Marianne Evennou, a Parisian interior designer, is transforming small apartments into stylish and functional homes. Her approach underscores that regardless of size, space can be beautifully designed. Evennou often emphasizes balancing functionality with aesthetics, a principle that guides all her projects, including those under 100 square feet.
Importance of Layout
In designing small spaces, Evennou highlights the significance of adapting to a building’s architecture. For instance, her project called 'Chez Bambi' is a less than 400-square-foot apartment on Rue de la Paix. Evennou transformed a dark, cramped two-room layout into an open, inviting area by combining the kitchen and living room to maximize natural light. She states, "I choose to open the kitchen to the living area and enjoy all the windows with beautiful light."
Evennou employs design elements like interior windows and glass roofs to create the illusion of a larger space while maintaining defined areas. She cleverly arranged the bedroom at the back of the apartment to minimize street noise, enhancing the feeling of tranquility.
Maximizing Storage
Storage is another crucial element in small apartment design. In 'Chez Rose,' located in the Marais and just 200 square feet, Evennou focused on blending storage solutions seamlessly into the decor. She worked to create a kitchen that was both functional and artistically integrated, showcasing upper cabinets designed as art pieces.
The daybed in 'Chez Rose' serves a dual purpose, functioning as a sofa during the day and a bed at night, while also hiding storage space. Evennou emphasizes her strategy of maximizing every inch of a small apartment, using multifunctional furniture like a staircase that doubles as a bookshelf or desk.
Tailoring to Resident Needs
In her design for 'Chez Anne,' a studio apartment under 100 square feet for a university lecturer, Evennou personalized the layout based on the owner’s preferences. This included installing a trundle bed and sliding doors to enhance functionality. Evennou states, "I am very pragmatic and try to organize the space around fundamental activities, which are: sleeping, eating, washing, tidying up, working, and relaxing."
The design incorporates distinct areas for each function while maintaining a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Distinctive wallpaper designed by Evennou’s daughter-in-law adds a unique touch, enhancing the personality of the small space.
Evennou concludes by advocating for a respectful and imaginative approach to small apartment design, encouraging residents to embrace their creativity. She advises, "Treat it with respect, choosing quality materials and decorating it with elegance, charm, and above all, poetry.”
