apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time


International #8: Nicolas' Mini Loft

Name: Nicolas D.
Location: Lille, France
Size: 630
Rent/Own: Own

What is the advantage of SMALL? I keep things that are useful or important to me, and get rid of the rest : no extra room to accumulate! You feel lighter when you don't own too much stuff!...

4-2-slideshowbutton.jpg

4-22-nic2.jpg

What's your favorite resource for your home?

Modernist & contemporary design.

What is your one favorite element in your small, cool home?

I like the small loft feeling, just one big room...

4-2-slideshowbutton.jpg

Comments (101)

This is stunning. Smart and uncomplicated. It's definitely sparse, but doesn't feel cold or sterile, which is very often hard to achieve. Bravo!

posted by aneta on 2008-04-22 12:55:14
view aneta's profile

aneta said it all! I love this.

posted by Gallivant on 2008-04-22 12:56:35
view Gallivant's profile

BEAUTIFUL space! I only wish there were a photo of the bathroom rather than the detail shot of the credenza...

I'd love to know what that is hanging (?) above the stairs. Is it a mobile?

posted by Anna at D16 on 2008-04-22 12:57:42
view Anna at D16's profile

Also, I've never seen a Knoll credenza with that grain pattern before. Gorgeous.

posted by Anna at D16 on 2008-04-22 12:58:30
view Anna at D16's profile

Does Nicolas want to house-swap?

posted by bepsf on 2008-04-22 12:58:48
view bepsf's profile

I want.

Though it wouldn't stay that perfectly clean and uncluttered if I actually lived there.

posted by KidTwist on 2008-04-22 13:00:12
view KidTwist's profile

I definitely voted Super Cool, but in the next round of photos I would be interested to see who can fit in the kitchen, it seems awfully short to me.

posted by tallguylehigh on 2008-04-22 13:00:23
view tallguylehigh's profile

oh i am all about this! so pretty. well edited. fine as wine. mmmhmmm.

posted by kdkaboom on 2008-04-22 13:00:38
view kdkaboom's profile

love love love.

posted by twenty twenty-one on 2008-04-22 13:02:56
view twenty twenty-one's profile

This is perfect.

posted by Frau on 2008-04-22 13:03:17
view Frau's profile

It's a beautiful use of whites and woods, very calming. However, not having a railing either in the loft or down the stairs would freak me right out, and would definitely flunk a building code or insurance/liability test. Surely with all that design talent, a railing could be cleverly incorporated.

posted by Snoozy on 2008-04-22 13:03:24
view Snoozy's profile

i've always wanted a natural wood floor like this. And the credenza is uber-stylish.

posted by Good is Green on 2008-04-22 13:03:30
view Good is Green's profile

beautiful!! i love that credenza and the layout of the space is just perfect-- so bright and airy!

posted by my little apartment on 2008-04-22 13:04:10
view my little apartment's profile

Stunning. This is what I've been looking for - small and very Cool.

posted by dakman on 2008-04-22 13:04:14
view dakman's profile

mini loft?

posted by Laura on 2008-04-22 13:07:08
view Laura's profile

is that really only 630 square feet? it looks much more spacious than that to me.

i was also confused by the kitchen. is there no ventilation above the burners? wouldn't you stain the ceiling?

posted by le_sacre on 2008-04-22 13:10:19
view le_sacre's profile

This makes me want to immediately rip the carpet out of my bedroom and put down some wood.

posted by Pixie on 2008-04-22 13:10:32
view Pixie's profile

Very cool. It's all in the architecture.

posted by art on 2008-04-22 13:10:59
view art's profile

This isn't my personal style, but I really admire what he's done here.

posted by Pteetsa on 2008-04-22 13:13:10
view Pteetsa's profile

wow!!

posted by scarlethue on 2008-04-22 13:16:20
view scarlethue's profile

"However, not having a railing either in the loft or down the stairs would freak me right out, and would definitely flunk a building code or insurance/liability test. Surely with all that design talent, a railing could be cleverly incorporated."

This home is in France - where if you fall off of something, it's your own da**ed fault...

posted by bepsf on 2008-04-22 13:19:52
view bepsf's profile

it looks like wire hangers over the stairs.

posted by AndreaU on 2008-04-22 13:24:27
view AndreaU's profile

Fabulous lighting. Beautifully photographed.

posted by Jean on 2008-04-22 13:24:42
view Jean's profile

What is in the basement? How much space does that add on to your available storage?

posted by K T G on 2008-04-22 13:26:13
view K T G's profile

tres chic! I especially like the drafting task lamps being used in the kitchen!

posted by Mid-C Frank on 2008-04-22 13:27:44
view Mid-C Frank's profile

I want to see every last bit of this place.

