ARCHITECT REDESIGNS - A Tiny Paris Studio Apartment - 34.4sqm/370sqft

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⏱️ Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:00 The Existing Apartment
4:58 The Existing Plan
6:58 Furniture Layouts
8:53 Renovate or Remodel?
9:51 A First Attempt
12:18 Inefficiencies
13:52 Creating Space
15:16 The Final Design
19:07 Bellroy
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Disclaimer:
This is not design advice, nor can I give you design advice. Everything in this video is conceptual and is for entertainment purposes only and not for the purpose of providing design advice. Nothing in this video should be construed to form an architect client relationship. You should contact your own architect to obtain advice regarding any particular project. When hacking furniture, you do so at your own risk. Some of links shown are affiliate links that provide me a small commission to help support the channel. This video was sponsored by Bellroy.

[@qualitysesameoil]

I really wish you don't abandon this series.. so much more inspiring than any other interior series I can find on youtube

[@romylongpre9275]

I find the channel Never Too Small to cover similar redesigns!

[@zellalaing5439]

Try Gemma Wheeler Architecture

[@harrywong4109]

Agreed, I think this kind of content sets you apart and makes your channel interesting

[@dkirk5814]

I agree. Please don't leave us 😨

[@jamesdeano8093]

it's the kind of series people love indeed

[@Dinki-Di]

The decision to create a separate toilet will guarantee a better resale price in France. Culturally, they value a separate bathroom and toilet very highly.

[@MultiElodiee]

Absolutely true. And a small sink in it is even better

[@SubaruAficionado]

@@MultiElodiee One of his intermediate designs had a toilet in a tiny room without a sink which seemed an oversight: one must always wash hands after using the toilet!

[@TheWolfXCIX]

I can not fathom why. Having two doors between the toilet and the sink is disgusting. Edit: I see Daniel's doesn't do this, but having been to many French houses this is the norm and having the little sink is the exception.

[@ryannatividad3137]

I wish this separate toilet layout was a more common feature in other countries like the US. This would make it so much easier to share a bathroom with a partner or housemates!

[@AvocadoTheBugCat]

@@SubaruAficionadohis final design was no sink with the toilet in the same room which was like wtf.

[@zellalaing5439]

Ooooh I like the idea of 3 Tier designs in terms of costs. A renter friendly-budget one, a medium cost, and a "no budget dream flat" type one.

[@TheJojo01902]

Wow, Daniel - you took us through a design option journey, explaining pros and cons along the way. Awesome, that. And the end result is perfect for the space. If possible, please keep your viewers informed how renovations to this space are made (by the owner) as it would be amazing to see the final result. Class A work!!!

[@alexXsacha]

As a french person, I must say I've lived in apartments like these all my life, this layout is so standard here. So cool to see how much more functional and pleasant they all could be.

[@helensini9987]

A bed in a niche like that is a nightmare to make. Although the island solution seems fine from the side of the kitchen, it feels claustrophobic from the living area side. Perhaps clothing storage near the bathroom makes sense, but it would be better to have some place to at least hang clothes as one gets into bed.

[@Alicia-ij6gt]

@@helensini9987 put the bed on wheels? That would enable pulling it into the living area to change the sheets. Another option, if the ceiling height is high enough, would be to hoist it above the sofa.

[@loukiab2777]

You could go even further : It's rare to find a bed bigger than 140x190cm in Paris, so you could even downsize your queen bed. It's also rare to have kitchen islands in such small spaces ; I find it's and English and American obsession that French people do not have. That space in the middle of the apartment can be used for parties ;)

[@patora13]

Yes. This is exactly what I thought. Also the washer/dryer closet is something I think is very US. Also a single sofa and a TV. I would prefer a bigger work space and a huge TV can be replaced by a small projector for movie nights. Smaller fridge and microwaves are also common, as as bigger gas stove. It is very interesting how cultural norms shape our interiors. But the layout is spot on.

[@susanrussell8195]

I really don’t care for that island as it takes up too much valuable floor space. I think it would be important to understand the client to know if he cooks and entertains. That sized dining room table seems excessively large for essentially a studio apartment.

[@kitty_s23456]

I also didn't like the kitchen island. I found it too bulky & consumes space. I would make it a movable island (on wheels) so that I could move it to the side if I wanted more space. Though I'm glad he didn't put the sink on the island, across the stove. Having sink & stove across each other (I've seen it in many US homes) is bad feng shui.

