Designer Brings the French Countryside to Tiny Parisian Studio Apartment

In the heart of the Marais district, tucked behind an enchanting courtyard, lies Anne’s home — a mere 9-square-meter (97-square-feet) apartment that exudes Parisian charm with a rustic twist. French interior designer Marianne Evennou embraced the challenge of transforming this tiny space, cleverly adapting it to Anne’s lifestyle as a traveler between scholarly endeavors at the Sorbonne and cultural explorations around Paris. Her concept? An “urban hut,” a cozy, countryside-inspired retreat in the city.

Anne’s new place was hardly inviting at first glance. The apartment was in poor condition, with a single window, an unusual layout with quirky nooks, and limited vertical space. But Evennou saw potential: Anne’s vision of a warm, rural ambiance mingled with subtle antique accents became the guiding light for this ambitious design. Evennou’s task was to make every centimeter count, creating a stylish yet functional pied-à-terre that felt open and inviting despite its compact size.

The heart of Anne’s apartment is a cozy living area with a blend of old-world charm and contemporary touches.

The original terracotta floor tiles anchor the room, giving a nod to the building’s architectural heritage.

An alcove bed, with wallpaper inspired by a Renaissance painting, becomes a restful and artful focal point, seamlessly integrating into the living area while maintaining a sense of separation.

This tiny apartment showcases an inspiring blend of fabrics and textures, creating a rich, layered look in a small space.

Cabinetry and paneling are done in soft shades of light blue, gray, and white.

Evennou designed the compact kitchen to be both practical and welcoming—a true cooking space, not just a corner for brewing coffee. Every cabinet and counter has been carefully crafted to maximize storage and functionality, all within a warm, rustic ambiance. The pale blue cabinets bring a touch of French country charm, complemented by a large ceramic sink and a retro-style cream-colored Smeg oven.

The kitchen even includes a cozy dining spot for one, featuring a small round cafe table with a charming rustic metal finish and a lovely patina

Anne’s bathroom is a love letter to Parisian design, where timeless elegance meets modern convenience. The walls are adorned with classic metro tiles, creating a chic, cohesive look. The layout is split into two separate rooms: one with a vanity, sink, and shower cabin featuring stunning mosaic floor tiles, and the other solely dedicated to the toilet. A sleek pocket door saves space, adding a practical yet stylish touch to this thoughtfully designed space.

The shower cabin is lined with metro tiles, matching the rest of the bathroom’s design, and includes a built-in niche for convenient storage of shampoo and other essentials.

The toilet is located on the opposite side of the studio, showcasing the same stunning mosaic floor tiles as the main bathroom area.

A grand crystal chandelier in a 97-square-foot apartment might seem unexpected, but Marianne pulls it off beautifully.

Every inch of this “doll’s house” has been thoughtfully tailored to create a space that embodies Anne’s lifestyle, balancing tradition and modernity in one. Evennou’s design offers a study in the art of efficient, beautiful living — a small-scale haven that brings a slice of the French countryside to the heart of Paris.

Photo: Grégory Timsit