There have been some really stunning entries in the contest, this being one of them.

posted by Pixie on 2008-04-22 13:28:30
view Pixie's profile

I dream of mini lofts that look just like this. Love the crisp lines and perfectly balanced, minimal style.

posted by right angle on 2008-04-22 13:28:34
view right angle's profile

Love what you have done. This looks light and airy and even though it's sparse, it still feels warm and inviting. Excellent!

posted by suzy8track on 2008-04-22 13:31:24
view suzy8track's profile

W I N N E R. Nothing else needs to be said.

posted by BB on 2008-04-22 13:35:32
view BB's profile

BB said it.

posted by black_sheep on 2008-04-22 13:38:29
view black_sheep's profile

Tres magnifique Nicolas!
J'habite pres de vous, dans charleroi (unfortunately, it's temporary!) je voudrais visiter Lille bientot. Pardon ma francais, je parle anglais et nerlandais, francais et tres dificil pour moi!

Voila, I'm going to have to give my opinion in English...
Your place is fab! Tres blanc which is not my style normally but you really make it work. It looks professionally done.

posted by Tiffany on 2008-04-22 13:43:28
view Tiffany's profile

love it

posted by writous on 2008-04-22 13:52:34
view writous 's profile

Overly sparse for my taste... also, it just feels i've seen this too often.

posted by Jamie on 2008-04-22 13:54:48
view Jamie's profile

This isn't my personal style but I wish it were! The natural plank floor warms it up beautifully.

posted by jen_g on 2008-04-22 14:00:50
view jen_g's profile

sensitive and charming

posted by NYC on 2008-04-22 14:03:52
view NYC's profile

Impressive use of restraint.

posted by PrettyKitty on 2008-04-22 14:08:00
view PrettyKitty's profile

This one is great!

posted by speedmike on 2008-04-22 14:16:45
view speedmike's profile

I could not live with only 2 burners.

posted by juliaonhamilton on 2008-04-22 14:18:21
view juliaonhamilton's profile

Once again, the Europeans show us how to do it right.

posted by spinsLPs on 2008-04-22 14:21:08
view spinsLPs's profile

absolutely perfect!

posted by jooly on 2008-04-22 14:24:50
view jooly's profile

That credenza is beautiful!

posted by Sydney on 2008-04-22 14:28:06
view Sydney's profile

I agree with aneta. Small and very cool. What's that above the credenza?

posted by Gustaf on 2008-04-22 14:51:03
view Gustaf's profile

juliaonhamilton -- I'd give up 2 burners to try living in Paris. I am confident one could still eat quite well!

posted by Mid-C Frank on 2008-04-22 14:59:18
view Mid-C Frank's profile

stunningly beautiful in all its simplicity.

posted by aad on 2008-04-22 15:05:33
view aad's profile

I am really digging this!

posted by kerri on 2008-04-22 15:12:39
view kerri's profile

This is the embodiment of small cool.

Superbe!

posted by Talloush on 2008-04-22 15:17:37
view Talloush's profile

perfect

posted by monika1 on 2008-04-22 15:40:43
view monika1's profile

It's not cosy or particularly personal but I love this, just looking at it makes me feel calm and serene.

posted by nadyamadrid on 2008-04-22 15:42:12
view nadyamadrid's profile

Marvelous.....

But alors, You are French ?

posted by Largi on 2008-04-22 15:42:53
view Largi's profile

I know that a lot of the AT readers and contributors will argue that this place is "cold" (that seems to be one of the favorite waords, and I hate it!) But I love this place. The architecture is great. Although I would love to see a coffee table (big or small) and a chair in the living area and at least one big piece of art on the bare walls up stairs, I love this place. Nice job!

