Parisian pied-à-terre

The existing apartment layout was far from ideal and was in a disheveled state, with several tiny and impractical rooms. As a result, complete remodelling was necessary to meet the requirement of our London based client to have a comfortable small, but well optimised, space for intimate social gatherings when in town. In order to achieve this requirement within the constraints of 32m2, we created a generous, open-plan living space.

Our approach was to push all in-built elements to the apartment’s extremities, freeing up the central living area. In essence, a convivial "L" form layout, repeated in each corner of the apartment, allowed an appropriate dispersion of functions: eating and lounging close to the large windows, cooking and storage opposite.

Custom designed benches, basking in the natural sunlight, were built-in close to each window for reclining with a view over the green square out front. Additionally, a wooden glass partition was built between the bedroom and the living space to give greater depth and perspective as well as increasing ambient light throughout the apartment. Burnished brass was used to brighten the shadowy corners of the apartment and add character and elegance.

The furniture selection is eclectic yet sober; a mix of vintage finds from the Saint-Ouen flea market, design pieces from the 2nd half of the 20th century and some contemporary creations.