Inspirations

Multiplying Light and Space: A Compact Paris Apartment with a Vintage Quality

Lately we’ve been charmed by the inimitable work of Paris-based Iranian architect Saba Ghorbanalinejad. Her latest project is the complete renovation of a 47-square-meter apartment adjacent to the Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. Here, she took the space from a dated apartment full of enclosed spaces into a 1960s-inspired interior defined by rounded corners, reflected light in mirrors and glossy lacquer finishes, aluminum storage housing, and hand-finished Tadelakt. Here’s a look.

Photography by Mary Gaudin.

the windows are solid varnished oak. the chair is a vintage 1950s verner panto 12
Above: The windows are solid varnished oak. The chair is a vintage 1950s Verner Panton Bachelor Chair in chrome-plated steel and suede.

Located on the 3rd floor of a large, 1970s building, the former apartment, while only 47 square meters (a little over 500 square feet), was more enclosed with a total of eight doors throughout. The client found the living room too small and the entryway excessively large and useless in contrast to the rest of the apartment. Ghorbanalinejad set out to make the best use of every square meter, taking the eight interior doors down to just two.

a 1980s coffee table by niels gammelgaard and 100 year old persian rug anchor 13
Above: A 1980s coffee table by Niels Gammelgaard and 100-year-old Persian rug anchor the living room space.

Concrete above and below: Ghorbanalinejad revealed a concrete ceiling hidden beneath a white-painted suspended ceiling that was then meticulously refinished. The floors are waxed concrete.

a 1970s area table lamp by mario bellini for artemide set on a vintage stool.  14
Above: A 1970s Area Table Lamp by Mario Bellini for Artemide set on a vintage stool. Rounded corners throughout the apartment create a gentle, organic flow.
a view from the living room back into the hallway. the lacquered wall with roun 15
Above: A view from the living room back into the hallway. The lacquered wall with rounded corners encloses the bed and bathroom space separate from the open living and dining room and kitchen.
the client requested a functional kitchen within the confines of a small space. 16
Above: The client requested a functional kitchen within the confines of a small space. Ghorbanalinejad delivered an L-shaped kitchen designed with a stainless steel countertop and 1960s-inspired white lacquer kitchen cabinets.
two aluminum apollo pendant lamps by raphael kadid are strung across the ceilin 17
Above: Two aluminum Apollo Pendant Lamps by Raphael Kadid are strung across the ceiling illuminating each end of the kitchen.
a view looking back into the open living and dining area. the door to the left  18
Above: A view looking back into the open living and dining area. The door to the left enters into the bedroom. Note the stealth storage cabinet set flush into the wall.

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