When tasked with transforming a tiny 107-square-foot former maid's quarters on the sixth floor of a Haussmann building in Paris, London-based architect Massimo De Conti faced an extraordinary challenge. His client, a jet-setting professional, needed a chic yet budget-friendly pied-à-terre that could serve as a comfortable home away from home. De Conti's innovative solution drew inspiration from an unexpected source: midcentury ships, where tight cabins required designs that thoughtfully utilized every available inch of space.
"Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, and Eileen Gray were inspired by boats at that time because it was the avant-garde of design technology," De Conti explains. Following in the footsteps of these design legends, he created a compact Parisian residence featuring an efficient layout, utilitarian forms, and a nautical color scheme that maximizes both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The architect's approach prioritized efficiency "to the centimeter," ensuring that no space would be wasted in the micro-apartment.
De Conti's strategic design divided the small interior into three distinct zones: a sleeping area anchored by a custom daybed from Bensen, a bespoke aluminum-clad shower capsule, and a central circulation area featuring a sunlit desk. The carefully planned layout ensures smooth flow between these zones while maintaining the apartment's sense of openness despite its compact footprint.
The kitchenette, positioned along the back wall, showcases ingenious space-saving solutions with hidden appliances including a microwave, mini fridge, boiler, and portable stove. The kitchen contributes significantly to the apartment's nautical palette, featuring dark and light shades of ocean blue that color the linoleum flooring, laminate cabinetry, and composite countertop. The shower's industrial metal finish strategically reflects sunlight into every corner of the space, amplifying the natural light from the apartment's small window.
One of the project's most striking features is the step-free shower by Kaldewei, which underwent a last-minute but crucial design change. De Conti originally specified oak as the surround material but switched to aluminum to reflect more sunlight from the apartment's small window and enhance the midcentury cruise liner aesthetic. A silver curtain and curved corner details continue this nautical theme throughout the space.
The custom kitchenette demonstrates remarkable efficiency within its one-and-a-half-foot-wide (45.5-centimeter) laminate cabinet design. This compact unit includes a towel rail that matches its proportions and conceals all appliances beneath a sink fitted with fixtures by Paini. Wall-mounted cabinets provide additional storage while maintaining the clean, uncluttered appearance essential in such a small space.
Color plays a vital role in making the apartment feel larger than its actual size. Ocean hues ground the entire room, with Yves Klein blue linoleum now covering what was previously a red-tiled floor. The seamless application of this flooring creates visual continuity that makes the space feel more expansive. The client personally selected the sky blue color for the composite countertop, creating a delightfully color-blocked kitchen that adds personality while maintaining the nautical theme.
Despite the apartment's diminutive size, De Conti ensured there was "room for a little sophistication" in the carefully curated furniture selection. A 1952 Pretzel chair by George Nelson sits at a desk created from a repurposed String shelf system, illuminated by a Grau floor lamp. Additional lighting includes pieces by Angelo Mangiarotti and Egoluce, while a Zieta hook creates an efficient coat rack on the door. An Air Chair by Jasper Morrison from Magis provides seating in the kitchen area.
Storage solutions demonstrate the architect's commitment to maintaining an uncluttered feel while providing practical functionality. "To avoid making the space feel busy, I kept it as empty as possible," De Conti notes. The bespoke Bensen daybed sits at the perfect height to slide a carry-on suitcase underneath, while wall-anchored cabinets discreetly house the boiler and pantry items. The under-sink unit cleverly conceals the microwave, mini fridge, and portable stove, and a small push-open cabinet built into the shower surround offers additional storage for shoes, tools, or cleaning supplies.
The project required an entirely custom design approach because "every centimeter makes a difference in this space," according to De Conti. However, what the apartment lacks in square footage, it more than compensates for in comfort and livability. This success became evident when the project was completed this summer: the homeowner had originally planned a quick visit from his London base but ended up staying for three weeks. For De Conti, this extended stay serves as proof of a job well done, demonstrating that even the smallest spaces can provide genuine comfort and functionality when designed with careful attention to every detail.
The project credits include Massimo De Conti as both architect of record and interior designer, with photography by Marco Guastalla capturing the sophisticated nautical aesthetic of this remarkable micro-living solution.
