La Vie en Rose: A Dive into Sustainable 31sqm Parisian Tiny Apartment

Bonjour, good people of the internet! Now, if you’ve ever entertained the idea of living in Paris, and I mean really diving in – like a penny in a fountain kind of dive, not the belly flop into the shallow end, then get ready because this is for you.

Tucked away in the heart of the Belleville district of Paris – you know, that charming, hilly, village-like area that’s chock full of character, you’ll find an absolute gem of an apartment. No, this isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill, can’t-swing-a-cat kind of space. I mean, you could swing a cat, but only if the cat was agreeable. And this being Paris, the cat would probably want a glass of wine first.

This dainty dwelling is more than just your usual four walls, ceiling, and floor deal. Picture 24 square meters of ‘ah, I can breathe in here’ space. The cherry on top? A mezzanine stretches out to 31 square meters. I know, it’s like having your gateau and eating it too.

Now, you’re probably thinking this little home in the heart of the city must be in a swanky neighborhood and cost an arm and a leg. But it’s not, and it doesn’t. It’s nestled in an unpretentious two-story building that’s been standing since the 19th century, more vintage than a bottle of ’61 Bordeaux. And just like a fine wine, it’s only got better with age.

So, let’s paint a picture here. The apartment, when first found, was, let’s say, a fixer-upper. Dark, divided into three rooms, the ceiling was a little low, and it was missing some fundamentals like a toilet and shower. But hey, who needs those when you have the Seine, am I right? And did I mention it was dirty? Think ‘Disney’s Cinderella before the Fairy Godmother showed up’ kind of dirty.

But then came the transformation. Walls, closets, ceilings? Gone! Like a magician’s trick but without the white rabbit. This place was stripped back to its bare bones and in its place? A mezzanine, a wonder of plywood and DIY ingenuity, housing a bedroom, a bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe, and bookshelves. The best part? The addition of three skylights for that oh-so-essential vitamin D boost.

The first step inside this apartment is like stepping into an architectural ballet. The dance of space, light, and structure will greet you, and the exposed old beams give you a glimpse of the history that’s soaked into its very fabric. If walls could talk, right?

Almost all the furniture has a tale to tell. They are relics from a past life, hand-me-downs from family, or lucky finds on the streets of Paris. Each piece has a story. Even the wardrobe handles have a tale to tell, salvaged from the kitchen of dearly departed grandparents.

Now, let’s return to that mezzanine for the last time.

It’s not just a wooden bunk bed. This is a retreat, a sanctuary, a cozy hideaway. Imagine lying in bed, looking up at your own personal window to the Parisian skies. It’s like the heavens have their own peep-show into your loft. But don’t worry, the angels aren’t judging.

Bathrooms can be touchy subjects. Too small, too cramped, or too sterile. Not this one. Picture a tiny but generous space with white tiles and a shower curtain that looks like it’s been borrowed from a disco ball. They’ve even kept an old, cracked sink and made it look good. If only we could all age as gracefully, right?

And then there’s the kitchen, the pièce de résistance. This is not just a place to slap together a ham and cheese baguette. This is a chef’s dream – compact yet practical, with storage galore and enough bench space to whip up a storm. I mean, who wouldn’t want to recreate Julia Child’s ‘Boeuf Bourguignon’ in there?

Last but not least, let’s not forget the sustainable benefits of this small dwelling. It’s easier to heat, to cool, to clean, and it makes a smaller environmental footprint. It’s like a love letter to Mother Earth, signed, sealed, and delivered.

There you have it, folks. Proof that size doesn’t matter. It’s all about making the space meaningful, functional, and uniquely you. That’s the spirit of living in Paris – the combination of tiny private spaces with public ones, making the city a bustling, vibrant community.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your beret your baguette, and let’s start living ‘la vie en rose’ in your own corner of Paris. Just remember, in the City of Lights, life is never too small.