CM NEWS

In the heart of one of Paris’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods, Le Marais, a quiet revolution in urban living is taking place. As city dwellers increasingly trade sprawling square footage for proximity to galleries, food markets, and cultural hubs, the definition of a “traditional apartment” is being rewritten. Leading this charge is Mariana Gazaghound, an interior designer and founder of Studio Gazag, who transformed a dilapidated 42-square-meter (452sqft) space into a masterclass of contemporary minimalism.

The Rise of the “Contemporary White Box”

For many modern residents, the home is no longer just a place to sleep; it is a retreat that must balance history with high-functioning modernism. Gazaghound’s project began in a 17th-century building where the initial conditions were dire—featuring water-damaged structures and improper plumbing. Her solution was to strip the space back to a “minimalist white box,” a design choice that highlights historical elements like exposed wooden structural pillars and ceiling beams by painting them in a crisp, uniform white.

This “white box” philosophy isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about volume and light. By using white resin on the wooden floor planks and wrapping walls in mirrors, small spaces can feel significantly larger than their physical footprint suggests.

Lifestyle-Driven Layouts

Modern lifestyles demand that living spaces be as flexible as the people who inhabit them. Gazaghound merged two separate studios into one, reclaiming building corridors to create a functional entryway and a separate toilet—a luxury that ensures guests don’t have to enter the private bedroom area.

Key features of this lifestyle-centric design include:

• Modular Furniture: The use of a modular Vitra sofa allows the living room to transition from a social area to a guest bed for overnight visitors.
• Multi-purpose Tools: In small-footprint living, stools are no longer just for sitting; they serve as coffee tables, plant stands, or extra guest seating.
• Hidden Utility: To maintain a sleek environment, daily necessities are tucked away. A floor-to-ceiling closet near the entrance hides a laundry machine and cleaning supplies, while custom cabinetry conceals a full-sized fridge, dishwasher, and even a discrete wine rack.

The “Hotelization” of the Home

A growing trend in residential design is the influence of hospitality. Gazaghound, who also works as a hotel designer, admits to a professional bias when designing her private quarters. She treats the bedroom and bathroom as a “sunny retreat,” utilizing hotel-inspired features such as:
• Integrated Controls: Light switches located beside the bed that control all room lighting.
• Material Continuity: Using leftover floor planks to create a custom headboard that doubles as storage for office supplies.
• Sensory Details: Replacing standard closet doors with soft velvet curtains and using LED coves in the shower to create a “serene and sophisticated” atmosphere.
Sustainability through Restoration
Beyond the individual apartment, this shift in living represents a broader commitment to urban sustainability. By refurbishing old structures rather than demolishing them, designers are keeping the history of the city alive while making it habitable for a modern workforce. “When an apartment in an old building is refurbished,” Gazaghound notes, “the opportunity is created to restore its structure… and make the city still livable and comfortable for everyone”.
As urban density continues to rise, the focus has shifted from the amount of space one owns to the quality and functionality of that space. Through clever storage, modular furniture, and a blend of old and new, the modern home is proving that you don’t need a mansion to live a “traditional” and comfortable life.