Paris microflat gets precise in space use with thrifty ideas

On a nurse’s salary, Flore Devaux knew buying a home in Paris would be difficult so when she stumbled upon a tiny flat near Montmartre within her price range, she was thrilled by every centimeter of the 18.76 square meters place (201.9 square feet).
Armed with a drill kit and plenty of recycled materials, Flore- and her boyfriend Florian Moulin- built out plenty of storage space and custom furniture to make the space work for her: old wood boxes became bookshelves; a drawer salvaged from the curb became under-the-bed storage; wheels added to an old steam trunk created a mobile coffee table with storage.
Inspired by the efficiency of boats (and her marine father), Flore, and Florian, created a storage bench to provide seating for 4 to 5 guests and lots of storage.
The kitchen is small but large enough for an under-the-counter refrigerator (no freezer), compact washing machine (two drying racks can be set up in the bathroom), and a toaster oven (supported by the base of a hacked IKEA drying rack).
Florian's furniture designs: florianmoulincrea.tumblr.com
Original story: faircompanies.com/videos/pari...

[@AgentAO7]

I love the fact that this isn't a professional interior designer-made renovation which looks very unpretentious. You can really tell that she worked within a certain budget & the space is a labor of love done by herself, her father & her boyfriend which makes it look so homey. She made wise choices on how to make use of each space coupled with her ingenuity. Most of the time, modern renovations feel cold & what makes a home/space cozy is by bringing in pieces that you actually collected..

[@l.a.b.chimmy866]

Ahí difiero . Con un mejor planeamiento el espacio hubiera quedado mejor . Es solo un cuarto . 😑

[@StephaniePescatore]

@@l.a.b.chimmy866 certe, mais le budget n'aurait pas été le même....

[@Minnie11chula]

All relative re budget. I’m not so sure the budget was that small.

[@kkrot81]

Yes!! 🙌🏼

[@vessyioannou259]

I love your comment.

[@taboobunny9186]

a cute little house, a cute boyfriend..seriously, that's all you need in Paris. I would move in in a second

[@potiadicta2120]

You don't need a boyfriend in Paris, you need to meet lots of different posible boyfriends, hahaha hahaha

[@susanallen5751]

Imagine the rent!

[@josephinebretzel1918]

@@susanallen5751 rent of a 40 square meters is 1400 euros dependig of the arrondissement (quarter) 😅

[@enteraname757]

You do need a boyfriend in Paris, it is a must.

[@conniediaz6456]

@@josephinebretzel1918 How much would it be if she bought it instead of renting it?

[@philiq18]

Those two large windows make all the difference in such a small space.

[@AshlitaKLaGrangeGA]

Phresh Ideas + Designs Nice channel btw. Once this is over, going to watch ur videos.

[@martelvonc]

And having the courtyard is a free extra room and gives an open spacial feeling with the windows open. People can sit outside and still talk to those inside.

[@diannaskare935]

Phresh Ideas + Designs it would be nice but where we live in northern Montana its not practical :-)

[@susanallen5751]

@@diannaskare935 Do you mean fresh?

[@nilomyki]

The lady is very bubbly....she seems like she's loving life which is the most important thing.

[@mrfourcows]

I love how the videography makes me feel like I'm right there actually having the house tour. I also love Flore's personality and how she is modest yet proud at the same time about her house :)

[@aucherii5938]

I love that this house is a labor of love. It's not just a house that someone else built (nothing wrong with that), but with family chipping in to make stuff, give stuff, or find stuff. every piece has a personal history to go with it.

[@SandraNelson063]

There should be more living spaces like this in cities! Quiet, private and with access to some greenery. In this case,there looks to be a possibility of a little community around that courtyard. That's nice too.

[@nicolecrystal6765]

not really

[@abeautifulcountry9353]

Yes it's so perfect.

[@xyverjaze]

This tiny flat is awesome because it is straight forward and devoid of all those unnecessary expensive upgrades. This looks authentic and relatable. Thanks for featuring it. Love the place 😍

[@vessyioannou259]

I want to do my place the same!!!

