One Parisian Apartment’s Ingenious Use of Space

Email To Friend | Posted by Jennifer in General Remodel.

Walls. They’re so bourgeois, non? Unless, of course, they’re used in a totally functional way. An advertising exec living in Paris hired h2o Architects to completely rehab his digs. The mission: eliminate walls without a clear purpose, open up the small space and make better use of the remaining walls.

wall divider kitchen

Originally, the tiny apartment consisted of six miniscule rooms, each completely compartmentalized with a door to the entryway. The new design, however, allows for a continuous flow from one end of the home to another. The walls themselves serve various functions for each room.

wall divider living room

The idea was to make the apartment more spacious and efficient by using the negative space just as vigorously as the positive. The result is partial room dividers-slash-bookshelves, display niches and built-in cabinetry.

wall divider bookshelf

Added wall thickness provides even more storage space and functionality.

wall divider hallway

But not all walls are created equal. Some are thicker than others, and are composed at odd angles. This was done on purpose; some of the walls need more depth for the functions they serve. It also it allowed the designers to create natural-looking nooks in what might otherwise be a distraction.

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About the Author: Jennifer Heyns

I must admit that when my husband dragged me into the world of construction 15 years ago, I did not go quietly. The phrase "kicking and screaming" is probably what comes to his mind. But I’ve learned a lot through my experience with his company - from the planning and work required to design and build a house to the ideas and sweat equity that go into remodeling, expanding, and decorating a home. On my way to finding my passion for writing, I even enjoyed a short career as a kitchen and bathroom designer. I soon found house, home and construction-type publications seeking me out, thrilled at having found someone who knows about the topic matter from firsthand experience and who just so happens to be able to write a decent article. My life isn’t all about writing, though. I have two sons, 10 and 12, and those boys (husband and dog included) just don’t raise themselves. We spend a leisurely life in the countryside, enjoying the fresh air, growing gardens (mostly for the sake of the deer), and watching the wildlife who share our property (and not just deer - owls, foxes, groundhogs, chipmunks and hummingbirds, too). For several years I've been successfully finding new ways to acquire quality, affordable healthcare for my family without an HMO. My first book, Bargaining for Our Lives is available now - see more about it (and me) at www.JenniferHeyns.com. On a good day I find time to say hello to all my followers on twitter, or to post a blog (my way of thwarting therapy appointments) at www.JenniferHeyns.blogspot.com. On a great day, though, I also get to bake, knit or make crafts - after the boys are asleep and the laundry and dishes are done, of course.

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