aurore Pannier’s design proposal, as much for its space optimisation tricks as for its fresh feel.
Before Photo
House at a Glance
Who lives here? A 19-year-old student
Location Paris, France
Date finished May 2018, after four months’ work
Size One bedroom and one bathroom; about 258 square feet (24 square metres)
Interior designer Aurore Pannier of Parisdinterieur
Budget €60,000 (about £51,545) including work and décor, and another 10% for related fees
Before. The apartment is located on the mezzanine floor of an old building in the centre of Paris. The spaces in the studio are regularly shaped, with no load-bearing columns, and it features two areas with large windows, one on each side, both overlooking internal courtyards. Nonetheless, the apartment was not very bright, and the combination of dark beams and terracotta floors made it darker still.
As the student wanted a proper sleeping area, interior designer Aurore Pannier first focused on the layout, a task she particularly likes because the optimisation of small spaces has been one of her specialties since she started working in this field six years ago. A recess at the back of the studio where the kitchen had stood seemed like the best and most protected place for a mini-bedroom.
Who lives here? A 19-year-old student
Location Paris, France
Date finished May 2018, after four months’ work
Size One bedroom and one bathroom; about 258 square feet (24 square metres)
Interior designer Aurore Pannier of Parisdinterieur
Budget €60,000 (about £51,545) including work and décor, and another 10% for related fees
Before. The apartment is located on the mezzanine floor of an old building in the centre of Paris. The spaces in the studio are regularly shaped, with no load-bearing columns, and it features two areas with large windows, one on each side, both overlooking internal courtyards. Nonetheless, the apartment was not very bright, and the combination of dark beams and terracotta floors made it darker still.
As the student wanted a proper sleeping area, interior designer Aurore Pannier first focused on the layout, a task she particularly likes because the optimisation of small spaces has been one of her specialties since she started working in this field six years ago. A recess at the back of the studio where the kitchen had stood seemed like the best and most protected place for a mini-bedroom.
After. That meant she had to move the kitchen somewhere else. “We were able to entertain the idea of moving it because the plumbing could be relocated to the area in front of the front door,” Aurore says.
Before Photo
Before. The owners had originally struggled to find a use for the space opposite the front door, and simply put a cupboard there.
After. The U-shaped kitchen maximises worktop space. “This kitchen was challenging and the U-shaped layout was the only one that would fit a fridge, washer-dryer, oven, microwave, dishwasher, storage units and a rubbish bin,” Aurore says.
Specifically, the left side of the U is for the fridge, and the washer-dryer is in the middle next to a combination dishwasher-oven, which has a dishwasher on the bottom and a traditional oven on top.
On the right is a cabinet with a cutlery drawer. The three wall-mounted units contain the microwave, the recirculating extractor fan and a cabinet.
Oven-dishwasher, Duo by Candy.
Specifically, the left side of the U is for the fridge, and the washer-dryer is in the middle next to a combination dishwasher-oven, which has a dishwasher on the bottom and a traditional oven on top.
On the right is a cabinet with a cutlery drawer. The three wall-mounted units contain the microwave, the recirculating extractor fan and a cabinet.
Oven-dishwasher, Duo by Candy.
There was still a rubbish bin to squeeze in and, challenging herself to find someplace other than the middle of the floor, Aurore came up with an unusual solution.
“See the little circle on the right in the worktop? There it is,” she says. “It’s a rubber valve, under which a collar holds a rubbish bag that makes it possible to conveniently throw away peelings and leftovers. The bag is hidden in a space that can be accessed from under the breakfast bar.”
Waste disposal system, Prentout.
“See the little circle on the right in the worktop? There it is,” she says. “It’s a rubber valve, under which a collar holds a rubbish bag that makes it possible to conveniently throw away peelings and leftovers. The bag is hidden in a space that can be accessed from under the breakfast bar.”
Waste disposal system, Prentout.
The under-counter hatch for the rubbish bag is pictured here, next to the legs of the bar stools.
On the living room side, the interior designer made the laminate worktop into a breakfast bar.
Aurore was really in tune with the student’s décor wishes. “During my first visit, it came to me in a flash when I saw the windows: even though the apartment is in the middle of Paris, it felt as if I was in a country or holiday house. This inspired me to use white and leafy tones,” she says.
Now the kitchen looks like a “bubble of nature” bathed in sun, with its green laminate doors and wall-mounted units with glossy white glass fronts. The original terracotta floor was kept as a valuable vestige of the apartment’s history, but the beams and walls were painted white to brighten up the atmosphere.
Bar stools, Tolix. Kitchen, Leroy Merlin. Pendant lights in bamboo, Bloomingville. Pendant lights over the breakfast bar, second-hand find.
On the living room side, the interior designer made the laminate worktop into a breakfast bar.