[@katrinarefior700]

I would never have thought about the queen sized nook that you created in the second design. Well done! I love these types of videos that you do.

[@MultiElodiee]

It’ll be difficult to change the sheets though. Imagine that at 80 years old 😮

[@wintersonnet]

@@MultiElodiee They don't need to be in that apartment for the rest of their lives. This an apartment for young adulthood. They can sell it and buy something different when they're older. This is the perfect solution for the present and the near future.

[@wilmaknickersfit]

​​​@@MultiElodieeI agree. Daniel mentioned aiming to future proof the apartment and a bed that's difficult to change doesn't fit that aim for me. Also, he talked about the issues with the practicality of having a murphy bed and fold down desk. This was replaced by a kitchen always on show and a large island in the middle of the living space. I suspect he could tweak the kitchen design to allow for space down the side of the bed for easier access. Creating a bedroom is definitely the way to go, but I'm not sure an open plan living space is too. Personally I would like a way to screen off the kitchen from the rest of the living space. Not a wall, but a room divider of some kind. Hope Daniel does more videos like this. Architec Gemma Whelan has a chanel that does a similar thing.

[@Jen.O]

another bedroom option: using the original floor plan: gut the kitchen and you have a bedroom, then put kitchen units along the wall that backs up against the bathroom: the most minimal changes with max effect.

[@serenakoleno9338]

When occupied by an older person, could have a bed on wheels to pull out to change sheets, or have that task done by family or maid/caregiver. Many elderly are more agile than you give them credit for.😊

[@petrao5095]

I have lived in Paris for several years and was interesting to watch this video to see a perspective of a designer who doesn't live in a french capital. Nice job and ideas, was a lot of work to come to a final solution! Living in Paris I can give some impressions: this studio is already a good size, there's a lot of studios available of the size 13-25 m2. :) The size 34 m2 gives enough of space to have a washing mashine inside, this is something luxurious in Paris and laundries are horrible. As someone stated before: the space in kitchen was meant for the washing mashine, this kind of small aparment rarely have dish washer. Living in Paris also means to meet people for dinner and spending a lot of time outside, so washing mashing is more important than a dish washer. My bathroom didn't have any window and was a no-go, the mould was there and color scratching from the wall. I had to buy some kind a "moisture catcher" object (parisian apartments are very old and have a bad isolation). Island was a nice solution and it's quite trendy, as for hosting, people tent to put everything to the wall and have enough space to move arund and to switch in chatting with several people. How do you change the bed linen in such a small space? White kitchen color gives the impression of a bigger space so was the right choice. All in all, was interesting to see how your ideas changed and all the useful possibilities (like - the table you mention would probably stay unfolded and would block the way). This practical point is top. The apartment looks fresh and il would be much easier to sell than the initial layout. Looking forward to see other studio redesigns.

[@JoJo-Hamilton]

I too live in a 1 bedroom apartment, no room for a dishwasher and I don't need one. There is a Spanish woman on the ground floor who has a very small one, I think she lives on her own so has more space, I have a partner. Getting the linen and clothes dry in the winter months is the time that I dread.

[@keeithvaz]

Please keep this series alive!

[@raymondallo9947]

My first thought was flipping bathroom and kitchen too and then work out the the details. Great outcome!

[@emanuellandin7403]

Of course, you have all the water and sewage connections, a large bathroom allows you to have a washing machine. You can also knock down the wall to the living room and make a bar which gives you more work space for the kitchen and is useful for having guests. It is cheaper and better.

[@ritafairclough6470]

I learned that in fashion history. The french doors accommodated the pannier gowns popular at that time,(17-18 century) so the ladies didn't have to enter rooms sideways fun fact

[@Vectorrry]

I love how you continued to improve the design even after you have achieved a fairly workable layout.. Thats passion!

[@einhornfreunde9350]

I see Daniel - I click.

[@annesmith5192]

And I hit the Like button before even watching the video.

[@SjorsTimmer]

I’m a simple man with simple pleasures

[@derek400004]

This series is the heart and soul of this channel!

[@VinceVandorpeTV]

finally another episode of architect redesigns!! thank you for this

[@suzannecarter445]

Wow - I would have gone nuts trying to figure this out - I greatly admire your persistence and critical thinking.

[@Denisesonnemberg]

I got emotional when the renders came up. Daniel you definitely can create the most beautiful and functional spaces, but never forgetting the person's history and way of life. The grandfather's artwork add me. This is my favourite series on this platform no doubt.

