A cramped 28-square-meter apartment from the 1970s in Paris's trendy Oberkampf district has been transformed into a functional and inviting living space through clever design solutions and clear structural planning. The renovation, handled by local design firm Ono Studio, proves that even the smallest urban spaces can become comfortable, minimalist homes when thoughtfully designed.
For the apartment owner, purchasing this small unit in the 10th arrondissement was a first-time experience. Located in a distinctive 1970s building, the entrance hall immediately catches attention with its combination of green marble and wood, oval openings, and sculptural staircase. Most remarkably, the apartment offers an unobstructed view toward the sky – a rare luxury in the French capital that was compelling enough to seal the purchase decision.
The creative duo behind Ono Studio, architects Emma Collet and Thomas Diettert, knew from the beginning that the space needed to be opened up as much as possible to allow daylight to reach every corner. "The goal was to accommodate all necessary functions in a completely open 28-square-meter studio," explained Ono Studio. The two architects approach every interior they design from an architectural perspective, which they jokingly refer to as their "occupational hazard." This mindset enabled them to give this small Oberkampf district interior a stylish and, most importantly, airy makeover.
The renovation strategy involved dividing the available space into four distinct areas, each with its own specific function: a kitchen, a dining and work corner, a living room, and a sleeping area. The small kitchen serves simultaneously as a transitional space rather than a traditional separate room. "It's not really a room, but rather a surface area. You don't just go there to cook, as was originally the case," the designers explained.
The sleeping area was conceived as a small bed alcove that is visually separated from the kitchen, embodying the architectural concept that the duo followed throughout the entire apartment. "We wanted everything to be connected between the various areas, which are open but have different functions," the studio noted. Every element serves a purpose – for example, the bed platform in the living area transforms into a seating bench when needed.
The furniture arrangement resembles a model village where structure becomes function. Functionality and uniformity were top priorities during the mini-apartment renovation. The back wall of the seating area continues into the aforementioned bench, which simultaneously serves as a step and transitions into the bed platform, which then extends toward the kitchen area.
The dining room and bed are separated by a low partition wall that also serves as a backrest, along with a curtain system. The chair is a 1960s piece by Olavi Hanninen, sourced through Galerie Paradis, while the pedestal table comes from Kave Home. Bedding is from Haomy, and curtains, cushions, table runners, and wall lights are from Zangra. The pendant light is from Tikamoon, while the stool and room divider are vintage finds.
To create more brightness, Ono Studio chose predominantly low furniture pieces – a bold decision for such limited living space where every centimeter counts, but one made deliberately for aesthetic reasons. "Apartments from the 1970s are not exactly known for particularly high ceilings. Here they are only 2.5 meters. A tall piece, for example, would quickly overwhelm such a space," the designers noted.
Emma Collet and Thomas Diettert were aware that this decision would result in less storage space. After consulting with their client, they added a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe behind curtain walls that are hidden behind the kitchen area. To optimize incoming light, the architect duo positioned the dining and work corner directly next to the window, while subtly separating the two areas functionally.
While the round pedestal table is exclusively intended for eating, the adjacent custom-built wall cabinet integrates a fold-out desk that can be easily stored when not needed. "The homeowner wanted a place to work in this limited space, but not the same place where he eats. He can store his computer in the evening by simply closing the folded cabinet door," the architects explained.
The wall behind the dining area was mirrored up to the ceiling, which not only reflects daylight but also makes the room appear optically larger. The mirror reflects the opposite bay window as well as the incoming light, making the living area seem more spacious.
The material selection was kept minimalist to create clear and simple room volumes. "We only used three materials," Ono Studio described. For the floor, the duo chose concrete ciré, which extends partway up the wall and forms the kitchen backsplash, continuing laterally beyond the kitchen line. Oak wood was used in the form of panels that separate the sleeping area from the kitchen. Ceramic wall lights provide additional brightness.
From the living area, the path leads past the kitchen to the entrance area, which provides access to the bathroom. As in the living room, the design studio used concrete ciré here as well, which gently contrasts with the small-format, dark green glass tiles. "It's a green tone that's somewhat reminiscent of the 1970s," the architects emphasized, creating a counterpoint to the mineral look of the concrete ciré while connecting to the color of the entrance hall.
The bathroom area plays with dramatic contrasts, as the architects explained: "This entrance area is completely dark and has no daylight. We like to play with contrasts, and here you enter a dark room that continues the somewhat mysterious atmosphere of the building's communal areas. When you open the curtain, the room is flooded with light."
The transformation demonstrates how thoughtful design can maximize functionality and comfort even in the most space-constrained urban environments, turning a previously impractical 1970s mini-apartment into a sophisticated, minimalist retreat that meets all the essential needs of modern city living.
