A 13-Square-Metre Chambre de Bonne with a Skylight Loft
“The idea”, explained interior designers Sarah Chayeb and Pauline Paradis, “was to gather all the functions of a bigger apartment into this tiny space. A desk, a kitchen, a bathroom, a small living room, a closet with washing machine and a bedroom—everything you need to live in the city”. The founders of Chayeb & Paradis are describing a recent transformation of a 13 square metre (139 square foot) studio in the heart of Paris, just steps from the Seine, nestled between the Eiffel Tower and the Chaillot Museum.
Located on the top floor of a 19th century Haussmannian building, the apartment, known as Studio ANY, was originally a chambre de bonne (small attic apartments historically used for domestic workers) and hadn’t been renovated for years. The owner already had another apartment in the building, but they envisioned this studio as a place to welcome friends and family visiting Paris and, eventually, as a future home for his daughter.
From Minimalist to Maximum Functionality
Prior to the renovation, Studio ANY was limited to a small kitchen, a shower, and just enough room for a double bed. “It didn't even have space for a toilet!” noted Chayeb, as in typical Haussmannian fashion, bathrooms were shared by residents on the top floor. The space was a single, undivided room with no separation between functions, making it impractical for modern living. Chayeb and Paradis completely gutted the apartment, reconfiguring it to include a real bathroom with separate shower and washbasin areas, a fully functional kitchenette, and even a small but efficient washing machine. The space was cleverly divided, with distinct zones for living, working, and sleeping. “Although the space is very tiny, each function has its own place and direction so two people can interact in the space without disturbing one another”, said Chayeb. A key design feature was the creation of a mezzanine bedroom, utilising the high ceilings of the top floor to carve out extra sleeping space without encroaching on the living areas below.
Design Inspiration and Thoughtful Features
Drawing inspiration from the efficient use of space seen in boat interiors and Japanese small living spaces, Chayeb and Paradis focused on maximizing functionality while keeping the aesthetic light and airy. Something that is achieved in both their choice of material and layout. The main material in the apartment, for example, is a warm, thin sheet wood from ALPI WOOD that appears throughout the living room walls and cabinetry, contrasting beautifully with the cooler and more function-forward steel of the kitchen.
In terms of layout, this is best seen in the seamless overlap of the sofa (that doubles as a guest bed when needed), the adjacent desk (long enough to accommodate both work and storage) and the compact kitchenette across the room (fully equipped for city living). “As the neighborhood is not close to many shops or restaurants, the idea was to be able to cook and eat while living in the studio”, Chayeb explained.
The standout feature of Studio ANY, however, is the mezzanine bedroom accessed by a custom-designed ladder off one side of the sofa. The lifted area seated beneath a set of skylights is enclosed by a custom curved railing that not only ensures safety but adds an element of privacy, creating a clear division between the living area. Plus, without additional barriers, it also means the skylights can flood the entire space with natural light.
The Art of Small-Space Living in Paris
As Chayeb and Paradis reflect on their work, they express a deep appreciation for small spaces, especially those like this. “It’s always a challenge to optimize every square metre, while also giving the impression of space and comfort”, noted Paradis. Yet, as she continued, they wouldn’t have it any other way: “[Living in small spaces] combines functionality with mobility. We enjoy living outside in the city. It has a lot to offer from joining friends at restaurants to hanging out in museums and parks”. Indeed, the renovation of this tiny Parisian studio proves that even the most compact spaces can offer incredible functionality and style. Through clever design, thoughtful storage, and a keen sense of space, this unit is a prime example of how to live comfortably and stylishly in a small footprint.