[@asthecrowflies737]

If I had to choose between today's "Tiny House" concepts and that apartment in Paris, it would be a no-brainer. The Paris apartment wins.

[@abeautifulcountry9353]

Yes absolutely!

[@successandlifestyle]

I love how she covered the bottom bed mattress with fabric to disguise the bed look!

[@ParadoxKismet]

"So you try to detach as much as possible from material things. To have a lot of stuff is like an artificial paradise. The truth is people - beauty is there." - Florian Moulin This tiny apartment is quite lovely with the large windows and the wonderful little details. The garden area outside is a big advantage.

[@nicolecrystal6765]

I KNOW !!! He is like a very french philosopher unto himself, is'nt he? I was taken with his statement also ! it is very quoteable !!

[@baskervillebee6097]

@@nicolecrystal6765 Very nice combination: boyfriend, carpenter, and philosopher.

[@endingalaporte]

These guys are very cute and lovely. I love their mentality (since I'm french also haha). No materialism, enjoy the beauty of people, enjoy the simple things...

[@joan-annebross9217]

One can have "things" & still enjoy beauty. You're French, & so soothe yourself with a minimal lifestyle bcs that's all your country provides for most people.

[@duvy1234]

Joan-Anne Bross you’re a materialistic trash bag shut the fuck up

[@redpill5136]

@@duvy1234 ...and you had to go there...didnt you. wow. i feel sorry for your husband.

[@reneeultado509]

She sounds so happy!

[@dominic20]

Boy got all philosophical on us at the end there!

[@kb9847]

I would live here in a second! It's amazing. I love the layout and the windows are awesome. Also, because it has a garden area it is quite quiet. 😊 Thank you for showing your space.

[@morgandufour2621]

Juan Luis Guerra

[@LuliLulu]

it's a very charming place, looks very cozy :3

[@kalabaw99]

I like how her boyfriend puts it. We should not be attached to material things, that's why I love these tiny homes because it really forces people to live with only the essentials.

[@a6703]

Very wise words.

[@joan-annebross9217]

Why should we live with only essentials? That's idiotic & communistic. One can have more than a damn shoebox to live in & still have a worthy life.

[@chicnoir29]

Joan-Anne Bross Only if one can afford it without.

[@mattl7886]

@@joan-annebross9217 I don't think it is communistic or unworthy. People have their own philosophy on how to make a home. This works for them. people live like this in cities all over. The city is their communal living experience and the teeny apartment is steps away from all the stuff Paris has to offer - ie; cultural events, great food, parks...etc. They are probably young professionals meaning most of their time is spent not at home anyway.

[@mattl7886]

Living space wise, this is about all I need. But I would need tinkering space. I need a workshop with a bed and a bathroom lol. at least while I'm single.

[@carlatate7678]

This is my favourite of all Kirsten's small home videos. Love this flat so much!!

[@SaLiDeLune]

This is honestly one of my favourite House tours! I love that it is in Paris and I LOVE that it is a small, real home. That it is not someone who spent a lot of money to have a designer make all sorts of special furniture. Don't get me wrong, I think those are wonderful as well! But I think this one seems more accessible to me. It's one I come back to from time to time just to dream 💗

[@thegreekmermaid]

Paris videos are always my favorite.

[@nicolecrystal6765]

uoi, tres bon !

[@jackychannel]

love the wall shoe rack.

[@mrfourcows]

Anyone knows where to get (similar)/one?

[@debrajessen7975]

mrfourcows Are you talking about the shoe rack or the tiny house? IKEA have those kind of shoe racks that dont take up too much space🙂

[@AnNa-og7mw]

@@debrajessen7975 Thanks!!!

[@alfa156]

This use of space makes more sense (to me) than the trailer, tiny house craze. Location is important (to me). It's Paris.