[@TED.WANTS.TO.LEARN.]

pls don't abandon the series I've learnt so much and I keep learning more

[@amberklein1560]

I love how you give several options with different price points. This give ideas without limiting future needs or changes. Beautifully done. Thank you.

[@wintersonnet]

This is the kind of videos I live for.

[@mateusvahl5072]

I really appreciate the transparency, we know that designing on budget its challenging. Keep this series.

[@ShaudaySmith]

amazing you came up with TWO layout options for this space. truly remarkable.

[@anastasiiamatkovska6944]

I LOVE this! And it’s so interesting to watch you go through ideas and try different things. I feel like so many videos just show a polished version but not the ten other concepts that were considered. It’s insightful to see why the other layouts were a no.

[@mfman2]

In the last floor plan all I was thinking about was where are the toilet users supposed to wash their hands?! But then the renders had that slender sink in the toilet room and all my concerns faded. Amazing job. Architects are absolutely under appreciated. The magic you guys can work (while certainly not cheap) is incredible.

[@gene8194]

Nice design, though I would have another suggestion, what might be much easier and might give a much better value. The kitchen seams to be big enough to turn into a proper bedroom and by halfing the toilet and incorporating into the part with the window a small kitchen you would have a proper 1 bed and living room apartment. Keep up the good job. Cheers George

[@bebenut123]

Yes but the place would still feel cramped, and you would have to put the bed under the window facing the door and you cannot put anything else in the room resulting in dead space

[@gene8194]

@bebenut123 I believe you can have the bed across the room. There is enough width to get around.

[@TechTokeMaster]

Please make this series more consistent!

[@godwin_njoroge]

Wow, blown away yet again. I hope they get to see this one through. Truly amazing work Daniel. The amount of thought and intention you put behind each decision really shows.

[@kkkender]

A single video highlighed SO MANY differences in the way we use our homes it's mind-blowing. I've never used a kitchen island and wouldn't even think to have it in a larger home, nevermind squeezing it in a tiny flat. On the other hand, I'm fond of dining on a small table in a small kitchen. Also, entertaining guests on a formal dining table is absolutely no priority - if I ever having more than 3 friends over, I'd preferred a larger sofa taking that space. A table is something reminiscing of boring extended family gatherings where nobody feels relaxed. I'm glad that murphy bed didn't make it in the final design. It sounds good in design but if you have a place for a furniture that doesn't need flipping every day, do have this furniture. I'm really fed up with having to shelf all the linens and folding-unfolding the sofa everyday before and after sleeping for ten years. Washing machine goes into bathroom, and I will die on that hill. And finally, I admit I don't know French building code, but where I live it's strictly forbidden to have a gas stove in the only living room. Unless you wall off the bed nook it would be considered a health hazard and have to be undone.

[@eattherich9215]

In a previous home, I did have the washing in the bathroom only because it was a complete ground up renovation.

[@Alicia-ij6gt]

Induction cooktops are the way of the future.

[@kkkender]

@@Alicia-ij6gt some places are much further in said future, while where I live, diversification of energy sources is still a useful habit, because power outages still happen now and then

[@Alicia-ij6gt]

@@kkkender which is why having solar power and a battery insulates you from local transmission problems. It is possible that people will be able to use their EV cars as a house battery.

[@kkkender]

@@Alicia-ij6gt not in my area, that's arctic so half a year it's weak sun and the other half it's polar night. EV cars can't stand the temperatures. Some people just live where nature didn't intend us to :)

[@veritas4698]

As someone who has lived in old buildings in small apartments like this most of my life I have a lot of issues with this. Those old parket floors are horrendous. The little slats come lose and tilt, nails start sticking out and cleaning them with a mop just leaves your mop shredded. The space in the kitchen was not for a dishwasher but for a washing machine. Going to the laundromat in big cities like this is expensive and a horrible experience. No washing machine is bad. Sleeping right against the window is horrible. It will always feel drafty even with new windows in winter and horribly hot in summer. The bathrooms needs a window because the airvents in these old buildings are crap. There will be mold there in a few months. Living in such a small apartment having a separate kitchen is a godsend because when you cook something in such a small space, especially fish or currys the entire studio will stink of it and the smell can even creep into your furniture and clothes. The small space next to the bathroom was ideal for brooms and trash. Creating more storage in the kitchen would have been ideal. Also where is this person going to put their clothes? In such a small space there is no need for a dining table AND a desk. You use the same table for both.

