When the current owners of a small 19m2 house at the bottom of a quaint courtyard in Vincennes, France first laid eyes on the property, they were skeptical. How could they possibly restore it to a livable home that would be comfortable and stylish, and within their budget?
While it seemed impossible, it wasn’t. The owners enlisted the help of interior designer Margaux Carnevali who had a vision for this apartment to be something unique. It would take a lot of work, but the results were spectacular.
First, they had to get a lay of the land. There was a small, contained kitchen, a cramped hallway, and blistered wallpaper from a dripping hose. The oak floor had also become a victim to water leakage, with staining in places. There were also two shabby cast iron radiators, exposed pipes, and plenty of plaster walls.
The exposed pipes, while no longer necessary, were kept to retain that new industrial look. The original ceiling, at 2.92 meters, was raised to 4.1 meters at one side and three meters at the other. The interior design could now begin.
After hours of sanding, the oak flooring was returned to its former glory, and the radiators were painted a refreshing shade of white. All the wallpaper was also removed to expose stunning bricks which would form the foundation of the industrial style abode.
The exposed brick would contrast beautifully against the wooden beams, white walls, and stunning oak flooring. Margaux then added a night blue velvet sofa to form the living nook, with striking yellow cushions.
The movable ladder leading to the mezzanine floor bedroom is stored against a curtained off storage area for clothing, when it isn’t in use.
The kitchen was left in its original location, but open to the remainder of the living area.
The kitchen boasts a false ceiling with light spots, induction hobs with an extractor hood, and Ikea cabinetry with a laminate worktop in a dark oak finish. The kitchen bar doubles as a dining table.
The mezzanine floor was also a pleasant surprise, with a mattress, headboard, guardrail, reading light and power sockets.
A bookcase works as storage space on the mezzanine floor.
Finally, the bathroom. Margaux worked her magic on this area as well, with a shower, vanity, and stunning brickwork to tie in the industrial style from the rest of the home.
Artista is a 7.2-metre architecturally designed home by Australian company Tiny Tect Tiny Houses that cleverly blends style and function. From its well-appointed kitchen,...
Comfort without unnecessary compromise seems to be the thinking behind the Adagio by Piccola Tiny Homes in California. Designed as a single-story tiny home...
