Houzz Tour: Bespoke Storage and Bold Design Revive a One-bed Flat
Multi-functional storage, graphic décor and some tweaks to the layout turned this dated flat into a smart yet cosy home
Elen Pouhaer
25 March 2020
Contributrice Houzz, je suis journaliste déco/design, architecture et lifestyle.
This 33 sq m flat is perched on the fourth and top floor of a brick building in Paris and enjoys an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower. The one-bed property hadn’t been renovated for 15 years when the couple decided to revamp it for their adult daughter.
To bring it up to date and improve the layout, they called on Deborah and Avinoam Bettan of Lagom Architects. As a result, this now contemporary and bright space has a sleek design with a focus on functionality and comfort while playing with colour contrasts.
To bring it up to date and improve the layout, they called on Deborah and Avinoam Bettan of Lagom Architects. As a result, this now contemporary and bright space has a sleek design with a focus on functionality and comfort while playing with colour contrasts.
Flat at a Glance
Who lives here? A 22-year-old woman
Location 15th arrondissement of Paris, France
Size One bedroom; 33 sq m
Duration of work Three months
Budget €38,000 (around £33,713)
Interior designers Deborah and Avinoam Bettan of Lagom Architectes
Before The door pictured here on the left had previously led to the bedroom. Behind the kitchen were the bathroom and toilet, which were combined during the renovation.
The flat’s layout needed improvement. The kitchen was originally too big, and took too much space away from the living room.
“We didn’t change the configuration of the space completely, but we did take down all the partitions. The size of the bedroom was reduced as much as possible to expand the living area,” the interior designer says.
Who lives here? A 22-year-old woman
Location 15th arrondissement of Paris, France
Size One bedroom; 33 sq m
Duration of work Three months
Budget €38,000 (around £33,713)
Interior designers Deborah and Avinoam Bettan of Lagom Architectes
Before The door pictured here on the left had previously led to the bedroom. Behind the kitchen were the bathroom and toilet, which were combined during the renovation.
The flat’s layout needed improvement. The kitchen was originally too big, and took too much space away from the living room.
“We didn’t change the configuration of the space completely, but we did take down all the partitions. The size of the bedroom was reduced as much as possible to expand the living area,” the interior designer says.
After The team preserved the floor and all of the mouldings in order to maintain the flat’s charm and history. To zone the entrance hall and create a strong contrast with the kitchen, the owner went all black – on the walls, MDF furniture and dropped ceiling.
“We had originally planned for the kitchen to be placed against the back wall only. We’d not planned for it to wrap around to where we now find the fridge, a fixed table and a low cupboard for storing the toaster, among other things,” Bettan says. The change makes it possible to visibly separate the kitchen from the entrance. Likewise, “this configuration has produced a large kitchen area to seat guests and make good food.”
“We had originally planned for the kitchen to be placed against the back wall only. We’d not planned for it to wrap around to where we now find the fridge, a fixed table and a low cupboard for storing the toaster, among other things,” Bettan says. The change makes it possible to visibly separate the kitchen from the entrance. Likewise, “this configuration has produced a large kitchen area to seat guests and make good food.”
Before The original breakfast bar had cut the room in half, significantly reducing the size of the living room.
After The owner opted for a contemporary style and a restrained greyscale palette that brings out contrast: the back wall of the kitchen, for example, features black, white and a touch of grey. This colour scheme runs throughout the flat.
Inspired? Find an interior designer near you to help kick-start your own home makeover.
Inspired? Find an interior designer near you to help kick-start your own home makeover.
“To enhance the kitchen, we came up with an oak veneer frame that transforms into a bookcase with black powder-coated metal supports,” the interior designer says. This structure is the central decorative element in the uncluttered space.
The multi-functional shelving unit covers a whole wall and was the starting point of the entire layout. The fixed table, shelves and bench in the living room were designed to match it.
“The supports are actually curtain rods that have been given a new function. This lightweight support system fits well into a small place. It brings an interesting graphic rhythm,” Bettan says.
They kept the old internal window, but moved it from the entrance hall to the wall between the living room and bedroom.
Before The previously about 11 sq m bedroom area was reduced to about 8.5 sq m. “We started with a completely open space, and originally thought about using a box to create the sleeping area,” Bettan says. “But the young woman preferred a separate bedroom. So we shifted the partition and created an internal window that allows for a view of both of the exterior windows.”
After The wallpaper can be seen from the living room as well, through the internal window. This trick adds character to the flat. The forest design also creates the feeling of depth, to balance out the room’s diminutive dimensions.
Behind the bed is a large floor-to-ceiling wardrobe. Its black MDF fronts echo the look of the entrance hall.
Behind the bed is a large floor-to-ceiling wardrobe. Its black MDF fronts echo the look of the entrance hall.
The owner sometimes works from home, and needed a desk. The designers went for an oak-veneer headboard that doubles as a desk and includes storage and lighting.
Before Here you can see the old bathroom with the toilet door on the left. The water heater was between the toilet and the bathroom; it’s now been replaced by a smaller but equally powerful model to save space.
In the bathroom, a double window was replaced with a single pane window, which brings in more light.
After The 6.15 sq m bathroom now has a shower, basin and toilet as well as a laundry area.
This minimalist bathroom has been decorated entirely in black and white. The black mosaic shower is juxtaposed with white, marble-effect tiles and a white resin vanity unit. The black column is made of Valchromat wood fibre panelling, and houses the washing machine, tumble dryer and water heater.
Tell us…
Which ideas will you take away from this tiny apartment? Let us know in the Comments section.
This minimalist bathroom has been decorated entirely in black and white. The black mosaic shower is juxtaposed with white, marble-effect tiles and a white resin vanity unit. The black column is made of Valchromat wood fibre panelling, and houses the washing machine, tumble dryer and water heater.
Tell us…
Which ideas will you take away from this tiny apartment? Let us know in the Comments section.
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Absolutely wowed! This is inspired... SO many amazing ideas - the desk behind the bed; the continuity of the oak veneer framing in the kitchen that leads to the bookcase; that 'picture' window between living room/bedroom. Love that wallpaper. Love the bookcase design. Despite being a fan of colour, I really like this monochrome scheme... though I'd add the odd burnt orange pops of colour via say, the cushions, bathroom towels, a vase of flowers.
This is an inspiring transformation -- with the use of design, materials, colour, and light. And the re-design of the space without gutting it, which keeps costs down. This is another amazing story showing ingenious design to create a delightful home in minimal square footage in Paris. I really enjoy these stories on Houzz, displaying creative solutions to renovation and space challenges.
Wow!