[@ueberweiss]

Glad to finally see another episode of redesign. These are your best work, I hope you’ll continue creating them 👍

[@karelp5358]

I've admired you for a long time. Although this project was quite difficult, don't give up. You are the light that guides and inspires us, and you have more preparation than us to do a phenomenal job.

[@kissarch]

Loving the production quality of your videos Daniel, they are inspirational. We hope the videos on our humble little Architecture KZbin Channel will be at your level one day. Thanks for the content.

[@LindyMac]

I LOVE seeing all these iterations of your ideas. It's very inspiring to see that brilliant ideas don't always just come in a flash of inspiration, but are often the result of many hours' painstaking work trying this here or that there. It's always heartening to see that sometimes a good idea is still a good idea, even if it's not used in the end, because sometimes it's just not the best idea for that space/client/lifestyle. Thank you for sharing your very creative ideas and solutions with us.

[@cocorita]

Bruh... I'd put a kitchen in the living room, move the bedroom where the kitchen is, and voila! No need to throw down walls, just some pipework, and suddenly you have a 1 bed flat

[@arthena2130]

I really love this type of videos and hope to keep seeing them coming. I also loved that we got to see how you went through your different ideas before arriving at the final one.

[@ghazzmedia]

This series is incredible! Being able to visualize everything in the end is the difference maker.

[@charlottegrosjean4722]

One on the best video i've seen on this channel. As a interior design student, your thoughts and the process you're going through while figuring out the best solutions is really inspiring. Thank you for explaining and showing us the whole process and not just the end idea. You are a great architect !

[@nzuk_]

This is one of my favourite series! Its amazing to see just how much thought goes into each element. I would love for this to be a regular series

[@lekeKar]

This.... This is why I subscribed to the channel ... was sooo excited to see this and it didn't disappoint. Love it!

[@Nadineee2009]

Yessss I love this series! The design is a brilliant solution... and I love that you shared the reality of the process with things not quite working along the way :)

[@katherinestephens7674]

I so love your work. The generosity in sharing your thought process is unique...thank you

[@Doko96]

One of your best creations lately. Very thoughtful and also clean video structure. Cheers to that

[@flootb]

man what a great video, i just love these insights so much. I am just a hobbyist when it comes to interior architecture, but your videos give me so much inspiration! Thanks 🫶

[@halynavolkova1580]

Yey! Finally redesigning videos are back🎉🎉

[@nauyanelias]

Absolute master work. Thank you for documenting it in a cinematic fashion.

[@GPNidballa]

Nice to see your thought process. Really enjoy these redesings, looking forward to the next one already.

[@TopangoSpez]

One of my most favourite series on KZbin. Your redesigns are always so inspiring, functional and beautiful ❤️ This one in particular was interesting with the different layout options you covered! Thanks for another great video!

[@heyrobin]

I'll second the ask for you to continue making videos like this! You do such a nice job and your attention to detail is appreciated!

[@chrisalvarez6660]

Good job. Every inch of that space was very well utilized. Hope more of this content. It was inspiring to make good use of what we already have.

[@RickSebastian-RSVentures]

I´ve waited so much for such a video again. Keep going Daniel. Huge Fan!

[@acebaker3623]

I have to say that my first thought when I saw the floorplan was swap the kitchen and the bathroom and open the kitchen to the rest of the apartment. Glad you got there in the end. Love the bed nook.

[@traviscook9055]

This is my favourite series! I love watching your genius unfold!

[@ielashi]

I love that you shared with us your thought process throughout this design journey - amazing work and thanks for the inspiration!

[@isabelcbmartins]

You're a design magician, brilliant re-invention of the space. And thank you for sharing your thought process too, that was fascinating and very instructive. 🙏

[@CB-vg1wq]

Thank you for showing the thought process and redesign from start to finish.

[@guillermo.gonzalez]

I'm really mind blown by the last design. Astonishing how it changed the apartment!

[@James.G.S]

Bravo! Great design and thanks for letting us in on your thought process.

[@DpKris]

i LOVE THI SERIES. Please dont stop

[@rishikakrishna]

BEAUTIFUL WORK

[@metanisha441]

Watched this 2 times to catch everything he said and showed. Brilliant! In my next life I want to be an architect. Sooo inspiring. I love this series. You’re a master

[@ns-zc4do]

Wow this is unbelievable, absolutely love the eloquence in which you explain every detail and function.

[@jinlu4]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts behind your design process! I learn so much from you and hope this series never ends 😊

[@bradleygossett2620]

LOVE IT!! These are my favorite videos that you do!!

