Bright yet Soft Paris Apartment Design by Tatiana Nicol

In this project, called Garçonnière Marais, the French designer Tatiana Nicol updates an apartment in one of the historic districts of Paris. As the small space measures just 50 square meters, or 164 square feet, it is especially important for Nicol to focus on organization and light. She keeps the plan open, letting light come into every room, so that no one corner seems dark or cramped. To this end, she also has the walls, ceilings, and timber beams painted in shades of gray that are light enough to reflect the sun. Additionally, she makes use of metallic decor, including several lamps and candleholders, to reflect and add light.

The resulting interior is sunny yet soft. The furnishings are modern, from the Eams chair to the sideboard by the wall. The unified pieces work together so that the apartment feels neither sparse nor crowded. To further declutter the apartment, shelves are built into the kitchen wall and, more extensively, into the living room doorway that frames the bedroom. Showcasing the owner’s private library of art books, the shelves infuse the room with a pop of color. Likewise, the bedroom is accented with yellow, green, and blue, adding variation and personality to the more private space. The bathroom, on the other hand, keeps the palette neutral, instead texturing the space with warm lighting and vintage double-doors.