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Bringing a touch of the South of France to the heart of Paris, Le Lieu Clair is a serene, light-filled retreat designed by Edouard Doria-Mafféïs of Space Factory that offers a peaceful oasis at the foot of Montmartre.
“To address the brief of light and calmness, we created the concept of Le Lieu Clair, which translates to ‘In the Light Space’.”
“The main features in this space are the high ceilings and skylights that provide natural light from above, giving this space a totally unique atmosphere.”
“Upgrading tiny spaces is like giving forgotten corners of the city a second life – with a splash of joy and imagination. It’s a smart, sustainable way to create cozy, clever homes that make urban living our own.”
Tucked beneath the rooftops of Paris’ 18th arrondissement rests a serene escape, flooded with light, warmth, and the laid-back charm of the South of France. The once-cramped, 40-square-metre home (430 square feet) was reimagined by Edouard Doria-Mafféïs, co-founder of creative studio Space Factory, who drew inspiration from the owners’ childhood memories in the south and their desire for calm in the bustling city. “To address the brief of light and calmness, we created the concept of Le Lieu Clair, which translates to ‘In the Light Space,’” Doria-Mafféïs explains.
The building, which dates back to the 1900s, is located in the spirited neighbourhood of la Goutte d’Or and originally housed local workers. When Doria-Mafféïs first saw the apartment, it hadn’t been touched since the 1980s. “We knew it had potential as it is on the top floor and had a good layout,” he told Never Too Small. But even so, every surface needed attention.
Inspired by Japanese design principles, the renovation embraced curved forms, low-profile furniture, and a soft, neutral palette that keeps the space feeling open and airy. The footprint remained mostly intact, but the ceiling was removed to reveal 3.5 metres of vertical height, allowing them to add skylights throughout to maximise light and space. And it is the two qualities – the height and the light – which, according to Doria-Mafféïs, ultimately define the home: “The main features in this space are the high ceilings and skylights that provide natural light from above, giving this space a totally unique atmosphere.”
A terracotta archway marks the transition from the modest entryway into the main living space. The entrance itself is deceptively functional; storage is hidden on both sides of the arch, while a wall-mounted shoe bench runs along the hallway in the same signature terracotta shade. “This is the only space in the entire house that didn’t have natural light,” says Doria-Mafféïs, who installed recessed lighting and a sculptural plato sconce that doubles as an art piece.
Inside the main living space, a custom, floor-to-ceiling bookshelf made of white-coated steel and plywood spans one wall, offering a home to books, personal objects, and sewing supplies. Upgraded double-glazed windows shut out the sounds of the city, while thoughtful details like a projector screen hidden in the ceiling and a magnetic radiator cover keep everyday essentials neatly tucked away.
Just a step up from the living room, the sunny yellow kitchen feels like a friendly neighbourhood café. Doria-Mafféïs set this playful tone by pairing IKEA cabinet frames with custom Plum Living fronts and by accenting with red pendant lights – souvenirs from Hong Kong – for contrast and character. Amidst the playfulness, function still remained of utmost importance: “The owners are both big on cooking, so it was important that the kitchen could comfortably have two people cook together at the same time,” Doria-Mafféïs says. A complete line of full-sized appliances (a must for the client) is integrated neatly into the cabinetry, while a curved centrepiece island provides ample space for both prep and storage. Finally, to complete the cafe-inspired concept, the designer incorporated a cozy coffee corner tucked beside the original fireplace.
The bedroom, separated from the main space, was designed to be as compact as possible without compromising on comfort. “Walking up the steps to the bed offers a sense of ritual and separation from everyday life,” Doria-Mafféïs shares. Making the most of the vertical space, the designer integrated built-in plywood joinery for storage, side tables, and a raised platform bed with hidden storage underneath. Inspired by Japanese futons, the bed nestles beneath a skylight and dominates the room - by design. “It feels like one big piece that hugs you, rather than an assorted collection of furniture pieces,” he explains.
The Japanese influence carries on into the bathroom where the smooth waxed concrete floors, warm earthy tones, and a raised shower nod to the experience of a mini onsen in the city. Even the separate toilet – tucked behind a sliding door – is a nod to minimalism, equipped with a compact model with a heated seat and bidet.
For Doria-Mafféïs and the Space Factory team, designing for small spaces is not a restraint but a way to express creativity. “It’s very joyful to design a small space where everything can fit perfectly, where everything can find its own spot,” he says. But it’s more than just clever storage and smart layouts, it’s about revitalising forgotten spaces. “Upgrading tiny spaces is like giving forgotten corners of the city a second life – with a splash of joy and imagination.”