P.S. I've always loved that chair that's upstairs, maybe you should get another for downstairs.

posted by orangejuce on 2008-04-22 15:45:53
view orangejuce's profile

This is THE winner! Hands down!!!
I'm always curious about gorgeous spaces like this:
Umm.. do you watch TV?

posted by giggleuma on 2008-04-22 15:51:56
view giggleuma's profile

but Mid-C Frank, this of course is Lille, not Paris:
http://www.europeanrailguide.com/destinationguides/lille/lille_map_g.html

posted by Pixie on 2008-04-22 15:56:24
view Pixie's profile

le crap! Paris was there a minute ago - you have to work the arrows to see Lille in relation to Paris on that link.

posted by Pixie on 2008-04-22 15:58:12
view Pixie's profile

Love it! Great balance (I think) of minimal form and warm materials (floor, wood furniture) with little punches of color in the accessories. Super Cool.

posted by HopeK on 2008-04-22 16:37:26
view HopeK's profile

I'm no minimalist, but this place is gorgeous. The discipline and refinement displayed here is awesome. Extra points for making white laminate (my personal bete noir) look cool!

posted by amed studio on 2008-04-22 16:41:12
view amed studio's profile

Zanotta Alfa Sofa. I covet this piece and recognized it immediately. The color is perfect. Well done..

posted by michaelc on 2008-04-22 17:17:56
view michaelc's profile

Perfect.

posted by arza on 2008-04-22 17:22:05
view arza's profile

so clean! I love this space. I'd be tempted to use more color, but really this is perfect as is.

posted by nothingistrue on 2008-04-22 17:32:34
view nothingistrue's profile

amazing! i'm particularly impressed with how the spareness of your home is part of it's captivating charm! congrats

posted by aptsr4kidz on 2008-04-22 17:53:39
view aptsr4kidz's profile

No one does white and wood like the Europeans. Gorgeous. And that credenza!!

posted by jennifer in sf on 2008-04-22 18:08:39
view jennifer in sf's profile

Wait, where's all the STUFF? Where are the photos and kleenex and shoes? This looks like a photo from an architectural digest, not a "lived-in" abode. I'm not an advocate for clutter, but I'm an advocate for life! To me this is the slightest step up from an empty apartment...

Although it looks great for roller skating...mmm...

posted by Doogle on 2008-04-22 18:28:17
view Doogle's profile

Wow.. who knew that the easiest solution to (relatively) small living was simply to have no stuff? Amazing!

posted by Modfan on 2008-04-22 18:28:41
view Modfan's profile

sigh, makes me miss living in europe. love all the angles and planes and the simple but not sterile style. excellent.

posted by TheoJ on 2008-04-22 18:39:26
view TheoJ's profile

One of the best if not the best so far.
The Morrison chair for Capellini is one of my all-time favorites.

posted by lightspeed on 2008-04-22 19:08:29
view lightspeed's profile

Oh I wish this apartment were mine.

posted by Downeast Suzy on 2008-04-22 19:26:18
view Downeast Suzy's profile

Fabuleux, Nicolas! J'adore! WINNER! It's sparse and uncomplicated yet inviting. GReat job!

posted by Hasina on 2008-04-22 19:52:58
view Hasina's profile

I guess I am one of the few who feels like this apartment is completely cold. Little colors, not much texture or anything personal. I dont feel like anyone lives here. This looks staged for sale... its soulless.

posted by Trumystique on 2008-04-22 19:58:07
view Trumystique's profile

Do you have any 'stuff'?

posted by bonline on 2008-04-22 20:19:55
view bonline's profile

I'm actually drooling . . .

posted by Birdy on 2008-04-22 20:22:04
view Birdy's profile

Awesome. I like.

posted by sofubi on 2008-04-22 21:07:26
view sofubi's profile

Gorgeous home. Could be the winner here. Love it!

Good luck!

posted by Joanna D. on 2008-04-22 21:25:15
view Joanna D.'s profile

Love it!

posted by becky in t.o on 2008-04-22 21:33:56
view becky in t.o's profile

Small... Cool... Simply Stunning!!!!

I love that there are only two burners... I hate giving up counter space to four burners, when I never need more than two.

posted by Devyn on 2008-04-22 22:03:26
view Devyn's profile

everytime I saw this posting I'm just so admired! I voted 3 times "super cool" with my 3 different computer (work, home, laptop) today, yay!

posted by giggleuma on 2008-04-22 22:56:06
view giggleuma's profile

This is another place that looks like a real estate agent's catalog. It looks great, but it also looks like no one actually lives in it. I'm not surprised everyone loves it. People rate apartments like they do romantic partners - the colder and harder to actually obtain the appearance of said entity in real life makes it all the more appealing.

posted by Orchid64 on 2008-04-23 00:28:12
view Orchid64's profile

how many times have i told you? NO WIRE HANGERS!!!!

posted by mariegael on 2008-04-23 02:25:09
view mariegael's profile

I think this guy does have stuff, just not more than he can store. And this apartment has a LOT of storage.

posted by wannabe minimalist on 2008-04-23 04:55:26
view wannabe minimalist's profile

I'm in love

posted by luce on 2008-04-23 05:52:58
view luce's profile

Gorgeous. Perfect editing. I would prefer a dining table in that space (e.g., Saarinen) instead of the desk.

posted by BillyRes on 2008-04-23 09:04:13
view BillyRes's profile

Hello, Nicolas here,

Thank you all for your comments!
And to answer a few questions...

