Meow Meow

Nestled in the historic fifth arrondissement of Paris, between the iconic Pantheon and the serene Jardin de Luxembourg, lies a testament to ingenious small-space design. This isn’t just any apartment; it’s the carefully curated pied-à-terre of Celine, a yoga teacher, and Henri, a pilot, who moved away from Paris three years ago to a larger home in the southwest of France. They yearned for a quiet Parisian base that still felt connected to the city’s rich history, and they found it on Malebranche Street, a tranquil spot despite being in a highly touristic area.

The challenge? A mere 40 square meters (approximately 430 square feet) in an old building, characterized by its lack of straight angles. The flat originally featured two bedrooms but, surprisingly, no living room. The vision was clear: create an elegant Parisian feel, maximizing every inch, highlighting the high ceilings, and bathing the interiors in light using rich materials and serene colors.

Unlocking Light and Space: The Renovation Revolution
The transformation began with a bold move: all partition walls were removed, except for the main structural wall that divides the apartment in two. This immediate opening of the space was crucial. To further enhance light flow, a glass wall was ingeniously integrated between the kitchen and bedroom, brightening both areas. The previously cramped bathroom wall was even moved to carve out essential extra space for a new laundry area.

The entrance, which once featured a small hallway, was reborn as an open space connecting the living room and kitchen. Here, thoughtful details elevate functionality: a custom-built bench doubles as storage for cushions or bottles, and a surface behind it is perfect for keys when entering. A large wardrobe with two mirrored doors not only offers ample space for coats and shoes but also strategically reflects the light streaming in from the windows, visually expanding the entry.

Ingenious Kitchen & Dining Solutions
The kitchen, positioned along the back wall, is a compact powerhouse. It boasts an induction hob, dishwasher, oven, and a comfortable sink, all surrounded by abundant storage both above and below. Designers cleverly incorporated open shelving for easy access to plates and bowls. One of the most unique and ultra-specific design choices was the mirror splashback, which not only lends a sense of greater space but also cleverly conceals an immovable beam.

Every cabinet in this kitchen was custom-designed and made to measure, a necessity given the apartment’s unique dimensions that wouldn’t accommodate standard units. Even the owners’ existing Smeg fridge was seamlessly integrated, with any leftover space ingeniously converted into wine storage. Adjacent to the dining area, additional storage and shelves for dishes and cutlery were added, all topped with the same elegant quartz countertop used in the kitchen.

Even the toilet saw a thoughtful reorientation. Originally next to the kitchen, its entrance was rotated to create a more discreet space. Inside, white ceramic, a freestanding toilet, white walls, and floors create a pristine look, while a wall lamp with pink glass casts a warm, inviting glow in the small space.

Cozy Comfort: Living, Sleeping, and the Sanctuary Bathroom
The living area is bathed in natural light thanks to two large windows. A corner sofa, positioned by the bathroom wall, offers flexibility by converting into a bed for guests. A glass partition between the living space and the adjacent area adds a decorative touch. The apartment’s original wooden oak floors were beautifully refurbished, preserving a piece of its heritage. White linen blinds provide privacy without completely blacking out the room, maintaining a bright ambiance. Even the “dead space” under the windows was cleverly utilized for a series of bookshelves.

A truly distinctive feature is the electric heaters, chosen for their retro design and height, which allow them to stand almost like statues, adding an aesthetic role to their practical function. The bedroom is accessed via a hidden door in the living room. Stepping in, one is immediately greeted by the abundant light from the window, amplified by the giant mirrored wardrobe doors. A queen-sized bed dominates the room, backed by a straightened wall that forms a bedhead and a convenient surface for items. Unlike the living room, the bedroom features blackout curtains, ensuring a truly restful night’s sleep. To enhance coziness and reduce the sense of height, the ceiling and the upper parts of the walls are painted in a warm Indian yellow.

The architect considers the bathroom her favorite part of the apartment’s transformation. Originally a “cramped space” that left the clients “completely lost,” the result is quite “astonishing”. The made-to-measure washbasin in Corian with a cloud finish sets a luxurious tone. The shower, tiled with beige matte tiles, evokes a hammam-like feeling, and its long shape cleverly incorporates a bench for relaxation. Notably, the shower was designed without a door, keeping it open and spacious. A built-in cupboard seamlessly integrates the washing machine, dryer, and water heater, proving that even laundry can be discreetly tucked away in a small footprint.

The Power of Limitations
This Parisian pied-à-terre is a shining example of how challenges in small spaces can inspire smart ideas that combine aesthetics and functionality into a compact area. As the architect behind this stunning renovation notes, starting from these limitations and pushing solutions as far as possible can truly create “dramatic spaces”. It’s a masterclass in making every square foot count, proving that even in the most historic of settings, modern, efficient, and elegant living is not just possible, but brilliantly achieved.