Embrace compact living: 3 parisian design strategies I'm adopting for my compact apartment
In the heart of Paris, nestled in the vibrant Marais district, a studio apartment named Chez Anne has undergone a remarkable transformation. The owner, a university teacher living in Brussels who frequently gives lectures in Paris, desired a comfortable space for weekend stays with her husband.
Enter Marianne Evennou, a renowned Parisian interior designer known for her ability to transform small spaces into liveable homes. With her studio located in the 11th arrondissement, Marianne approached the project with care, understanding the unique challenges of small apartment design.
The kitchen in Chez Anne was designed with the owner's love for cooking in mind. The layout allows for comfortable movement, ensuring that she can enjoy her favourite pastime without any inconvenience. In contrast, the kitchen in 'Chez Rose', another small apartment designed by Marianne, was designed to be discreet and elegant, blending seamlessly into the living room.
Prioritizing storage is key in designing a small apartment, and Marianne emphasizes this importance. She creates multifunctional furniture to maximize storage and makes the most of every square centimeter. Under the stairs, under the bed, and in niches transformed into storage or bookshelves, storage solutions abound in both Chez Anne and Chez Rose.
Marianne divides the space in Chez Anne into different worlds by marking them with different colours or materials. The wallpaper, designed by her daughter-in-law, Yung Chi Ku-Evennou, separates the bedroom distinctly from the rest of the apartment. The apartment also features a trundle bed and sliding doors for the bathroom and dressing, further maximizing the use of space.
Good small apartment design balances functionality and style, and Marianne achieves this harmoniously. She treats each project with respect, choosing quality materials and decorating with elegance, charm, and above all, poetry.
In the pursuit of making small apartments successful and bringing happiness, Marianne suggests rediscovering one's childhood spirit, having fun dreaming about a small apartment, and inventing an imaginary castle. This approach, she believes, can transform even the smallest of spaces into a charming and functional home.
The open plan design of Chez Anne, like many small apartments, encourages unity and creates the illusion of more space. However, Marianne recognizes the importance of considering the layout of a small apartment, including recognizing the age and layout of the building.
Marianne Evennou's work in Chez Anne and Chez Rose is a testament to her skill in transforming small spaces into liveable homes. Her designs not only meet the functional needs of her clients but also exude elegance and charm, making them truly unique and unforgettable.
