This small kitchen design project took place in one of Paris’ oldest districts, two minutes from the Saint-Eustache church and the Bourse de Commerce. Situated in a building that dates back to the Middle Ages, the compact kitchen is only 10m2. Working in collaboration with the interior design studio Mis en Chantier, the eba Haussmann team set out to create a contemporary kitchen that enhanced the building’s original charm and existing historical features.
A small, open-plan kitchen living room
The owners wanted an open-plan kitchen that flowed seamlessly into the lounge and dining areas. An open rather than a closed design leant itself to their love of hosting, enabling them to stay connected to guests sitting in other parts of the apartment.
Working in collaboration with the architect Véronique Bertholon from Mis en Chantier, the eba Haussmann team designed an elegant, functional kitchen which made the most of the 10m2 available. The small kitchen design feels bright and airy thanks to the use of high-quality, refined materials and clever storage solutions.
A small kitchen design highlighting heritage features
One of the guiding elements of this project was the desire to accentuate the apartment’s original wooden beams, which had been carefully restored. The old structures - real witnesses of the building’s past - were integrated into the compact kitchen design, creating a warm contrast with the contemporary lines of the kitchen. The dialogue between natural materials and clean, modern lines creates a unique atmosphere where history and design come together.
A sophisticated, understated aesthetic
The kitchen was built using the FINE model from Santos, in the finish Silk Mink Grey. The timeless, muted tone gives the kitchen a discrete elegance that ensures it enhances rather than distracts from the existing elements of the space.
The Horizontal Earth Walnut used for the shelves and interior of the glass door unit adds depth to the space and ensures storage solutions are aesthetic as well as functional. LED lights built into the shelving and glass door unit highlights the quality of the materials used and showcases glassware and decorative objects.
Base unit fronts have integrated pull handles on the first level of drawers and push systems on the second, continuing the unit’s clean lines. The fridge column, for its part, has a linear handle for optimal user comfort and visual coherence.
The Neolith Himalaya Crystal countertops, 2cm-thick and in a Silk finish, complete the look. The stone’s bright mineral surface reflects the light and adds a touch of luxe whilst being particularly resistant and easy to look after.
A compact kitchen that prioritises functionality
Every centimetre counts in small kitchen designs, particularly in a 10m2 space such as this. We therefore designed a kitchen that maximised use of space and prioritised an easy flow of movement. Units were chosen for their functionality as well as their aesthetics: their clean lines ensure they do not visually overwhelm the space whilst still providing ample storage.
The breakfast bar, an extension of the worktop, is a multifunctional space ideal for a morning coffee, reading a book, or having a drink with guests. The designer stools complete the décor and highlight how the compact kitchen was designed with socialising in mind.
An open-plan kitchen designed for socialising
This kitchen, a result of the collaboration between Mis en Chantier and eba, is one that reflects both the lifestyle of the owners and the history of the building. Understated, bright, and high-end, this kitchen joins the trend for designer open-plan kitchens that refuse to compromise on aesthetics or functionality.
In the heart of Paris, in a building charged with history, this small kitchen design is a true representation of eba's philosophy: to create bespoke, timeless spaces that suit the needs of their users whilst revealing the unique character of each home.
If you would like help designing your future kitchen project, please get in touch.
