This Tiny 344-Square-Foot Paris Apartment Resembles a Hotel Suite

On the third floor of a building in the heart of Paris’ 9th arrondissement, the compact 344-square-foot BERGÈRE – Paris IX apartment has undergone a remarkable transformation, thanks to the work of Emilie Magdelaine Interiors. Drawing inspiration from the elegance and comfort of a high-end hotel suite, the designer has reimagined the space, balancing sophistication with practicality while ensuring that every inch is thoughtfully utilized.

The vision behind the renovation was to create a refined, yet welcoming environment where furniture, artwork, and decorative objects take center stage. Despite the apartment’s limited size, every detail was carefully considered to avoid visual clutter while maintaining a sense of warmth and style. The result is a space that feels polished but never ostentatious, where simplicity enhances the beauty of the curated elements within.

A neutral color palette forms the foundation of this transformation, allowing the furnishings and decor to infuse the space with personality and vibrancy. The walls are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Strong White, a cool shade with subtle gray undertones, providing a crisp backdrop. Meanwhile, the headboard features Elephant Breath, a warm gray hue that echoes the texture and tone of the fluted bathroom tiles, seamlessly linking the bedroom and bathroom aesthetics.

A delicate balance of straight lines and gentle curves defines the design language of the apartment. The clean lines of the baseboards and the sofa contrast beautifully with the rounded forms of the fluted headboard, the textured bathroom tiles, and the curved legs of the coffee table. This interplay of geometry adds visual interest while maintaining a cohesive atmosphere.

The thoughtful use of materials further enhances this balance. Brushed stainless steel accents – seen in light switches, door handles, curtain rods, and lighting fixtures – lend a modern edge, while timeless Carrara marble, featured on the coffee table, kitchen countertop, and bathroom tiles, brings a sense of classic luxury. These materials create continuity throughout the apartment, tying together different areas with a sense of understated elegance.

To optimize the compact layout, strategic decisions were made to utilize space efficiently. The kitchen, now positioned near the entrance, features custom cabinetry with IKEA pedestals and &SHUFL fronts in a raw finish – black for the base units and light gray for the upper cabinets. Despite its small footprint, the kitchen is fully equipped with a sink, two burners, an oven, and a fridge, making it both functional and stylish.

The bedroom was relocated to the former kitchen area, with a custom-designed headboard extending to ceiling height, offering both visual impact and additional storage. A trunk bed by Tediber provides hidden storage, maximizing space without compromising comfort. The bathroom was reconfigured to include a space-saving roller shutter door and a central partition that separates the toilet and shower, maintaining functionality while enhancing privacy. A transparent, reflective glass door ensures that natural light filters into the space, creating an airy feel even in the most compact areas.

Lighting plays a pivotal role in enhancing the perception of space and adding warmth. In the living area, two mirrors were positioned above the shelves to reflect daylight without directing the viewer’s eye toward their own reflection, subtly enlarging and brightening the room. In the bedroom, a mirrored upper section of the headboard amplifies the light, while an artwork by Thomas Devaux, featuring dichroic glass, introduces dynamic reflections that generate their own glow, adding an ethereal dimension to the space.

To see more from Emilie Magdelaine, visit emiliemagdelaine.fr.

Photography by Florian Wattier, courtesy of Emilie Magdelaine.