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Reimagining a Compact Parisian Apartment for Modern Living

Situated on the fifth floor of a building in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, this 540-square-foot apartment benefits from an abundance of natural light and stunning views. Interior designer Lauranne Élise Schmitt emphasizes that light plays a crucial role in the design of small spaces. Originally, the apartment’s layout was cramped and divided into numerous small areas. Schmitt’s task was to rethink the floor plan to enhance circulation and functionality.

Following Schmitt’s redesign, the apartment features a spacious living area of approximately 345 square feet, complemented by a 215-square-foot bedroom. The design includes dual dressing rooms that effectively separate the toilet from both the bedroom and the bathroom, ensuring that every area serves a specific purpose without wasting any space. Upon entering, one can access the dressing room and toilet immediately to the left of the kitchen. The uncomplicated flow continues as the bedroom is situated just beyond the kitchen.

This thoughtful arrangement showcases Schmitt’s signature style, promoting natural symmetry throughout the home. The apartment maximizes its potential by incorporating three sloping windows and a translucent pocket door leading to the bedroom, allowing light to flood in. Although the kitchen is relatively compact, it is designed to be functional and features an elongated, narrow table that separates it visually from the living space. This versatile table can serve various purposes, ranging from a dining area to a workspace, accommodating up to six people comfortably.

In the living area, three niches boast reflective brushed stainless-steel backs, enhancing the space’s aesthetic appeal. The décor includes two vintage 1970s armchairs by Adriano Piazzesi alongside three small, glazed stoneware coffee tables. The niches are adorned with elegant pieces, including aluminum vases from Anna Zimmerman’s Vessels of Imperfection collection and glass vases from Rinke Joosten’s Momentum series. Additionally, a striking artwork titled Melting Summer by Jade Marra graces one wall, while walls and ceilings showcase a soothing Calcaire hue.

The owner’s Andalusian heritage inspired the color palette chosen by Schmitt, characterized by earthy ochre, caramel, and warm tones reminiscent of Southern Spain. The kitchen stands out with its rustic red finish that harmonizes with a large custom table and an Alicante marble credenza. This warm palette extends to the dressing rooms and the table’s legs, while brushed stainless-steel elements intersperse throughout the space, providing a contemporary contrast and reflecting light. The niches, lined with stainless steel, create a modern feel while LED lighting enhances the ambiance in the evening.

Schmitt’s design incorporates subtle curves, seen in the arched bathroom door and mirror, which add a gentle elegance to the overall aesthetic without detracting from the minimalist style of the apartment. “These details are seamlessly integrated with the rest of the apartment,” she notes, reinforcing the unity of design within this compact yet beautifully functional living space.

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www.architecturaldigest.com