[@kikedragoon]

Tiny Houses do make a lot of sense in this point of view of yours. The greatest plus of a tiny house is to take the maximum enjoyment out of a backyard//garden, you can make a playground, grow vegetables, have a nice place for luals...

[@redpill5136]

a custom designed camper van make more sense to me. the older i get the more simple lifestyle and less stuff and strings attatched, i want.

[@noviceprepper5397]

I really like it. I like the windows, I like the pieces she and her dad and her boyfriend have added. It is unique with many useful touches. Well done.

[@amethyst1826]

I need that shoe storage! It is fantastic!!

[@kw2616]

How quaint and sweet, this little living space in Paris, and with that lovely courtyard with the trees and two big picture windows that look out and let in plenty of light. Sweet and thoughtful boyfriend to help her make little things for their little place. Thank you for making this wonderful video French couple! I really liked this. Merci!

[@creator2149]

I love the trim around the bottom of the bed. Makes it look like a couch feeling. I love the corner nook.

[@donnaconrad8851]

Open Kitchen With Large Windows Plus Yellow Cabinets Makes This Small Apartment Appear Big & Airy ~ Absolutely Darling! Organized Well. The Dining Table & Sleeping Area Is So Cute.

[@jesamima]

what he said at the end was beautiful!

[@handl3_me]

I love the sound of her voice, she sounds so cheerful 😊💕

[@vespermartini2556]

It's Paris, I would live in a shoe box if it was possible. It's amazing what she has done with that space, it's lovely.

[@diannaskare935]

Vesper Martini They did an awesome job with storage for sure!!

[@iJamie8467x]

Vesper Martini Sorry to Disappoint you but Paris is a shit hole It was once great. Now it's not.

[@Alexis.Sashaa]

iJamie8467x aww really ? How come a shit hole ? Maybe it depends on the person perspective? :/

[@iJamie8467x]

i guess you dont live in any European countries

[@jainthorne4136]

Paris is still wonderful. I suspect the problem is not with Paris but with you.

[@bk4of4]

3rd or 4th viewing ....one of my favorites. A simple life lived well is priceless

[@JamesShelnutt]

my favorite is the shoe holder cause you can open it all at once & see all your shoes instead of having to open each part one at a time - that's cool

[@beawild]

Lovely studio apartment. Great use of space. The large windows and interior patio make it light and airy. Charming couple.

[@alisonnorcross951]

That French place is so glamorous. Must be the fabrics she uses and so relaxing. She has a lovely boyfriend.

[@MonaLisa-yb9bq]

Fantastic! They made so much storage in a great way. I love her apartment. I value peace and quiet so it's a great place to live. And I love her mirror on the wall!

[@Truth-zn6hh]

Great storage ideas! Lovely philosophy of reusing materials - making home lovely and comfortable without being owned by your possessions.

[@odonata9838]

That's my kind of couple...They're as cute and as quirky as the apartment!

[@hilmir]

What a sweet couple, they seem so happy in their hideaway. Bless them. 🤗🤗🤗

[@clixbits]

Kirsten Dirksen, you've done it again. Some truly inspirational ideas.

[@h3llnite]

Love. The practical space saving ideas. Especially the shoe rack. Wonderful little home

[@marymurphy3669]

What beautiful people these people are. I wish you all the happiness and kindness and beautiful memories for decades to come. Your video had a very positive impact on me. Thank you.xx

[@brendadrew834]

The best minimalist tiny flat I've seen in all the videos on Parisian flats! Love the court yard....all you need is a small bistro table and cafe chairs to sit there and eat or do your art work! Love the sunny yellow kitchen and other innovative features like your awesome shoe rack! Tres jolie...merci beaucoup!! You were so lucky to find this!!

[@BrassLock]

Another uplifting video. Thanks for your research and ability to connect such lively, creative people with us in other parts of the world. She's such a happy nurse, her patients will get better in no time!!

[@061356]

Kirsten, this is easily the best youtube channel for alternative living ideas. You and your beautiful family always do a great job on all the stories.

