A Parisian Studio Apartment Reinvented as a Minimalist Cocoon

"In the city of Paris, France, where living space is very much at a premium, BETH X EPISTEME STUDIO has transformed a micro-compact 248-square-foot (23-square-meter) studio apartment into a refined cocoon of minimalist design. This project demonstrates how small-space living can achieve both functionality and aesthetics without compromise. The studio's centerpiece is a custom-built raised platform, crafted in okoume wood, that acts as a multifunctional core where daily life unfolds."

"The built-in table recalls the spirit of a Japanese zataku, designed for floor seating, yet with a clever twist: the raised platform leaves space beneath so your feet can comfortably dangle instead of tucking under your body. This subtle detail combines traditional inspiration with modern ergonomics, making long meals or work sessions feel more comfortable and relaxed. Every piece within the apartment is custom-designed for efficiency and cohesion."

"Materiality anchors the project's atmosphere. Light-toned wood, polished concrete, matte plywood, and aged brass form a soft, natural palette. The textures work together to create a calming environment that is serene yet tactile. Linear lighting and clean architectural lines reinforce the clarity of the space without making it feel rigid. A wall-mounted Murphy bed further liberates space with a single motion. The result is an interior that feels intentional and balanced, with each element performing multiple roles without visual noise."

A micro-compact 248-square-foot (23-square-meter) studio in Paris uses a custom-built raised okoume wood platform as a multifunctional core for sleeping, dining, working, and concealed storage. The platform adapts into a sleeping nook, a dining table or desk, and provides storage while leaving the floor open. A built-in table references a Japanese zataku but allows feet to dangle beneath for improved ergonomics. Furniture is custom-designed for efficiency: a bookshelf becomes a headboard, a retractable desk hides in a storage module, and a wall-mounted Murphy bed frees floor area. Light-toned wood, polished concrete, matte plywood, aged brass, linear lighting, and clean lines create a calm, tactile, and balanced interior.

Read at design-milk.com