Meow Meow

As an interior design expert, few transformations captivate me as much as those that take a challenging compact space and imbue it with an expansive sense of calm and light. Today, we’re diving deep into a stunning Parisian project that redefines what’s possible within a mere 40sqm (approx. 430sqft).

Nestled in the vibrant 18th district of Paris, at the foot of Montmartre in the lively Lagora area, this apartment, originally a 1900s worker’s residence, hadn’t seen a refresh since the 1980s. Despite outdated materials and appliances, its top-floor location and good layout hinted at immense potential. The clients’ brief to Space Factory, a multidisciplinary creative studio co-founded by Edward, was clear: they desired a home that evoked the sunny serenity of their childhoods in the south of France. This vision led to the defining concept of ‘Luloclair’, a philosophy translating to ‘in the light space’. Heavily influenced by Japanese design, the goal was to ensure light flowed effortlessly, creating a truly calm and luminous environment. A pivotal step in achieving this was the bold decision to tear down the old ceiling, revealing an impressive 3.5-meter height and allowing for the addition of numerous skylights.

Let’s explore the strategic design choices that brought this vision to life:

The Intentional Entryway: Upon entering, one is immediately struck by the sophisticated design decisions that maximize every inch. The terra cotta arch is not merely a visual statement; it ingeniously integrates storage on either side and conceals the electricity box. This design choice extends into the hallway, where a custom, sleek storage bench, painted in the same warm terra cotta, provides dedicated shoe storage. Recognizing this was the only space without natural light, Space Factory expertly incorporated recessed lighting and a unique plateau sconce that doubles as an art piece, ensuring a bright, welcoming transition.

The Luminous Living Room: Flowing through the terra cotta arch, the living space is bathed in natural light. To capitalize on the soaring ceiling height, a magnificent floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, crafted from white coated steel and plywood, becomes a striking focal point. This isn’t just for books; it’s a curated display of the owners’ cherished artworks and personal objects. Artificial lighting is subtly handled with a wallpaper lantern that blends seamlessly. For entertainment, a projector screen discretely lowers from the ceiling. A reupholstered Togo sofa, perfectly positioned under an angled skylight, creates an inviting, sun-drenched spot to relax. Understanding the owners’ passion for sewing, clever closed storage for materials and a sewing machine was thoughtfully integrated at the bottom of the shelf. A curved desk in the corner provides a dedicated work-from-home nook. Crucially, updated double-pane windows ensure a ‘totally quiet space’ despite the bustling city outside. Even the slanted walls between windows were utilized for closed storage and display, and a custom magnetic cover streamlines the radiator below.

The Vibrant ‘Café’ Kitchen: This kitchen is a masterclass in infusing personality and functionality into a compact area. Designed to evoke the cozy ambiance of a café, its vibrant yellow hues, in varying shades, add incredible depth. A clever niche around the old fireplace offers open shelving and a dedicated coffee corner. The use of IKEA cabinetry with custom Plum Living fronts demonstrates smart budget allocation combined with bespoke aesthetics. The decision to forego upper cabinets was pivotal in maintaining an open, minimal feel. Despite its size, it’s a chef’s dream, featuring full-size appliances – a large sink, oven, and an induction hob with an integrated exhaust fan. The centerpiece is a curved yellow kitchen island, providing both extensive storage and generous prep space. Light-colored quartz countertops and backsplash, chosen for their heat resistance and ease of cleaning, complement the yellow beautifully. Above the island, red pendants, a personal touch from the owners’ trip to Hong Kong, add a delightful pop of color. The kitchen’s subtle elevation by one step from the living room, coupled with a large mirror reflecting the parquet floor, brilliantly defines the zones and softens the transition. An extendable IKEA table beside the island comfortably seats up to four.

The Serene Bedroom Retreat: Tucked away from the main living area, the bedroom serves as a true sanctuary of calm. The integrated bed frame and closet, meticulously crafted from plywood, maximize the high ceilings with a top-to-bottom closet that extends past the platform floor. The low, Japanese tile bed is designed to make a standard queen-sized mattress appear thinner, akin to a futon. The intentional steps leading up to the bed create a sense of ritual and separation from daily life. Clever push-to-open compartments function as discreet side tables. For unparalleled hidden organization, the entire bed frame lifts via a hydraulic system, revealing substantial storage underneath. A slim table with a pullout keyboard is integrated against the wall, accommodating a second work-from-home setup when needed.

Even the mirrors at the bedroom entrance are multi-functional, reflecting the space while brilliantly concealing the boiler.
Ingenious Bathroom Solutions: The bathroom exemplifies visually simple design packed with innovation. A floating vanity, made from waterproofed waxed plywood, enhances the airy feel. The curved mirror is ingeniously integrated into the glass partition, allowing it to be used from both sides.

Smooth waxed concrete flooring extends seamlessly into the shower and steps, and by raising the shower entrance, it can be filled like a bathtub, transforming it into a private bathing sanctuary. A tall laundry space is neatly hidden behind plywood doors adjacent to the bathroom entrance, offering storage for cleaning supplies. For the toilet, Space Factory went to great lengths, sourcing the smallest Japanese toilet available, complete with a heated seat and bidet. They even strategically shifted and curved the toilet wall to optimize space in the bathroom, accommodate the laundry closet, and improve movement in the hallway. Truly genius spatial planning!
Space Factory’s overarching philosophy is clear: a small space is not a limitation but rather ‘a way to be creative’. By anchoring rooms with low, ground-level furniture and keeping elements below eye level, they minimized visual density, drawing the eye upwards to those magnificent tall ceilings and abundant skylights. As Edward aptly puts it, ‘It is very joyful to design a small space where everything can find its own spot’. This project serves as a compelling testament to how thoughtfully upgrading compact spaces can inject new life into urban environments, making living ‘vibrant, affordable and full of character’. It unequivocally proves that with intelligent design and a big vision, a compact space can transcend its size to become an extraordinary home.