Can a 61-square-meter Parisian apartment become the ultimate entertaining space? For architect and interior designer Juliette Rubel, the answer is a resounding yes. Nestled in a classic cut-stone Haussmannian building on Boulevard Richard Lenoir, her compact flat defies expectations with its bold stylistic choices, smart layout, and striking mix of vintage and contemporary design. “I absolutely wanted to create a stylistic exercise in Haussmannian style,” she says—and what a chic exercise it is.
Images: Yvan Moreau for AD France
From Tight Quarters to Flowing Space
The original layout—a classic three-room format—was reimagined to maximize openness and light. Juliette restructured the apartment into a two-room layout, prioritizing flow and sociability. The heart of this transformation? An open kitchen-living space anchored by a spectacular island bar—perfect for casual entertaining.
- Bar-Style Island: Made from oyster-toned Brazilian quartzite, it’s not only acid-resistant and kitchen-friendly, but also a bold visual centerpiece.
- Mirrored Arches: A former kitchen archway inspired the design of mirrored, arched doorways, creating continuity and subtle drama.
- Open Shelving: A first-tier shelf in dark oak and mirror finishes creates both rhythm and visual flow, expanding the sense of space.
Curves, Color, and Contrast: A 70s-Inspired Revival
The apartment dances between eras, honoring its Haussmannian bones while embracing bold curves and color from 70s design.
- Color Story: A monochromatic beige backdrop (walls and ceilings alike) provides a serene foundation, but it’s the lilac and purple accents that steal the show. “This lilac for the sofa and the rug is my very personal obsession with purple,” Juliette admits.
- Vintage Meets Modern:
- Willy Rizzo coffee table
- Eero Saarinen and Kembo armchairs
- Lamps by Verner Panton and Luigi Massoni
- Sculptural lighting by Guy Bareff—adding a poetic rhythm of curves and shadows
These elements work together to create a tactile, immersive space where line and volume play off one another in dynamic contrast.
Architectural Details with a Twist
Despite the small footprint, nothing feels cramped or overlooked. The apartment’s architectural heritage—fireplace, moldings, cornices—is preserved, yet reinterpreted through a fresh lens.
- Mirrored Arched Niche: Echoes the living room’s curved windows while visually expanding the entrance.
- Ceiling-Height Curtains in Beige: Reinforce verticality and create cohesion with the walls.
- Copper-Plated Brass Fittings (by THG): Add a dash of quiet luxury and warmth.
Lighting: A Sculptural Statement
Natural light floods the living space thanks to tall windows and thoughtful orientation, but lighting plays a creative role as well.
- Guy Bareff’s Light Sculpture: Installed between the living room windows, this wall piece isn’t just illumination—it’s an artful punctuation mark in the design narrative.
Key Takeaways: Designing Small, Living Large
Juliette Rubel’s apartment offers a masterclass in designing for both beauty and function in small spaces. Her approach proves that with the right vision, even a modest Haussmannian flat can feel expansive, curated, and endlessly chic.
Design Lessons to Steal:
- Don’t shy away from bold materials in small spaces—quartzite, mirror, and dark wood can amplify impact.
- Use arches and curves to soften rigid layouts and add architectural elegance.
- Choose a tightly curated color palette to create continuity and elevate the mood.
- Vintage design pieces add timeless charm and character.
- Lighting can—and should—be art.
Conclusion:
Juliette Rubel’s 61 m² apartment may be small in size, but it’s large in ambition, style, and soul. It’s a testament to what’s possible when you let creativity lead the way—and proof that great entertaining doesn’t require a sprawling floor plan, just a thoughtfully designed one.
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