[@toussantlbisso]

"Alot of stuff is like artficial paradise" "the truth is people ! , the value is there".

[@amybee40]

Much wisdom there.

[@luigidacosta1914]

"The reality is the people, the culture and the art" -Guy in the video.

[@99rylee]

what a cute little space. I love it. perfect for a single person

[@ExclusiveLM]

I don't know why so many of us in America hate the French. I've always liked the French, the Portuguese, the Canadians. Those countries are anti war, pro peace.

[@j.h.2495]

@ExclusiveLM From how they treat us, to how they constantly try and backstab us, their are tons of reasons why Americans dislike the French just need to do some reading in a history book or travel to France.

[@jazzlover1723]

Speak for yourself. Millions of us Americans LOVE everything about France...the beautiful country, sophisticated, elegant people, language, best food, wonderful culture...what's not to like! No need to be insecure and narrow minded.

[@nicolecrystal6765]

Now, dont forget the cat, now !

[@joan-annebross9217]

@@ExclusiveLM First, France & Portugal & Europe warred for centuries. Second, it's easy to be anti-war when the US is spending its people's hard-earned money to defend your pacifist, cowardly backsides.

[@ouvickie]

Wow, that is really cute! They've done a wonderful job with storage space and putting it all together - even using recycled materials and such. Opening up the wall between the living and kitchen area was genius. It makes the space look larger and is convenient for serving. Great job!

[@RowantarotBlogspot]

This is the best tiny flat I've seen so far. :) Very well done!!

[@ladylena1918]

How Beautiful! The light and large windows make a great difference. The shared Courtyard is also lovely. They have done a great job with this tiny apartment - style and function with reclaimed/cheap items. Fabulous to see that apartments in Paris are still used by ordinary people and not just the Mega rich few.

[@magiccitymama1620]

So practical but cute and cozy too! Love all the handiwork touches.

[@flybyfamily]

I really like the shoe cubby hack that her Dad did! Beautiful home!

[@kb9847]

Fly by Family it was surprising wasn't it? The area was so tidy and clean then she opened the shelf and it held probably 8 pairs of shoes!! If those were just on a mat it would be so cluttered. IKEA sells a cupboard like that.

[@lys2305]

I bought a very good and very high ont one (185 cm) on ebay for 10 euros ! And i have now 24 pairs of shoes in it. When you look for a new one ongoogle, you will find 50 differents shops, wich sale it in this high. (between 40 and 150 euros). Sorry for my bad english !

[@ievaaqleh3937]

Fly by Family

[@annydobon8106]

@@kb9847 yes but they are clumsy

[@elizabethnavarro4267]

My girl you have the most beautiful place in the world. There is love wish is life. Everything is beautiful.

[@MrSnickster]

So glad to see you posted something new! Since discovering your channel a month ago I have seen every video you've made! Thanks for the great entertainment, always with an important message tucked inside, like minimalism is possible.

[@momof2momof2]

This has to be the best use of space I have ever seen !!!! Amazing !! Well done !!!!!! I love it !!!!!

[@allamenglish4191]

I really love this couple, they have a great idea and they made it... Life can be lived happily with minimum things.

[@breemanley65]

So beautiful. I never watch whole videos and I was glued to this one from start to finish. Their ingenuity is incredible. It's not just functional either. Its beautiful and they took into account practical, aesthetic and social uses of the space.

[@bscott9741]

Lovely with the large windows overlooking the courtyard. The rest of the space has been nicely designed to meet her needs. Bravo!

[@fernandoabarro1862]

and she is so lucky to have that kindnof bf who knows how to recycle trash...very brilliant and artistic

[@sdragoo]

My flat in Paris had a bathroom in-unit (shower, toilet, sink), but was also a studio. I had about 10sq m. with a little bitty fridge and a hob, a small chop board and a couple pans. Not much. I didn't have a living room area so much, I had a little bed and closet. I was in the attic so my ceiling was sloped a bit and I had to take an extra flight of stairs up once the lift stopped. I loved it! I was in the 8th arr. and could walk to everything or hop on the Metro. I'd love to go back to Paris. :)

[@Fidg234]

I liked this young lady - so nice to be handy with such good ideas for the space.

