French Architects’ Space-Saving Tips for 161-Square-Foot Apartments

The following piece explores how French architects reimagine sub-300-square-foot Parisian living. It showcases inventive space-saving tactics across five compact apartments.

From raised platforms and multifunctional joinery to mirrors and light diffusion, these projects balance practical needs with refined design detail. They pay homage to period references while optimizing daily life in tight footprints.

Space-Saving Strategies in Paris’s Sub-300-Sq-Ft Apartments

Across Paris, designers are pushing the boundaries of micro-living with smart restrictions. The projects highlighted here reveal clever joinery, level changes, and light enhancement that transform tiny spaces into versatile homes and appealing rental formats.

Cabine 56 — Louis Morgan

Louis Morgan’s Cabine 56 channels a nautical, Le Corbusier-inspired aesthetic and translates maritime calm into a compact urban interior. Raising the interior floor to terrace level creates a multi-compartment bench that doubles as seating for five to six people.

This approach gives residents a communal zone without sacrificing storage or circulation.

• Raised floor to terrace level to define a multi-use bench
• Integrated seating that accommodates five to six occupants
• Compact, modular joinery that anchors circulation while maximizing function

Hélène Lacombe — Montmartre Studio

In a Montmartre studio, Hélène Lacombe replaces heavy partitions with light-forward strategies that brighten and expand the sense of space. A mahogany entrance-box continues into the kitchen, forming a continuous, durable line.

A mirror around the window amplifies natural light and the perception of space.

• Mahogany entrance-box extending into the kitchen for a seamless material language
• Mirror integration around the window to boost light and perceived size
• Strategic continuity of surfaces to reduce visual clutter

Aurélien Duny — 19th-Century Studio

Aurélien Duny reimagines a 19th‑century studio by de-compartmentalizing space with semi-high, rounded partitions and a prominent angled module. The bedroom is raised to enable underfloor storage.

The bathroom is layered across three levels to improve light penetration and spatial efficiency.

• Semi-high rounded partitions to preserve open sightlines
• Large angled module elevating the bedroom for underfloor storage
• Three levels in the bathroom to maximize light and floor area

Studio Beau Faire — Student Apartment

Studio Beau Faire reconfigures a student flat by relocating the kitchenette into the living room. This change liberates wall space for storage and display.

A long, multifunctional bench serves as a work area and gathering point. A frameless pivot door recesses into the wall for a seamless, uninterrupted plane.

• Kitchen shifted to living area to free storage elsewhere
• Long, multifunctional bench for work and social use
• Frameless pivot door that recesses into the wall

Boclaud Architecture — Marais Suite

Boclaud Architecture designs a minimalist Marais suite anchored by a luminous, multifunctional joinery unit. This unit houses a pull-out bed, a desk, appliances, and even a bathroom, all in a compact stack.

A discreet speakeasy entrance to the bathroom adds a playful, hidden layer to the light-filled design.

• Multifunctional joinery housing bed, desk, appliances, and bathroom
• Discreet speakeasy-style entrance for the bathroom
• Luminous, minimalist treatment that amplifies daylight and perception of space

Materials, Light, and Design Language

Across these projects, certain materials recur to foster timelessness and calm. Light oak, waxed concrete, white lacquer, and neutral tones are common choices.

The playbook features clever joinery and raised platforms. Integrated storage is used to free floor space and keep circulation fluid.

Strategic use of mirrors and level changes amplifies light and sightlines. Semi-transparent partitions help make small spaces feel larger.

Each project balances practical needs, such as storage and multifunctionality. Refined details reflect period sensibilities and respect for local views.

 
Here is the source article for this story: French Architects Share Their Best Space Saving Tips—Even in a 161-Square-Foot Apartment