[@officialmithika]

My favourite series on your channel!

[@brettklausner6157]

this type of video is why I subbed. honestly I skip all the other ones. Transformation videos and things of this nature are the best content you make

[@Sandra9135]

This is a great redesign with a walk through in steps of what works and doesn't work. Love it!

[@jamesa8334]

Great video especially your explanation of your thinking as you got to the final design

[@linda7538]

Finally a new redesign vid❤ love this series

[@cristinas7226]

Love this! Happy to see a new video

[@Alfiewobbel]

This is just so good man, well done

[@ngsh007]

Great work dude ....love ur videos.... U work is much appreciated

[@emiliakirner3833]

Love it ! So inspiring

[@GordonShamway1984]

I learned so much. Thank you for sharing all your thoughts, a masterpiece.

[@scdobserver835]

Have watched all your works since your London apartment days and I have to say you've outdone yourself this time. Excellent design process and presentation.

[@AlistairGreyblood]

Just randomly found your channel, and your insight in design is great, also you have a very soothing voice. I subbed today.

[@marjojohannasutinen406]

A great video, such a joy to watch the flat come together!

[@AdsCoulter]

This is one of my favourite videos you’ve made. Keep on this style. ❤

[@Yingzipot]

WOW!!! This is sooo clever!!! I love it!!! Please continue the series as we also live in a small space with a toddler and making small apartments like this works is very inspiring and comforting for me especially when I’m running into things and finding myself can’t breathe 😂

[@petrakaplanova398]

Such a great redesign. Such a beautiful space full of light and so function

[@rocioiribe5841]

it was so interesting to have you walk us through your whole thought process and reasoning behind your design!

[@avocado3748]

Beautiful work

[@user-df4pn3ix1n]

Finally... ! Please do more of this series... The only reason i subscribed ...

[@rossgeography]

ingenious layout - well done!

[@sharonhart3111]

This was VERY interesting to watch, your thought process of how to best utilise the space. And i love that you consider peoples financial possibilities. It looks like a very good design to me i really like that you were able to find that nook for the queen size bed, and keep the parquet floors- which i love.

[@mstunnikamesh]

This is such an gem of a series I've binged all the Redesigns. The production on this episode was top notch.

[@charliegreenawalt867]

I considered skipping to the end just to see the results but I'm so glad I didn't. I ended up watching the whole thing and I really learned a lot about why you did what you did. Excellent. Love the finished product.

[@sinjaja5836]

So interesting to hear about your thought process. Thanks so much for sharing. I also appreciate the length of the video.

[@sherkan007]

Great design and use of space! Very clever and well done 👍🏻

[@moraesJuli]

I was missing this on your channel ! Amazing 🎉

[@sarahtyster7342]

this is a really worth while set of new spaces - that little bedroom nook is fantastic, you could even put a door up. I live in a studio and oh boy do you long for a bedroom.

[@shmoolicious]

I love what you did!! Genius

[@dennistinga24]

This is your best episode yet!. 👍

[@matteotc]

Love this series 😍

[@dyanalayng5507]

Love these solutions!

[@kjw79]

Very thoughtful. Crafting the space around building a life. I like that there are different stages the owner can move through as he earns funds. That seems how it should be…gradually improving our homes over a lifetime.

[@phant00m1]

This was extremely good, great job, and cool editing.

[@12gark]

A bathroom with no window... If it was my apartment, that would have been the a huge no-go, and I don't know in France, but where I live, a closed bathroom with no windows reduced the value of the house. But hey, to everyone his own I guess I absolutely love the desk/TV console tho, very smart use of space.

[@lesliew.7804]

I LOOOOOVE how you think about space. Ugh. One of these days I’m gonna get my stuff together so I can submit my apartment for entry to be redesigned. It’s a lot of steps lol, but you’re my fave KZbin architect.

[@brianmoncion6723]

Love that you take your thought process and share it with your viewers. I think your decision from original changes you discussed to the final is perfect given the constraints of light, build cost etc. My question is that do you need a large table to entertain 10 in a small space? The island could be designed as a table /desk height and a wall unit /tv on the wall where the dining table would be positioned. Just my 2cents as I have these same challenges. Thanks for going to the lengths you go too to elaborate on the design process. Cheers

[@ihogenhuis960]

I had almost the same floorplan but with a kitchenette in that little bedroom nook. But I see the added value of a bedroom area. Well done!