Never Too Small: Scandi Style Paris Apartment

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES BCDF Studio VIDEO Never Too Small on YouTube


Take a look inside a reimagined Parisian micro-apartment that was transformed from an abandoned and derelict attic space into a Scandi-inspired bright and airy home.

Villa Saint-Michel, which was built in 1880 near Montmartre Cemetery, underwent a complete facelift by architect Nicolas Bossard. The uninhabited space was falling apart although the framework and original foundations held promise for a revival.

Bossard began by reinforcing the structure and adding an attic with a staircase as well as a separation wall for a kitchen, accessed through an arch with concealed storage space. Exposed beams and bright yellow paint provide a creative and original feel.

Villa Saint-Michel
Villa Saint-Michel

Burgundy stone and exposed bricks are juxtaposed with contrasting white beams within the kitchen – which has ample space for the smaller-than-usual apartment.

Villa Saint-Michel
Villa Saint-Michel

A clever design in the main living area is the use of mirrors to create the illusion of a bigger space. Using light coloured materials and soft edges also help to bring an airy and spacious feel to the room. The staircase is compact and takes up as little space as possible while acting as a statement feature.

Villa Saint-Michel
Villa Saint-Michel

Upstairs, the bedroom and bathroom are compact, but the addition of a skylight brings an added feeling of a larger area. Bossard mirrors features from downstairs – upstairs, by bringing in the same colours and the arch that features in the kitchen.

A dressing room completes the upstairs area, ensuring that the compact bedroom remains uncluttered and calm.

Looking for more architectural inspiration? Check out this micro apartment in Hong Kong.