InspirationRenovationReal Estate
A magazine dedicated to compact interiors

60 m² far from the madding crowd

A three-room apartment where optimization and absolute comfort go hand in hand 63 m² Paris, France Contemporary classic Māsa Studio

This is a Guided Tour of a renovation carried out by Sloft Projets.

 

As Marie puts it outright: “I could never have invested in a renovated property that didn’t meet my aesthetic expectations. The idea of tearing everything down to make it look the way I wanted would have seemed like an absurd expense!”

 

Lucky coincidence: the apartment she and her partner Antoine toured back in 2022 has the added bonus of not having been renovated for ages, and of being bathed in light: “this was an absolute prerequisite, even if it meant being blinded,” explains the couple, who for too long had lived in a property overlooking a dark courtyard. Their future home also boasts an impressive linear balcony overlooking a well-known boulevard in Paris’s 11th arrondissement, the preferred route for protest marches in the capital. A quirky merging of two apartments, its huge living room also appealed to them, however shabby it may have been at the time. “We were immediately seduced: first by the potential of this property, then by the profusion of shops in the vicinity… Bars, restaurants, boutiques, an open-air market: everything is within easy reach in this neighborhood where we hadn’t previously considered living.”

 

Marie and Antoine then decided to call on Sloft Projets and met partner architect Alice Hervé de Ferron, head of māsa studio. Their plan was to turn this 60 m² space, with its breathtaking views, into “a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of Parisian life.” An ever-evolving place that combines functions, too, where the couple will be able to remote-work together without getting in each other’s way: “we needed two separate spaces to take our calls without disturbing each other.” A compact office was therefore set up in the original living room, without unnecessarily encroaching on the living area, as Marie and Antoine love to entertain.

 

Alice Hervé de Ferron’s aim was to redefine each area of the apartment, adding character and eliminating incongruities such as the access to the balcony, which used to overhang the living space by several dozen centimetres… Now equipped with a pair of symmetrical staircases leading to it, the room has gained in practicality as well as temperament. Cushions and throws are stored on the steps, which serve as occasional seating on festive evenings. Here, light oak gives warmth to the volumes, and an original beam recalls the age-old DNA of the place. Yellow, the couple’s signature color, bounces around at various strategic points. The deliberately compact utility rooms are a concentrate of ingenuity where everything has its place. Opposite the shower room, a laundry room has even been created to accommodate machines, coats, brooms and the cat’s kibble: “I like the idea that we can live in these walls for a long time, making them evolve,” concludes Marie. An urban retreat with a view over the rooftops, this fine exercise in rationalization also leaves room for all kinds of imaginations… A warm cocoon, in short, where optimization never outweighs comfort.

As soon as you cross the threshold into the living room, the eye is immediately focused on the custom-made steps that provide access to the 14 linear meters of balcony. Versatile and practical, the lower step integrates hidden storage units.

Between the living room and kitchen, a beam stands proudly on display, much to the delight of the owners: “We were keen to preserve this original structural element, in a nod to the building’s past.”

The new kitchen, nestled in a recess, is optimized for storage space. If their cupboards are barely distinguishable, it’s because they’ve been painted the same beige as the walls.

A matt white backsplash plays the sobriety card…

The ceramic countertop is striated to match the apartment’s color scheme.

As much mineral as organic, the kitchen is also a concentrate of practicality where everything has its place. Spotlights: Ledkia.

Back in the living room, an additional desk provides a studious space for the couple on days when they’re both working from home. Stool: Kristalia.

Let’s focus on the living room, where the deliberately sober approach to design emphasizes the natural light in which the room is bathed at all times of the day.

White and bright, yes, but with a gentle touch… The floor is warmed by honey-tone solid oak parquet.

A coffee break for Antoine and Simone, comfortably seated on the other flight of stairs from the living room, on the dining room side…

Opposite its twin, this flight of stairs accentuates the perspective offered by Parisian rooftops.

“We wanted neutral colors and a relaxing atmosphere,” explains Marie.. Avec cet appartement, nous avons surtout pris le contrepied du précédent que nous occupions, sur cour et donc sombre.” Sideboard: USM, floor lamp: Gubi.

Seen from the French windows of the dining area: the discrete corridor leading to the powder room. Pendant lights: Louis Poulsen.

Comfortable yet compact at only 3 m², the bathroom also benefits from natural lighting…

Like a mini hammam, the room also features zellige-style porcelain stoneware tiles (Comptoir du Cérame).

Back to the hallway leading to the couple’s bedroom, where the true lady of the house awaits us. But first comes a modular, upgradeable office: “It’s been designed to be used as a nursery when the time comes,” says Marie.

Here we find cosy, pop-art influenced essentials. Table: Pols Potten, chaise longue by designer Odile Mir (Monoprix reissue).

In this new configuration, a generous row of cupboards allows everything to be discreetly hidden away.

The couple’s bedroom, is an ode to farniente, like a milky cocoon. Hanging lamp: Harto.

A large wardrobe on the wall frames a small window, giving the room double exposure. The headboard is aligned with the old chimney flue.

Okoumé joinery was chosen to warm the space.

The grand finale: a last look at a sconce (NV Gallery), like a glittering full stop as we leave the premises.

Antoine and Marie’s neighborhood haunts
 
The neighborhood bakery
BOULANGERIE MIEMIE 25 rue Sedaine, 75011 Paris Here, everything is homemade with ancient flours and sourdough. We go there every weekend, after visiting the Bastille market.
@boulangeriemiemie
 
 
For magnificent bouquets
FRAGRANCE STUDIO FLORAL 14 rue Saint-Sébastien, 75011 Paris Modern, untamed and poetic compositions, with a small tea room on site where you can unwind among the flowers!
@fragrance.paris
 
 
Where vintage objects mingle with modern pieces
MAISON BÉGUIN 9 rue Bréguet, 75011 Paris Beautiful objects, in a warm, welcoming environment. We love rummaging around for treasures.
@maison_beguin

Balcony Beige Closet Furniture office Steps White Wood Zellige

Photos : Fabienne Delafraye
Text : Claire Stevens

Architect : Māsa Studio