The Art of Living {in 10m2}
I’ve found myself talking about the differences between France and America a lot lately. I know I’ve mentioned my apartment on several occasions. And for some reason, when I tell people that my apartment is 10m2 (aka, 110sf, or about the size of a shoebox), people think I’m joking/sarcastic. While I do love sarcasm, I thought perhaps a diagram may help remedy the situation.
[Technically my apartment is a “chambre de bonne” or former maid’s quarters on the top floor of a nice apartment building off the Champs de Mars. not pictured: the 6 flights of stairs up to the apartment, the toilette down the hall (hey, it gives me more space!!), and the giant suitcase hidden under a pretty table cloth next to my shower/sink (the reality is that no French apartment has space to hide big luggage)].
When I say there’s enough room for a yoga mat on my floor between my bed and my desk, I mean it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining (I’m just not going to do the math to convert how much I’m paying for 10m2 in dollars!). Really, it’s become a wonderful exercise in minimalism and empowering me in downsizing my life. Before I buy anything, I ask myself 2 questions: 1) is there actually room for it in my apartment? and 2) do I want to carry it up 6 flights of stairs? You save a lot of money and energy with this! My minimalist wardrobe – of only black, brown, blue, gray, and my accent color of yellow (which I just noticed matches my door and stairway!) – has proven to be more than I need, and I still haven’t gotten bored by my clothes or reinventing outfits. In the US, my wardrobe was at least 3 times the size as it is here, but less is more is a good tip I’ve learned from the French. While I’m not a messy person, I’m more of “pile” than “organized” person. Let me tell you, 10m2 helps teach you some lessons in that too. Or if I ever lose track of time, all I need to do is look out my window to see the top of the Eiffel Tower twinkling, and know another hour has passed.
But don’t worry, I’m still lazy sometimes – despite my desk being an arms reach away, I still will check my email from my iPhone in my bed. It’s funny, my standard for “big” has completely changed. I’ll walk into a Paris apartment, and say “wow, this is great, and big” and it’s the size of my parent’s dining and living room combined. But I think it’s safe to say that anyone who lives in Paris sees this as charming rather than tiny. It adds a little spice to life and forces you to be a little extra creative at the end of the day. Welcome to la vie Parisienne!
Although, I must admit I even find myself relating to the advertisements in the metro for Fondation Abbe Pierre that often shows incredibly small spaces that people/families call home. I have a new appreciation for living, to say the least.
P.S. Sorry no pictures inside! The “big” apartment reveal will happen next winter when my apartment will be “featured” [in the editor’s section] of Grace’s new Design*Sponge book! I will definitely win the prize for smallest apartment!
Gabby / Gypsy*Diaries
April 28, 2010 at 6:54 am //
Well that`s Paris… my best friend lives there with her boyfriend on 15m2. To be honest I like small spaces, they make me feel secure and cozy :). Not to mention… you don`t need to clean too much… :)
XXX
http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/
Barbara
April 28, 2010 at 10:07 am //
Yes that is small….but hey you are living in Paris. How cool is taht. I’d love it. My first thought was where do you keep your clothes. I like minimalist living.
BudgieandTheBee
April 28, 2010 at 12:54 pm //
Ha! I was just telling my boss about this the other day – – now I can show her the diagram. Can’t wait to read the post while drinking my coffee this AM. Jill
Just a Generous Thief
April 28, 2010 at 1:59 pm //
Inspiring! My bedroom is probably a bit smaller but then there’s the walk-in closet that leads to the bathroom, and IM complaining that I need to downsize! Maybe a trip to Paris would do me some good…haha
Bordeaux
May 1, 2010 at 4:01 pm //
I sometimes wished I could stay in a small space as an exercise in uncluttering (I don’t think that is a word). Well done to you!
Aron
May 2, 2010 at 4:26 pm //
I had no idea! What a set up!
W-M-K
May 2, 2010 at 11:27 pm //
I live in a small space in the States, and I absolutely prefer it. Especially when you live alone. Too much space can be overwhelming!
Xander
May 6, 2010 at 6:32 pm //
I’m getting a little nervous about adapting to a foreign apartment again in a few months…. while size might not be the issue in Taiwan, layout and style are. Tiny kitchen, terrible design choices… maybe we should start a ‘bad apartment’ design project? X
dining room tables
July 21, 2010 at 8:50 am //
I am planning to move in the city. I am looking for place just like that. I want a small place where I can put all what I need. Your post is going to be my inspiration.
yili
January 6, 2012 at 10:02 pm //
Hi Anne! I bought Design*Sponge’s awesome book, but never found pictures of your appartment in it! So disappointed!
Prêt à Voyager
January 7, 2012 at 11:17 am //
Hi Yili! So sweet of you to think of me. I was bummed too. Apparently there was so much good content that all the editor homes got moved to a “digital extra” available through B&N. One day, when I have a bigger apt, I promise to share pictures :)
Anne
M
September 5, 2019 at 8:58 pm //
Living in a small space is ok. But 10 m^2? Are you kidding me? That’s smaller than a hostel room.
Anne
September 9, 2019 at 8:13 am //
Not kidding! There was a shared toilet in the hall. Paris has mastered small living ;)