Renovation of a one-bedroom apartment in Lille
- Location: Lille (59)
- Area: 39m²
- Objective: To transform a dilapidated apartment into a functional and bright living space
This 39m² apartment, located in a historic building just steps away from Lille-Flandres station, had been vacant for a long period and had suffered water damage. The owners contacted us for a complete interior renovation, with the goal of creating a functional, clever, and bright living space suited to student life.
Optimizing living space and natural light
Originally, the apartment was poorly insulated and divided into two large rooms separated by a small kitchen and a cramped bathroom. The interior architect completely redesigned the layout to create five distinct rooms: a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and separate toilets. This new configuration allows for a clear distribution of functions while offering modularity, space, and privacy to its occupant.
The volumes were redesigned with a dual objective: optimizing the living area and maximizing natural light from the entrance onward. The interior layout is based on a fluid organization that enhances circulation and perspectives despite the limited floor area.
Clever built-in features
Particular attention was paid to joinery details and the concealment of technical elements. The toilet door, opening onto the living room, was integrated using a system of invisible hinges and a full-height mirror. The bed alcove can be closed with a custom-made curtain. These discreet and elegant solutions preserve the apartment’s visual harmony while ensuring comfort and privacy.
A complete energy renovation and technical upgrade was also carried out. The apartment now benefits from high-performance insulation, controlled ventilation, and a complete reorganization of the networks. To optimize space, all technical equipment was concentrated within the toilet area, freeing up surface area in the other rooms.
The interior atmosphere is based on a restrained and contrasting palette: wood, white, and black are balanced to highlight light and structure the spaces. The selected materials are durable, legible, and intentionally graphic, in keeping with student living requirements: sustainable, understated, and functional.
Photographer : Timothé GENGEMBRE





