9 Small-Space Ideas to Steal from a Tiny Paris Apartment

Paris architect Philippe Harden likes to work on a human scale. Paying close attention to “materials, proportions, and colors that let you feel good,” he creates rooms that are minimalist but also intimate and tailored for living. Case in point: this one-bedroom apartment in an Art Deco building close to the Eiffel Tower that Harden remodeled for a man who works in publishing.

Borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, the architect reorganized the 592-square-foot space: The former kitchen was turned into a TV room, a closet became the kitchen, and the bedroom fireplace got replaced by a wardrobe—all of which now revolve around a central living area with a new hearth. Join us for a look at the many ways Harden artfully makes the most of every inch.

Photography courtesy of Philippe Harden.

1. Paint a recessed area a darker shade to create depth.

Modern Small Apartment Living Room Paris By Philippe Harden — Above: The living room’s new feature wall has a gas fireplace and shelf tucked into a niche. Harden painted it a space-enhancing green-black that references the 1930s heritage of the building (and was also inspired, he says, by the bold tones of Adolph Loos’s Villa Müller in Prague).

Framed by Farrow & Ball Wimborne White walls, the niche, painted in Farrow & Ball Green Smoke, gives the room added depth and visual interest. “Green is complementary with the brown wood of the floor,” notes Harden. “Dark colors are interesting because they change color according to the different moments of the day.”

2. Choose versatile furniture pieces.

Harden’s advice for arranging a room is to do it by instinct: “Forget about the rules; think with your feelings.”

3. Position a round dining table in an unused corner.

4. Keep sight lines unobstructed.

Saarinen Tulip Table Eames Eiffel Chairs Modern Small Apartment Living And DIning Room Paris Philippe Harden Design — Above: Eames Side Chairs with see-through bases that reference the Eiffel Tower keep the corner looking airy. So do the windows; Harden was able to forgo window treatments thanks to pocket shutters. The white on the walls is Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White.

5. Use mirrors to enhance a sense of space.

Eames Lounge Noguchi Coffee Table Small Apartment Living And DIning Room Paris Philippe Harden Design — Above: A flea market mirror in the niche adds dimension, as does the vintage Roger Prigent fashion photograph hanging outside the new kitchen.

6. Unite spaces by using a single flooring material.

Stylish Tiny Minimalist Kitchen And Roger Prigent Fashion Photo Paris Apartment By Philippe Harden — Above: In the streamlined kitchen, Harden installed a new floor stained to match the apartment’s existing wood floor and create coherence. He also introduced subtle color and texture: The backsplash tiles are Zelliges from Emery & Cie and the cabinets are two-toned: The lower cabinets are painted Farrow & Ball Mouse’s Back, a neutral stone color (as is the wall outside the room), and the upper are Farrow & Ball Old White.

7. Install wall sconces whenever possible.

Small Apartment TV Room Art Deco Sconces Paris Philippe Harden Design — Above: Sconces take up less space than floor lamps, and some, such as the TV room’s 1960s Art Deco design, pattern the wall with light. They’re by Belgian architect Jules Wabbes, reissued by J.J.M. Wever & Ducre. Another space saver: The Bruce Sofa by Zanotta doubles as a guest bed.

8. Use pocket doors.

Small Apartment Bedroom With Pocket Door And Wraparound Bookshelves Philippe Harden Design — Above: Doors require swing space; they also add to the visual busyness of a room. For a tidy division between the bedroom and living room, Harden installed a pocket door. “Keeping connections open allows perspective and gives a sensation of larger space,” says Harden.

Another graceful detail worth noting: The living room’s built-in bookshelves turn the corner and continue in the bedroom. The shelves, which are painted a Farrow & Ball taupe, are evenly spaced and sized to fit the owner’s literature collection; his art books go in the living room niche.