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A Paris Stable Is Transformed Into a 172-Square-Foot Tiny Home

ByMyProperty Life

Nestled just a stone’s throw away from the historic Les Invalides in Paris, France, the remarkable Garibaldi renovation project by Studio IDA has turned an old triangular stable into a modern haven. The transformation of this unique and tiny space, once an area designed to house horses, offers a glimpse into how thoughtful design can blend historic charm with contemporary living. This quaint space, now a short-term rental, turns the old into something new, combining minimalism with subtle yet sophisticated design.

Modern kitchen with a curved, tiled island, wooden countertop, and two patterned stools. Ceiling has wooden beams; spherical light fixtures hang above. Walls have artistic decor pieces.

Photo: Denys Vinson

The building has a storied past. Originally a stable, it had long been converted into residential housing, but time had left its mark. The interior, which originally covered just 172 square feet, was in need of a complete overhaul. The absence of a mezzanine left the space feeling cramped, and humidity issues had compromised the structure. During demolition, the team discovered remnants of the building’s equine origins, including old horse irons buried in the ground. The structure’s rich history provided both a challenge and an opportunity to create a design that would honor the past while embracing the future.

Cozy seating nook with cushioned benches, a small round wooden table, a vase with flowers, and hanging paper lanterns. Neutral colors and soft lighting create a serene atmosphere.

Photo: Denys Vinson

The design team’s primary objective was to make the space functional and comfortable for modern living while maintaining its original charm. The attic, once used for storing hay, was converted into a mezzanine – taking full advantage of the high ceilings that reached nearly 20 feet at the rear of the structure. This clever use of space provides a dedicated “night” area, making the compact home feel much larger than it is.

Minimalist kitchen with white curved island, wooden ceiling, and large white pendant lights. A staircase leads upstairs, and a small plant sits on a countertop.

Photo: Denys Vinson

A modern, minimalist kitchen with a high ceiling, white walls, wooden accents, and geometric windows. Features a curved counter, built-in seating, and a light tile floor.

Photo: Denys Vinson

Read another article:Revamped Small Barcelona Apartment Combines Multiple Styles and Finishes

The design choices focus on fluidity and warmth. The use of curves is a key feature, softening the edges of the space and creating a welcoming, organic flow between rooms. Each element was carefully considered to reflect a minimalist aesthetic while incorporating both classic and contemporary design influences.

Modern kitchen with white walls, wood accents, and high slanted ceiling. Features include a countertop with vase, built-in oven, and large window. Decorative items hang on the wall.

Photo: Denys Vinson

Modern kitchen interior with curved white tiled island, wood accents, and contemporary decor. Features a staircase, arched doorway, and geometric ceiling design.

Photo: Denys Vinson

The ground floor is the heart of the apartment, a multifunctional space that serves various needs throughout the day. At its center is a striking curved kitchen island, which serves as a visual anchor in the room. Its design is not just for aesthetics; it is highly practical, housing a sink, washing machine, and dishwasher. The island is surrounded by a custom-designed bench that follows the curves of the walls, offering ample seating for dining, lounging, or even working.

Modern kitchen with white tile and wood accents, featuring a curved island with a sink, plants on the counter, and an oven under the stairs. Stairs lead up, and a large window lets in natural light.

Photo: Denys Vinson

Modern kitchen with wood cabinetry under a staircase, featuring a built-in oven, minimalist decor on a shelf, and tiled flooring.

Photo: Denys Vinson

The kitchen itself is compact yet fully equipped, located beneath the staircase leading to the mezzanine. A large storage cabinet, designed to blend seamlessly into the room, hides away electrical panels and provides additional space for kitchen essentials. This clever use of space ensures that everything is within arm’s reach without overwhelming the minimalist design.

Close-up of a wooden cabinet with three round black handles, topped with a light stone surface and adjacent to a staircase with carpeted steps.

Photo: Denys Vinson

Arched doorway leading to a minimalist kitchen with wood cabinetry, a central island with stools, a vase with greenery, and a window view in the background.

Photo: Denys Vinson

The bathroom is built with perfect symmetry and a keen sense of artful minimalism. A sliding door, hidden within an archway, opens to reveal a beautiful vanity with a high basin that sits as a statement piece in the room. Surrounding the vanity are two equally symmetrical arches: one leads to the shower, while the other frames the toilet. A large mirror stretches across the wall, creating the illusion of space while hiding functional storage behind it. The water heater is discreetly tucked away above the toilet, ensuring that the bathroom remains uncluttered and serene.

Minimalist bathroom with a modern toilet, wall-mounted flush, a small cabinet above, and a bidet spray beside it. The neutral-toned walls and floors create a warm atmosphere.

Photo: Denys Vinson

Minimalist shower with a large overhead rain showerhead, a handheld shower wand, and white tiled wall. Built-in illuminated shelf holds toiletries.

Photo: Denys Vinson

A narrow, carpeted staircase leads to a landing with a wall mirror and a wooden ceiling in a modern, minimalistic interior.

Photo: Denys Vinson

Upstairs, the mezzanine serves as the home’s intimate sleep area, where the design focuses on comfort and functionality. The bed, elevated to accommodate the roof’s structural elements, sits in the center of the room. Below, ample storage space has been ingeniously incorporated, making the most of every inch of available space. The shallow dressing area is enhanced with mirrored moldings, creating the illusion of depth and space, while a small niche with a green marble shelf adds a touch of luxury.

Cozy attic bedroom with wooden beams and a skylight. Features a built-in bed with white bedding and steps leading up, surrounded by light wood paneling and a small plant decoration.

Photo: Denys Vinson

The floor is covered in a woven carpet that runs up the stairs, leading to a cozy sleeping area. To further enhance the sense of light and openness, small windows were introduced along the mezzanine walls. These not only invite natural light into the space but also frame views of the ground floor below.

Attic bedroom with exposed wooden beams, a skylight, white bedding on the bed, and a mirrored wardrobe on the right.

Photo: Denys Vinson

Green door with ornate glass panel flanked by two potted plants on a light-colored building façade, under a black outdoor lamp.

Photo: Denys Vinson

Small courtyard with cobblestone flooring, potted plants, and a white building facade. Green door with wrought iron design and two windows. Wall lantern above door.

Photo: Denys Vinson

For more information on STUDIO IDA, visit studioidaarchitecture.com.

Photography by Denys Vinson.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.

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