Inspirations

The Modern Attic Apartment: An Inventive Remodel in Paris, Tiny Ikea Hack Kitchen Included

To cap off this week’s Compact and Efficient issue, here’s a favorite from the archives:

Meet the 21st-century version of the romantic Paris garret. It belongs to a lucky young screenwriter, who was still a student when she moved in. And, thanks to Anki Linde and Pierre Saalburg, the husband-and-wife team behind LSL Architects, her 26-square meter (approximately 280-square-foot) space is a now compendium of inspired tight-living solutions.

“The apartment is in a four-story, 18th-century building in the buzzing heart of the Sixth Arrondissement, steps from Bon Marché,” reports Linde. “It was situated on two floors, but the top story was so cramped in height we decided to demolish it and create a new ‘floating’ mezzanine above the kitchen and living area, leaving a double-height space on either side.” The architects sectioned off this new bedroom loft with block-shaped storage cupboards that form a playful and practical barrier. They also introduced a postage-stamp kitchen built from a combination of Ikea and custom parts. And slotted in what just might be the world’s most charming dish cupboard. Allons y. 

Photography by Katrin Vierkant, courtesy of LSL Architects.

Kitchen and Living Quarters

the front door opens to an all in one living space. those floating white square 12
Above: The front door opens to an all-in-one living space. Those floating white squares overhead are the backs of the double-duty dressing area cupboards that section off the new mezzanine. “The fact that you can see through the cabinets into the mezzanine creates a sense of volume and space,” says Linde.
the designers transformed an old bed into a sofa by draping it in a large linen 13
Above: The designers transformed an old bed into a sofa by draping it in a large Linen Tablecloth and pillows (including the Linen Cushion Cover in Pollen Yellow) from Merci, which is currently holding a big sale. The long-haired sheepskin came from a brocante in Normandy. The exposed rafters support the mezzanine, and, like the floor and stair, are whitewashed to enhance the sense of space.