Meow Meow

Bonjour, design lovers! Have you ever dreamt of a serene escape in the bustling heart of Paris? What if I told you that a compact 40sqm (that’s about 430sqft for my North American friends!) apartment, once stuck in the 80s, has been utterly transformed into a tranquil, light-filled haven? Get ready to have your mind blown, because this Parisian gem is rewriting the rules of small-space living!

Nestled in the vibrant 18th district, at the foot of Montmartre in an area affectionately known as Lagora – a lively spot buzzing with markets and local shops – this incredible transformation was masterminded by Space Factory, a Parisian creative studio. The clients had a beautiful vision: a home that would instantly transport them back to their sunny childhoods in the south of France. And oh, did Space Factory deliver!

“Luloclair”: Where Light Leads the Way Edward, co-founder of Space Factory, shared their guiding principle for this project: the concept of “Luloclair”. It beautifully translates to “in the light space”. This philosophy, heavily influenced by the minimalist elegance of Japanese design, aimed to create a home where light could gracefully flow, unobstructed by visual clutter. And flow it does! Even though the building dates back to the 1900s and was originally built for workers in the area, and the apartment hadn’t seen a renovation since the 1980s, Space Factory saw its incredible potential, especially being on the top floor with a good layout. They literally tore down the old ceiling, revealing an impressive 3.5-meter height and allowing them to add numerous skylights, flooding the apartment with natural light.

Step Inside: A Masterclass in Clever Design

The Grand Entrance: Forget cramped foyers! You’re greeted by a stunning terra cotta arch that instantly sets the tone. But it’s not just pretty – this arch ingeniously hides the electricity box and features integrated storage on either side. To maximize every precious inch, the entrance flows seamlessly into the hallway, where a custom, sleek storage bench (painted in the same warm terra cotta!) provides a perfect spot for shoes. Even this previously dark area now feels bright, thanks to recessed lighting and a unique plateau sconce that doubles as an art piece.
Living in Light: Through that gorgeous arch, you enter the sun-drenched living room. Space Factory took full advantage of the soaring ceilings by installing a magnificent floor-to-ceiling bookshelf made of white coated steel and plywood. This grand piece isn’t just for books; it’s a personalized gallery displaying the owners’ cherished art and meaningful objects. The artificial lighting here is so subtle, with a wallpaper lantern blending seamlessly. For movie nights, a projector screen can be lowered from the ceiling in front of the window. A cozy, reupholstered Togo sofa sits perfectly under an angled skylight, offering a delightful sunny spot to unwind and enjoy Parisian views. Recognizing the owners’ passion for sewing, cleverly closed storage for materials and a sewing machine was integrated at the bottom of the shelf. A curved desk in the corner provides an ideal work-from-home nook. And here’s a true luxury in a busy city: updated double-pane windows ensure this space is totally quiet despite the urban buzz outside! Even the slanted walls between windows were utilized for closed storage and display, and a custom magnetic cover for the radiator keeps things sleek.
A Cafe Dream Kitchen: Prepare to fall in love with the kitchen, a truly vibrant yellow space designed to evoke the cozy charm of a café. Different shades of yellow add incredible depth, and a clever niche around the old fireplace offers open shelves and a dedicated coffee corner. The cabinetry is a smart mix of IKEA units with custom fronts from Plum Living. You won’t find any upper cabinets here – a brilliant choice to keep the walls minimal and the space feeling wonderfully open. Despite its compact size, this kitchen is a chef’s delight, equipped with full-size appliances, including a large sink, oven, and an induction hob with an integrated exhaust fan. The star of the show? A curved yellow kitchen island that offers both ample storage and generous prep space. The light-colored quartz countertops and backsplash are not just beautiful, but also heat-resistant and easy to clean. Above the island, striking red pendants, personally chosen by the owners from a trip to Hong Kong, add a pop of character. The kitchen is subtly elevated a step up from the living room, subtly defining the zones, and a large mirror reflects the parquet floor, softening the transition. An extendable IKEA table beside the island comfortably seats up to four for dining.
Serene Slumber Sanctuary: Tucked away on the other side of the hallway, far from the hustle and bustle, the bedroom is a true oasis of calm. The integrated bed frame and closet, crafted entirely 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 regular queen-sized mattress appear thinner, like a futon. Walking up the steps to the bed creates a beautiful sense of ritual and separation from daily life. Clever push-to-open compartments act as discreet side tables for your phone and books. And for the ultimate in hidden organization, the entire bed frame lifts via a hydraulic system, revealing a generous hidden storage space 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. Even the mirrors at the bedroom entrance are multi-functional, reflecting the space while brilliantly concealing the boiler.
Sleek & Smart Bathroom Solutions: The bathroom maintains a visually simple aesthetic but is packed with innovative features. 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 flows seamlessly into the shower and steps. Raising the shower entrance means it can be filled like a bathtub, transforming it into a private bathing sanctuary. 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 went above and beyond, sourcing the smallest Japanese toilet available – complete with a heated seat and bidet for ultimate luxury in a compact space! They even cleverly shifted and curved the toilet wall to create more space in the bathroom, make room for the laundry closet, and improve movement in the hallway. Genius!
A Philosophy of Joyful Living Space Factory’s philosophy is clear: a small space isn’t a limitation; it’s 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 those magnificent tall ceilings and abundant skylights. As Edward from Space Factory emphasizes, “It is very joyful to design a small space where everything can find its own spot”.

This project isn’t just about renovation; it’s 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’ – it can be an extraordinary home!