Aurore was really in tune with the student’s décor wishes. “During my first visit, it came to me in a flash when I saw the windows: even though the apartment is in the middle of Paris, it felt as if I was in a country or holiday house. This inspired me to use white and leafy tones,” she says.
Now the kitchen looks like a “bubble of nature” bathed in sun, with its green laminate doors and wall-mounted units with glossy white glass fronts. The original terracotta floor was kept as a valuable vestige of the apartment’s history, but the beams and walls were painted white to brighten up the atmosphere.
Bar stools, Tolix. Kitchen, Leroy Merlin. Pendant lights in bamboo, Bloomingville. Pendant lights over the breakfast bar, second-hand find.
Before Photo
Before. Aurore wanted to replace the small shoe cabinet under the intercom with some useful storage units she designed herself.
After. They put two large, tall storage units here, one opening towards the front door and the other towards the bathroom door. One part of the cupboard houses the electricity meter, vacuum cleaner and iron, while the the other, about 35cm-deep closet holds folded clothes.
To make the space look bigger and give the owner a chance to check her outfit, the tall cupboard doors were covered in mirrors.
Another goal of the renovation was to “break the linearity of the space and, for fun, make guests feel a little disoriented in the apartment,” Aurore says. The mirrors provide some interesting double framing that visually rearranges the space by creating new sightlines, especially when the doors are open.
Another goal of the renovation was to “break the linearity of the space and, for fun, make guests feel a little disoriented in the apartment,” Aurore says. The mirrors provide some interesting double framing that visually rearranges the space by creating new sightlines, especially when the doors are open.
Before Photo
Before. The open door in this photo leads to the bathroom.
After. The partition for the bathroom was moved to accommodate a pocket door.
The student keeps her computer at a small stationery desk. It was made with a 70 x 45cm black laminate shelf supported with a leg by Tiptoe. This corner is well lit by a wall lamp.
On the left, a custom-made unit in painted MDF provides additional storage and space for decorative items. The lower part serves as a TV stand, while the closed niches hold the router and media server, which includes a TV and internet connection.
Wall lamp, Jieldé.
The student keeps her computer at a small stationery desk. It was made with a 70 x 45cm black laminate shelf supported with a leg by Tiptoe. This corner is well lit by a wall lamp.
On the left, a custom-made unit in painted MDF provides additional storage and space for decorative items. The lower part serves as a TV stand, while the closed niches hold the router and media server, which includes a TV and internet connection.
Wall lamp, Jieldé.
Before Photo
Before Photo
Before. The old bathroom had a bath, basin and loo all in a row.
It felt very dark because of the terracotta tiles and yellowish paint on the walls.
It felt very dark because of the terracotta tiles and yellowish paint on the walls.
After. Illuminated by white walls and pale grey imitation zellige tiles, the new bathroom looks much more contemporary. The flooring (not seen) is terrazzo. “The young woman wanted something sober and practical and, especially, a shower with niches,” the designer says.
To optimise the space, the extra-flat, 80 litre water heater was placed above the toilet. The original one was round and had been mounted in the kitchen: it was an eyesore and the clients wanted to get rid of it.
Velis 80 litres water heater, Ariston.
To optimise the space, the extra-flat, 80 litre water heater was placed above the toilet. The original one was round and had been mounted in the kitchen: it was an eyesore and the clients wanted to get rid of it.
Velis 80 litres water heater, Ariston.
The 70 x 100cm shower freed up some floor space in the small bathroom, making it comfortable to use. Aurore was even able to add another cupboard. In order to not lose a single inch and create the niches the student requested, the designer had to dig into the building’s service duct.
Before Photo
Before. The recess where the kitchen once stood now hosts the bedroom. Its design was another challenge. “The student wanted a large bed, a wardrobe, a second TV and some character,” Aurore says.
After. The bedroom is about 2.3 x 2m. The left side was fitted with a 50 x 60cm wardrobe that extends with more storage space above the bed and, in this way, forms a frame around it. This frame is enhanced by a mural wallpaper depicting flowers and papyrus plants, which livens up the headboard and offers a beautiful view from the living room.
Placing the second TV, in the bedroom, was a challenge for the interior designer. “The storage unit [next to the glass partition] forms a 60cm-wide wall on the bedroom side, which would have been too narrow to hang a TV on and keep it invisible from the living room, because of the glass. I ended up finding an adjustable arm that can keep the TV in portrait mode on that narrow wall and then flip it into landscape mode at the foot of the bed when the student wants to watch it.”
Curtains, Ikea. Custom-made wall mural, Sagamore by Au fil des Couleurs.