- What you see above the stairs is a wire hangers mobile, gift from a friend, I LOVE it, and it's so easy to do...

- The apartment is a little less than 630 square feet actually but there's a 17th century vaulted cellar where I store wine...

- Above the credenza is a 'luminous panel' by two french artists, made of black perspex discs and little bulbs.

- I'm indeed looking for a coffee table

- I do have stuff, but not too much, and I tidy up the place before taking the pictures ;-)

And for those who wonder...
Lille is about 125 miles north of Paris, 150 miles south of London, and 60 miles west of Brussels

Thanks again, Nicolas.

posted by nicolas on 2008-04-23 12:01:53
view nicolas's profile

Love it!

posted by Marpesia on 2008-04-23 12:50:30
view Marpesia's profile

Serene, beautiful and chic. I love it.

posted by metalguru on 2008-04-23 14:32:30
view metalguru's profile

nicolas, thanks for the info.

posted by Gustaf on 2008-04-23 17:31:14
view Gustaf's profile

absolutely beautiful, i love it!

but is the toilet really downstairs and the sink upstairs? so you pee downstairs and have to walk up the stairs to wash your hands?!?! sounds a bit inconvenient... but gorgeous anyway.

posted by ali lee on 2008-04-23 23:09:55
view ali lee's profile

WIN.

posted by Christopher on 2008-04-23 23:48:36
view Christopher's profile

My favorite post by a long distance in a year of somewhat average entries.

posted by lolax on 2008-04-24 02:10:10
view lolax's profile

@ ali lee -- I think it's half bath (powder room, whatever you want to call it) on the first floor.

posted by K T G on 2008-04-24 10:33:30
view K T G's profile

Is that a light bulb on a super-long cord hanging to the right of the sofa? Super-cool.

posted by El Jinx on 2008-04-24 15:58:27
view El Jinx's profile

Definitely up there for the top prize. The most amazing thing to me is that even many of those who are apt to say "needs color!" or "doesn't look like anyone lives here!" like it. That's quite a feat. Bravo.

posted by Ondrej on 2008-04-24 23:22:50
view Ondrej's profile

LOVE it! Congratulations!

posted by Marina brazil on 2008-04-25 23:02:02
view Marina brazil's profile

oh la la, tres chic!
minimalist but warm :)

posted by artsycoolcat on 2008-04-28 00:07:42
view artsycoolcat's profile

I also have credenza envy! I personally like having more stuff around, but, dammit, this place is just beautiful!

posted by J on 2008-04-29 01:13:03
view J's profile

Je trouve votre espace interressant, jaimerais voir des photos de toutes les pièces.....Alors, j'ai clické "supercool"...

Bon Chance!

posted by voodoo child on 2008-04-30 03:30:31
view voodoo child's profile

P E R F E C T
Number 1 of ALL the entries.

posted by martita on 2008-05-02 15:15:00
view martita's profile

there's such an amazing juxtaposition of the rough hewn flooring with the precision modernism of the furniture - exquisite.

posted by bluesky on 2008-05-12 13:30:12
view bluesky's profile

You're my hero. This is perfect.

posted by charlitstar on 2008-05-14 21:21:01
view charlitstar's profile

Definately the best.
Nothing says calm and serene more than this loft and the excellent choices of furniture and lighting.

posted by parfait amour on 2008-05-15 04:26:30
view parfait amour's profile

nice flooring, nice colours but isnt it a bit cold?

posted by pindik on 2008-05-15 06:22:06
view pindik's profile

Awesome space..definitely one of the best so far, even though I wouldn't be able to fit in your kitchen.

Love the natural palette.

posted by kyle on 2008-05-15 18:07:21
view kyle's profile

I have the same desk & lamp setup at my loft. Do you love your filing cabinet drawers? I haven't found anything I love and I am wondering what yours is?

Your loft has inspired me to try to clean ours up. We have a great space, but little time!
Nicole

posted by nml on 2008-06-12 10:53:58
view nml's profile

I LOOOVE EVERYTHING about your space!
i have been looking for the PERFECT white paint. Yours seems to be that one, what paint colour and brand did you use?

posted by jae on 2008-07-12 00:12:29
view jae's profile
Buy Text Ads