In the heart of Paris, a former ceramics studio has been reimagined as a contemporary living space, blending the city’s artistic heritage with modern design sensibilities. Istanbul-based interior architect Ömer Öztürk took on the challenge of transforming the 462-square-foot studio, which initially lacked an open layout and retained a raw, utilitarian character. Rather than erasing the space’s artisanal past, Öztürk sought to reinterpret it within a contemporary living environment.
The project’s success lies in its ability to push the boundaries of small-scale living creating a fluid and bright space that defies conventional design norms. Through a combination of bold colors, sculptural forms, and postmodern aesthetics, Öztürk has crafted a living space that is both expressive and immersive.
Embracing the Artisanal Past
The living room serves as the centerpiece of the studio, featuring a striking red velvet sofa, cowhide-printed Cassina chairs, and a blue USM module. These elements create a strong visual impact, complemented by a lacquered coffee table and an oval-shaped blown-glass art object by Marquisate London. The ceiling is adorned with Flos light fixtures, setting the mood for the entire space.
Öztürk’s design philosophy is rooted in pairing colors that seem dissonant at first glance. This approach is evident in the living room, where the red velvet sofa contrasts with the bright blue USM module, set against walnut hardwood floors. The kitchen features stainless-steel fixtures with blue and orange accents, adding a dynamic touch to the space.
Creating Fluidity and Continuity
One of the key challenges in the renovation was opening up the space and recreating its volumes using fluid visual transitions. Öztürk achieved this by replacing rigid partitions with a curtain system to separate the bedroom, allowing for better airflow and light. The bedroom itself is rendered at an awkward angle, requiring a custom wooden bed designed by Öztürk’s studio to fit the space’s odd proportions.
The custom-designed bed, made with Alpi wood veneer and metal legs, is a sculptural endeavor highlighted by the room’s deep burgundy wall and touches of green leather. A green leather Cassina stool pulls up to a desk that matches the bed, creating a cohesive look. The bedroom is both integrated into the living area and separated by the curtain system, allowing for more fluid movement.
Visual continuity is maintained across spaces in unexpected ways. The bathroom is wrapped in glossy yellow tiles, which can be seen through a circular window in the bedroom. This detail mirrors a yellow detail stamped onto the bed’s headboard, creating a harmonious connection between the spaces. As Öztürk notes, shapes, colors, and spatial gestures should resonate from one space to the next.
Innovative Design Choices
The kitchen’s compact dining area features a striking color combination of blue and orange, along with a sculptural vase by DasPieces. The flooring is done with Otto Tiles, adding to the The skylights connect the two rooms, creating a play of visual geometry that enhances the space’s fluidity.
Throughout the design process, Öztürk relied heavily on his instincts, prioritizing sculptural forms and postmodern aesthetics over classical lines. This approach gives the space a contemporary identity that challenges traditional conventions of small-space living. Both expressive and immersive, the apartment demonstrates that a small space can still pack a strong punch.
As Öztürk concludes, we don’t need much more convincing! The transformed Paris studio stands as a testament to innovative design and the power of reimagining spaces with a bold, contemporary vision.
