In Paris's 10th arrondissement, Ono Studio has transformed a compact 300-square-foot studio into an efficient, light-filled space. Architects Emma Collet and Thomas Diettert divided the apartment into four functional zones using low-slung furniture and mirrors to maximize natural light. The design draws on the building's 1970s character while creating distinct areas for living, working, and sleeping.
The studio apartment, located in the trendy Oberkampf neighborhood, appealed to its new owner due to the 1970s building's striking lobby featuring wood and green marble, oval windows, and a sculptural staircase. Unobstructed views from the higher floors ultimately sealed the purchase, prompting Ono Studio to prioritize openness and light in the renovation.
Emma Collet and Thomas Diettert, the architect duo behind Ono, aimed to integrate daily functions into a fully open layout. Upon entering, visitors pass a small bathroom vestibule on the right and storage on the left. The main space divides into four squares: a kitchen that now serves as a pass-through area, a dining room doubling as an office, a living area, and a sleeping zone. 'The idea was to distribute the apartment’s different functions in the space just beyond the entry,' Collet explains.
A low wall separates the sleeping area, where a step up to the bed doubles as a bench in the living room. This interconnected design reflects their architectural approach: 'We wanted all the different spaces to be connected, with all of them open to each other but still having their separate functions,' says Diettert. Low ceilings, just over eight feet, influenced the choice of low-slung furniture to avoid overwhelming the space and to enhance light flow.
Storage solutions include a full-height closet hidden behind a curtain near the entry. The dining office, positioned by a window, features a custom cabinet for concealing a computer. A mirror opposite the window bounces light throughout. Materials are kept minimal: polished concrete floors that extend to kitchen walls, oak paneling for divisions, and ceramic accents in lights and shelves. Exposed electrical wires add a raw edge.
The bathroom echoes the concrete floor but contrasts with tiles in a '70s green hue, tying into the lobby's colors. 'We like to play with contrasts, and here, you arrive in a dark room. When you open the curtain, the space is bathed in light,' Collet notes. This approach turns the tiny studio into a clever urban dwelling.
