A Book Lover and his Son's 25-Square-Metre Home in Paris
“We imagined this as a quiet place, surrounded by books”, interior designers Sarah Chayeb and Pauline Paradis of Chayeb & Paradis told Never Too Small of a 25-square-metre (269-square-foot) apartment they recently transformed in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. Their client, Léonard, a book reviewer and podcaster, was looking for “a warm apartment for him and his son; a place for all his books and a playful home for both of them”, said Chayeb. With an eye for detail and a passion for optimising small spaces, the duo has crafted a design that blends comfort, creativity, and functionality, making the most of every inch of this cosy Parisian home.
The apartment lives on the top floor of a historic, 19th-century Haussmannian building and looks out over nice views of Paris rooftops. When Chayeb and Paradis first encountered the space, however, they found it to be outdated and lacking efficiency. Between the mezzanine ladder placed awkwardly in the centre of the living area and the dividing wall enclosing the kitchen, the layout was a bit cramped and not at its most inviting.
Thoughtful Design for Every Need
With simple adjustments to the floorplan, Chayeb and Paradis managed to create a bright, open space that would accommodate Léonard and his son’s lifestyle. The first involved opening up the kitchen to the living area; this created an open-concept floor plan that allows Léonard to entertain and chat with guests while preparing a meal. The second involved relocating the mezzanine ladder and replacing it with a unique, sculptural staircase that improves not only access but aesthetics too. According to Paradis, "We didn’t want the stairs to just be functional; we wanted them to be like a piece of art in the space."
One of the first things that strikes you upon entering this home is its brightness – amplified by the white walls and floors, which were selected to emphasise the colourful books, plants, and furniture that give the apartment its unique character. The living area, for example, is anchored by a custom-designed couch made from birch plywood that sits beneath a large built-in bookcase stretching up toward the ceiling, which showcases Léonard's literary collection. His personal style also comes through in the ’70s furniture scattered around the space, including the orange glass coffee table and orange metal chair. For his part, Léonard’s son is able to turn the space into a blank canvas for play with all of his toys stored in large pull-out drawers beneath the sofa.
The design also addresses the practicalities of family life. The mezzanine, for instance, was converted into two separate sleeping areas so both Léonard and his son can have their own private space. Additionally, the son’s room – a fun and cosy, all-blue bedroom nook accessed by a small Alice in Wonderland–inspired door – is enclosed by soundproof glass so that Léonard can use the first story without disturbing him. The designers also took great care to include storage solutions throughout the apartment. In the bedroom, they created built-in storage for clothes and everyday items, while additional space was allocated for Léonard’s books.
The Designers’ Approach to Small-Space Living
Chayeb and Paradis are passionate about designing small spaces, and this project is a testament to their ability to optimise every square metre while ensuring that the home remains comfortable and inviting. As Paradis notes, "It’s important to think about every member of the family, such as a playful area for the kids in this situation – just a very comfortable and convenient space for both of them." Ultimately, the renovation of this Parisian apartment demonstrates that by carefully considering the needs of the family and focusing on clever, thoughtful design even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a functional, personalised home.