[@christinedowns340]

I love the videos where the folks work within a budget. I can related and get more inspiration from the video.

[@SuperBaka247]

me: awww, he brought her a present! Boyfriend: "I found it in the trash lol" me: WHO WOULD THROW THAT AWAY?????

[@kikedragoon]

he probably found it in the trash, then restored it.

[@caroljackson4093]

One man’s trash is another man wife/girlfriend’s present 🎁 I guess 🤷🏽‍♀️. If she likes it, I love it.

[@lesleyhubble2976]

CarminePrince I thought the same thing, bless him. Romance isn’t dead 😆

[@chicnoir29]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Daubenton951]

As a native French speaker, I can attest that he is NOT saying that the little blue box came from trash. Drawers under the bed are from the trash though. These kind of items are just displayed out of people's house before bulky waste workers pick it up. Sometimes, items are still in good condition... You never know...

[@angelamermaid]

This is adorable and cunning. Also makes me feel like I’m living in a palace, with my two bedroom townhouse!

[@CrankyBubushka]

That is just adorable! I love what she did with it too.

[@PaolaEnergya]

All the storage solutions are so clever, I love the upcycling. Living small is the best! 👍

[@estellechampagne669]

J'adore la façon dont le studio est aménagé, on a envie d'y être 🌷, et beaucoup de meubles faits avec de la récup, c'est top 💖🌹 ! Genre un p'tit coin de paradis !

[@Starswake]

Love the bookshelf on the wall!

[@chasingsimpledreams]

I would live there in a heartbeat. thank you for yet another amazing, inspiring video. I first saw your video on "we, the tiny house people" a few years ago and it really changed my life, in so many ways. Thank you so much for your work.

[@TheLostLemurian]

They've done so well with this tiny space! It's so cute!!

[@Tulle306]

wow it's so impressing how she/they have made the home meet their needs and wants so well. It's so cozy, lovely and wonderfull. Lovely to see😊

[@joan-annebross9217]

It's a hole in the wall that she's trying to convince herself is all she needs.

[@gracesue4401]

Wow! i really like your small, yet cosy, comfortable, practical house 😄👍 oh yes.....you have a wonderful boyfriend, real and practical person who is able to detach from material things and understand that a house is not a home without the people they love living in it hence the size of the house does not matter as it is temporary! God bless you both 😄

[@bonilla2022]

Another wonderful video exploring space , people and how they live. BRAVO! 8-) Une autre vidéo merveilleuse explorant l'espace, les gens et comment ils vivent. BRAVO! 8-)

[@chocolatcats]

I am so jealous....this is magnificent................

[@DimiGiota530]

just gorgeous and so warm!! And ever so French!!!!

[@redpill5136]

true,she really conserve the french/paris spirit.

[@lhasaapso3360]

Thank you for sharing what I think is a very creative use of space. I am impressed. Of course one has to be neat and orderly, anything out of place would make this apartment appear cluttered.

[@planetmartay]

What an amazing space! With her creativity, skill & help from her boyfriend & dad, she has made that small space into a wonderfully cozy, functional space!

[@jflo7674]

Very creative. I love what they did with the place. The windows are amazing.

[@colleenshaw3481]

You did a great job with the space, and you are right a lot of material things do not make you happy but people do!

[@pichandretti100]

this is one of the best tiny houses you've show - and without having do turn to a professional or to use expensive solutions

[@tamiwithani]

the boyfriend is so handy! beautiful space

[@artxlife7236]

Such a resourceful, creative couple! Love how she’s adapted so much for her needs and tastes.

[@kb9847]

Also for those wondering she said the space was 18.76 square meters she also said 19 sq meters that makes it roughly 202-205 sq feet.

