Meow Meow

In the heart of Paris, where every square meter is precious, imagine transforming a compact 40sqm (430sqft) apartment into a tranquil, light-filled sanctuary. That was the ambitious brief given to Space Factory, a multidisciplinary creative studio based in Paris, for a unique project in the vibrant 18th district at the foot of Montmartre, in an area known as Lagora. The clients sought a space that would evoke memories of their upbringing in the sunny south of France.

Co-founder Edward reveals their guiding principle: the concept of “Luloclair” – which translates to “in the light space”. This philosophy, heavily influenced by Japanese design, aimed to create a home where light could effortlessly flow, free from interruptions, even though the apartment hadn’t been renovated since the 1980s. The original building, dating back to around the 1900s, was initially residential for workers in the area.

A Grand Welcome & Flexible Living Stepping inside, you’re immediately greeted by a testament to clever design: a striking terra cotta arch frames the entrance, ingeniously integrating storage and even hiding the electricity box. To ensure every inch counts, the entrance extends into the hallway, featuring a sleek custom storage bench for shoes, painted in the same warm terra cotta. This initially dark area now feels bright, thanks to strategically placed recessed lighting and a plateau sconce that doubles as an art piece.

Beyond the arch, the sun-filled living room beckons. Space Factory took full advantage of the impressive 3.5m ceiling height, revealed after tearing down the old ceiling, by installing a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf made of white coated steel and plywood. This grand piece beautifully displays the owners’ cherished books, artworks, and objects that hold special meaning. Even the artificial lighting here is discreet, with a wallpaper lantern blending seamlessly into the space. For entertainment, a projector screen can be lowered from the ceiling in front of the window. A reupholstered Togo sofa sits perfectly under an angled skylight, offering a nice sunny spot to relax and enjoy the Parisian views. Recognizing the owners’ love for sewing and creating, closed storage for their materials and machine was integrated at the bottom of the shelf. A curved desk in the corner provides an ideal work-from-home setup. The apartment also boasts updated double-pane windows, ensuring a totally quiet space despite the bustling city outside. In between the two windows, slanted walls were utilized to create closed storage that also serves as a display for personal objects and artwork. A magnetic cover was custom-made for the radiator below the window, allowing for easy access when needed.

A Cafe-Inspired Culinary Hub Prepare to be wowed by the kitchen, a vibrant yellow space designed to evoke the feeling of a cozy cafe. Different shades of yellow add incredible depth, while a clever niche around the old fireplace offers open shelves and a designated coffee corner. The cabinetry, a smart combination of IKEA units with custom fronts from Plum Living, avoids upper cabinets to keep the wall minimal and the space feeling open. Despite its compact footprint, this kitchen is a chef’s dream, equipped with full-size appliances including a large sink, oven, and an induction hob with an integrated exhaust fan.

The heart of this culinary haven is a curved yellow kitchen island, providing ample storage below and generous prep space above. Both countertops and the backsplash are crafted from light-colored, heat-resistant, and easy-to-clean quartz stone. Above the island, striking red pendants, which the owners brought back from a trip to Hong Kong, add a personal touch. The kitchen is subtly elevated a step up from the living room, creating a sense of separation between the areas. A large mirror reflects the parquet floor, softening the transition between spaces. An extendable IKEA table beside the island comfortably seats up to four for dining.

Serene Sanctuary: The Bedroom Oasis Tucked away on the other side of the hallway, away from the noise and activities of the rest of the house, the bedroom offers a tranquil escape. The integrated bed frame and closet, crafted entirely out of plywood, maximize the high ceilings with a top-to-bottom closet that extends past the platform floor. The low Japanese tile bed, designed to make a regular queen-sized mattress appear thinner like a futon, creates a sense of ritual as you ascend the steps, providing a feeling of separation from everyday life. Push-to-open compartments function as discreet side tables for phones and books. And for ultimate efficiency, the entire bed frame raises via a hydraulic system, revealing generous hidden storage underneath. For those rare moments when both owners need to work from home, a slim table with a pullout keyboard is cleverly integrated against the wall. Mirrors at the bedroom entrance not only reflect the space but also cleverly conceal the boiler.

Sleek & Smart Bathroom Solutions The bathroom was kept visually simple, yet packs innovative features. A floating vanity, made from waterproofed waxed plywood, contributes to the airy feel. The curved mirror is ingeniously integrated into the glass partition, allowing it to be used from both sides. The smooth waxed concrete flooring extends into the shower and steps, creating a seamless look. Raising the shower entrance allows it to be filled like a bathtub, transforming it into a private oasis. Adjacent to the bathroom entrance, a tall laundry space is neatly hidden behind plywood doors, offering storage for cleaning supplies. For the toilet, Space Factory found the smallest Japanese toilet available, featuring a heated seat and bidet – a true luxury in a compact space. They even shifted and curved the toilet wall to create more space in the bathroom and make room for the laundry closet, while also allowing for better movement in the hallway.

A Philosophy of Joyful Design Space Factory’s philosophy is clear: a small space isn’t a limitation but an invitation for boundless creativity. By anchoring rooms with low, ground-level furniture and keeping elements below eye level, they minimized visual density, drawing attention to the impressive tall ceilings and abundant skylights. Edward from Space Factory emphasizes, “It is very joyful to design a small space where everything can find its own spot”.

This project is a shining example of how upgrading tiny spaces can breathe new life into forgotten corners of the city, making living vibrant, affordable, and full of character. It truly proves that with big ideas, a space can be far more than just ‘small’.