Caroline Duncan’s 420-square-foot apartment in Paris demonstrates how small spaces can function without losing character. Located in the Jourdain neighborhood, the century-old unit combines thoughtful design with everyday practicality—durable fabrics, reused materials, and storage that fits real-life needs.
A home built on practical inspiration
Duncan, an architect, found ideas in unusual sources. She mentioned Never Too Small videos as a major influence, along with the efficiency of boat interiors. “I admire how people use every inch on deck, and how cabins are designed to maximize space,” she explained. That approach guided her choices: a compact bedroom and bathroom, with most of the area dedicated to an open living and kitchen space where she and her partner spend most of their time.
The apartment’s structure already existed—a workers’ unit from the early 1900s, partially renovated by a previous owner. Duncan adjusted the layout to improve movement, raising the bedroom on a platform to conceal plumbing and incorporating the toilet into the main bathroom. Built-in storage sits beneath a banquette and inside a laundry cupboard, while modular furniture allows flexibility. Even the cat’s habits shaped the design, with scratch-resistant fabrics and clear pathways that don’t interrupt the flow.
Light and arrangement create a natural rhythm. The kitchen uses IKEA Method cabinets, but Duncan painted the doors and added porcelain handles passed down from her parents. A storage wall in the living area combines IKEA Pax units with custom woodwork, blending different sizes into a unified look. The outcome feels both finished and comfortable, with storage that remains discreet yet functional.
Related: Koen Fraijman and Fadime Gokkaya Choose Minimalism
Handmade details and repurposed charm
The apartment’s personality comes from its textures and personal touches. Duncan stitched noren curtains to frame storage in the entryway and bedroom, while her mother made striped yellow cushions for the banquette—“small moments of brightness during winter,” she noted. The sofa converts and is covered in green felt, one of the few fabrics her cat avoids. Dining chairs received a dark blue velvet update for the same reason.
In the bedroom, she shortened the bed frame by 15 centimeters to improve movement, turning the leftover wood into floating shelves. Layered fabrics—felt, velvet, and jute—soften the strong lines of the custom storage. The room balances function and warmth, with nothing feeling out of place despite the limited space.
Her strategy aligns with a larger view of city living. “Paris faces a housing shortage, so revitalizing small, older apartments that often go unused makes sense,” she said. “Adapting these spaces to modern needs keeps them relevant and available.”
The apartment shows how careful planning can make even the smallest homes feel open. The goal isn’t minimalism alone, but creating room for what truly belongs. For another example of efficient design, see how London homes defy their size with similar creativity.
