Juliane Garcia faced a significant challenge when she purchased her 270-square-foot studio apartment in Paris’ Passage Gauthier four years ago. The space, located in a building from 1865, was dark and cramped, featuring an inefficient layout with a kitchen situated in a windowless corridor and a small bathroom adjacent to it.
A seasoned interior architect with a decade of experience at renowned firms, Juliane was undeterred by the renovation needed. In 2023, she founded Maison Insula to pursue projects emphasizing precision, durability, and timeless aesthetics. Her first major undertaking was her own apartment, where she completely restructured the layout to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
Juliane relocated the bathroom to enable more natural light into the kitchen and living areas. She opted for bold black cabinetry and floors, a departure from the usual light colors favored in small spaces, thereby creating a dramatic effect while maintaining an illusion of spaciousness.
One innovative feature of the remodel is a custom partition made from oak and textured glass.
This design separates the sleeping area from the rest of the studio without obstructing light flow, contributing to a sense of openness. The glass partitions allow light to permeate both sides of the apartment, ensuring a bright and inviting atmosphere.
In a practical decision tailored to her lifestyle, Juliane forewent a dishwasher in favor of a wine fridge. Although she initially had a sofa and coffee table, she later replaced the seating area with a black round dining table, aligning better with her love for cooking and hosting gatherings in her home office space.
Personal touches include a sideboard that belonged to her grandparents and decorative items she created with her father. Light continues to play a crucial role in designing the apartment, with frosted glass partitions enhancing privacy while permitting brightness to fill the living areas.
Describing her home, Juliane uses the words “quiet, light, and me,” reflecting her vision for a personalized and comfortable living space. The thoughtful design choices have transformed her studio into a cozy and uniquely tailored home.
