Parisian Mini-Space Living

There has been a lot of global press lately about how people are improving their ultra mini urban apartments into functional, livable spaces.  So I thought it was about time I show you some Parisian ideas from a company I have been intrigued with for quite a while – Espace Loggia.

When you live in a very small space, the only way to live functionally is to increase your square footage.  The only way to do that is to build UP.  Increase the levels in your space where possible.  Espace Loggia has created a number of stylish solutions to the main problem of the studio dweller.  They create separate spaces while improving your storage and increasing your square footage.

Here are a bunch of those ideas for all of my mini-space readers.

This option shows a sweet and styled room that by day is a living room, and by night is your bedroom.  It  even has the built in shelves for your night table!

 Here we have a chic idea for your living room with added storage on the sides as end tables.

And it unknowingly is also the bedroom!  The best part about this is you are replacing the typical hideous pull out couches (that are always horrifically uncomfortable), for a stylish solution that adds comfort and storage to your space (and look, built in bedside tables again!)

 This is one of my favorites - it's SO sweet!  A small office by day, with your bed hovering just under the ceiling waiting for night.

Chic chic chic.  If someone told me I had to live here, I would say great when is move in day!  Lovely and contemporary, this monochromatic design is stylish, Parisian and functional.  The stairs up to the bed even double as loads of storage!

For those of you who need to separate your working space from you living space this is a great solution for you.  A beautiful mock 'wall' that is actually storage space for your office.

I love all of these ideas because it just goes to show that functional does not have to mean UGLY!  Get creative and even a studio can become your own designer palace.

Style à la Canadian in Paris

Throughout my time in Paris, I have been trying to expose my readers to innovative, European design and styles that are either not available or not easy to find in North America.  I wanted to get my readers to think outside the box and begin to open their minds to something different.  Do I actually like many of the things I write about?  Yes, I do.  I find that they give me a design jolt.  They wake me up and I take bits from them and implement them in my own designs.  It opens my eyes to what is out there and forces me to consider and appreciate their attributes.  This is a necessary quality for a designer as you always have to be ready for the rare clients who only want the newest, greatest and boldest designs for their space. 

That being said, I thought I would give you a taste of my own personal style.  The style I use in my home.  You will likely think it tame and subdued, but that is what I love about it.  I don’t like loud, bold colours in my space because I crave the peace and calm solitude that comes from soft, gentle colours, fabrics and shapes.

You might also think it strange that I don’t lean towards the ultra modern and contemporary – styles I often write about!  I love to use them when designing spaces for clients (if that’s what they love), but I am a modern traditionalist at heart.  I truly admire and adore the designs of the past. 

I’ve put together a brief little montage of accessories and spaces that will give you a look into my own personal contemporary-traditional style.  Enjoy!

A gorgeous little cushion I found at Roche Bobois in Lelievre fabric