[@PaolaEnergya]

R unners My flat is 25 square meters and it suddenly feels palatial 😊

[@kb9847]

Paola Energya it's all perspective isn't it? 😊 do you like living in a small space? What part of the world do you live in?

[@PaolaEnergya]

R unners Indeed, it all depends on how you look at things. I am selling my flat (and will move to an equally small place) in London. If I had a penny each time I heard people commenting that my flat is too small I'd be a millionaire now! (By the way I will be posting a flat tour this Friday if you're interested)

[@kb9847]

oh I didn't know you were a KZbinr. :) I will definitely check that out. Thanks for telling me. Good luck on your move. :)

[@PaolaEnergya]

R unners Nobody knows me, I seem to have this ability of staying under the radar haha! If you'd like to subscribe I would appreciate but no worries. Thank you for your good luck wishes, I need all the luck in the world! I am looking forward to making a new tiny house my own, hopefully I can upcycle and have different storage solutions like the ones featured in this Parisian flat video

[@albertgriffin7901]

You did so well with the small space, and your man/ dad and carpenter did wonders. Well done be happy in your space.

[@lucylou5766]

Adorable! And in Montmartre, no less. Chapeau!

[@sandybiluk5479]

I really liked this video. After visiting my sister’s friends in Paris and the little two room flat they lived in with three children. I was amazed how they made it work. Their backyards are the beautiful parks. The history and beauty are enough. Paris IS busy. I found it overwhelming the first few days I was there and then I started to get into the routine. Everything is simplified and easy. I’d go back in a heartbeat!

[@denisesevera9490]

For some reason I really like small spaces & I love apartment tours & seeing how people decorate & use their small space then I think of what I would do with it

[@wildswan221]

Love it! Paris flats are so cool. It would be great to see more.

[@flange3]

Clever, cozy and convenient. Have watched this a few times to get some ideas for the apt I'm moving into. Mine is a little larger, but I can definitely use some of the space saving touches used here. I love the shiny yellow kitchen cabinets and storage bench. And to have a washing machine in the home, heaven. Bravo, Flore!

[@yamirzender222]

i like too much when you see how people make their own design, with great and cheap ideas to live so cozy and warming place,,nice home ,

[@dufung3980]

Off topic; Such a beautiful language. Waxed poetic at the end there ;D

[@Dimension2364]

Just amazing how she used her space so effectively!!!

[@debbieboring3422]

Wow what a nice place. I love the entree patio, the big windows, and full size bath tub. Smart move taking out the half wall. If she wants more folks over I wonder if they could use the patio. I can see why she likes the patio they are in the Night Club district.

[@1943purple]

You both are so cute and creative! I too now live in a compact little apt in Monterey, CA. You are so alive and happy! Me too! Thanks so much for giving me a tour of your home.....of course I love Paris! Best wishes to you.Love all the handmade pieces.! I just heard about a Texas town that remodeled a Walmart into a new school. Love and happiness to you...so cute.

[@DaleCalderCampobello]

A few years ago I rented an apartment in Paris with an interior courtyard like that on a busy street and it was amazingly quiet.

[@paulah229]

I love it! They are so creative in adding space where it would otherwise be lacking. I also love the courtyard and the two large windows. Thank you for such a great tour.

[@NewYawkahBroad]

The storage is just brilliant. Very cozy and quite beautiful.

[@ceciliagarcia4097]

That is a big flat for Paris. Mine was half the size when I lived there, 6th floor no elevator

[@layde1]

Charming and effortlessly chic, even the coffee maker.

[@mslady1521]

This is a really nice place. I like how the kitchen is separate and the toilet is so private. The windows are also great.

[@tamcon72]

I felt like I was watching a happy one-act opera spending time with this lovely young couple in the intimate, well-appointed mini flat Ms. Devaux has. All these brilliant little touches to make the space more utilitarian and still stylish inspire with their thrifty ingenuity. Thanks for posting!