Placing the second TV, in the bedroom, was a challenge for the interior designer. “The storage unit [next to the glass partition] forms a 60cm-wide wall on the bedroom side, which would have been too narrow to hang a TV on and keep it invisible from the living room, because of the glass. I ended up finding an adjustable arm that can keep the TV in portrait mode on that narrow wall and then flip it into landscape mode at the foot of the bed when the student wants to watch it.”
Curtains, Ikea. Custom-made wall mural, Sagamore by Au fil des Couleurs.
Before Photo
Before. Opposite the windows at the entrance, these French windows offer views of a second courtyard.
After. The two original windows bring lots of light into the living area, which is furnished with a sofa, an armchair and two coffee tables.
Sofa, Made.com. Armchair, AM.PM. Coffee tables, La Redoute Intérieur.
Sofa, Made.com. Armchair, AM.PM. Coffee tables, La Redoute Intérieur.
“As I’m a storage maniac, I proposed adding a built-in storage bench and adorned the seat with a jungle-inspired fabric,” Aurore says.
To complete the nature-inspired décor, an Alocasia (Amazonian elephant’s ear) plant stands alongside a bamboo pendant light, mini succulents and a cactus-shaped vase.
Bamboo pendant light, Bloomingville. Bespoke bench, La Maison du Coussin.
To complete the nature-inspired décor, an Alocasia (Amazonian elephant’s ear) plant stands alongside a bamboo pendant light, mini succulents and a cactus-shaped vase.
Bamboo pendant light, Bloomingville. Bespoke bench, La Maison du Coussin.
Floor plan, before renovation. Labels clockwise from top left: kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom.
“It was a very interesting project,” Aurore says. “The owners had thought a lot about their needs and wanted to hold strictly to their requirements. It forced me to be more creative.
“In small spaces it’s a real challenge, and that’s why I particularly like them,” she adds.
“It was a very interesting project,” Aurore says. “The owners had thought a lot about their needs and wanted to hold strictly to their requirements. It forced me to be more creative.
“In small spaces it’s a real challenge, and that’s why I particularly like them,” she adds.
Floor plan, after renovation. Labels clockwise from top left: bedroom, office, bathroom, entrance, kitchen, living room.
As for the student, she has taken up residence in her pretty home with pride and satisfaction.
Find a design or renovation professional near you
Tell us
What do you think of this transformation from dingy studio to bright one-bed flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
As for the student, she has taken up residence in her pretty home with pride and satisfaction.
Find a design or renovation professional near you
Tell us
What do you think of this transformation from dingy studio to bright one-bed flat? Share your thoughts in the Comments section.
What are you working on?
Related Stories
Houzz Tours
India Houzz Tour: Warm Wood & Rattan in a Pared-Down Apartment
Pleasing textures and natural materials, plus a nod to travels abroad, have given this home a relaxed, welcoming mood
Full Story
Festive Decorating
Houzz Tour: Scandi Christmas Decorations in a Russian Dacha
The white, green and silver palette of this cosy and simple Christmas scheme echoes the wintry landscape outside
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Mumbai Houzz: An Art Deco Haven for a Family of Four
Geometric forms, copper patinas and smooth archways breathe a bygone era in this flat by SHROFFLEóN
Full Story
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Small Space Living in a Chic Coastal Cottage
By Becky Harris
Thanks to some clever design, this cosy, two-bed cottage can accommodate 12 for weekends by the water
Full Story
Kitchens
The Most Popular Kitchens From Around the World in 2020
By HouzzSG
What kitchens were Houzz users dreaming about this year? A look at the most saved kitchen photos globally.
Full Story
Kitchens
Kitchen Tour: Industrial Style in White, Blue and Brick
A major renovation uncovers an old fireplace that forms a warm focal point in this lively Pittsburgh kitchen
Full Story
Houzz Around The World
Russia Houzz Tour: A Communal Room is Turned Into a Glam Studio
Once a room in a rundown kommunalka, this studio resurrects the elegance of its pre-revolutionary building
Full Story
Landed Homes
Perth Houzz Tour: Singapore Firm Brings Mid-Century House to Life
Perth homeowners commissioned Design Intervention to design the interiors of their dream house
Full Story
Bathrooms
Bathroom Tour: A Melbourne Bathroom That's a Work of Art
Decorative tiles, rounded timber cabinets and secret colours conspire to create a bathroom that is a sight to behold
Full Story
Houzz Around The World
Spain Houzz Tour: The Delicate Renovation of a Village Home
This Spanish home's head-to-toe renovation put a twist on local architectural traditions
Full Story
An awe-inspiring make over. There is nothing that is missing from the brief. It's a bright well thought out interiors which anyone wld love to own
Love the garbage solution in the kitchen! it is fantastic !
The "before" was also adorable, bit needed minor tweaks. I would have opted to paint ceiling white and use lighter furniture. The "after" also looks very modern and high end. Both good in different ways. Cheers