Parisian ‘maids’ rooms’ are small rooms built under the top levels of old Hausmann buildings directly under their roofing. Despite tiny living being a growing trend, they are not popular accommodation options in Paris. Their small size makes them entirely impractical!
However, you can achieve great things with the right designers on your side. And that’s exactly what one family managed to do when they enlisted the services of Studio Kitoko to create a functional living space for an au pair.
The goal was to transform a previously drab and impractical 8m2 (86 sqft) space into a comfortable living space for an au pair to sleep, cook, wash, work, and live. It wouldn’t be easy, but Studio Kitoko was up for the task.
Studio Kitoko took inspiration from a Swiss army knife during their renovation project. They wanted to ensure that just a few different installations could perform multiple functions through sliding and folding motions. The more uses something has, the less space it would need.
The end result is beyond what you could have expected. While the designers only had 8m2 to work with, they created a fresh, modern, and inspiring living environment with a huge closet hiding a bed, a table with two chairs, a bathroom, a staircase, and even an open kitchen! Let’s take a look at the incredible transformation for one family’s lucky au pair.
It’s obvious that Studio Kitoko had minimal space to work with. Yet, even the kitchen area is deceivingly spacious. The kitchen sink and countertop are well-positioned underneath a window for plenty of natural light, and there’s a large empty floor area in front of it for eating, working, and entertaining. The adjacent white cabinetry with a delicate pattern has plenty of surprises in store.
That white wall with gorgeous and subtle nature-inspired patterns is not just a feature wall. It’s a multi-purpose closet with everything the au pair needs for everyday living. The first section in the top left-hand corner is a bed tucked away out of sight. Underneath it is a generous-sized closet for clothing and footwear. There’s even a pull-out drawer next to it for even more clothing and personal possessions. Fitting a closet into an 8m2 space is clearly not as impossible as it seems.
A bed tucked away in the top left-hand corner of a closet might seem impractical, but the designers have thought of everything. Underneath it is a pull-out bookcase in the shape of a staircase. While it’s an ideal storage solution for books and decor, it’s also an easy way to get into bed at the end of a busy day!
A charming dining table folds down from the wall closet, with plenty of dining space for up to two people. It can be tucked away in seconds when not in use.
While you can use the dining table next to the wall, it can also function independently. One portion of the wall can be slotted into the side of the table for use in the middle of the room. It can then become the perfect space for work, entertainment, or dining.
Even more treasures await inside that beautiful large closet wall. One cupboard door hides the room’s utilities, with a few extra storage shelves for books and knick-knacks. Adjacent is a surprise door leading into the studio’s very own bathroom!
The bathroom is a spectacular example of the sophistication and elegance that can be achieved in a very small space. Despite the conservative footprint, this bathroom has a full shower and vanity. It’s also a fresh and modern space with grey and white tiles and a stark white vanity and sink.
Take a video tour of the tiny apartment.