A Glass Partition Turns a 270-Square-Foot Studio Into a Proper One Bedroom
It’s the age-old dilemma when it comes to studio apartments: the desire for privacy and a dark cocoon for sleeping without building flex walls and/or minimizing natural light. At first, finding a solution can feel like a tall order. But time and time again, people continue to dazzle me with unique room dividers. That includes Juliane Garcia, who rents a 270-square-foot studio apartment in Paris.
Given that Juliane is an interior architect who also founded Maison Insula, it’s no surprise that she gutted the entire apartment to get the sleeping nook of her dreams. In the process of removing walls and rebuilding, the solution for closing off her bedroom was actually quite simple.
A Custom-Made Partition Adds Privacy Without Compromising Natural Light
Sometimes in home renovation, less is more. While turning the small space into a one-bedroom by adding a traditional wall might’ve ensured almost complete privacy, it would’ve blocked the natural light. Instead, she created a custom partition made of oak and textured glass.
“It creates intimacy and lets the light enter in this part or this part,” Juliane says in reference to the connected kitchen and bedroom. “It was a decision that I made to separate the space but not to cut the light and be able to, when you’re standing at the back of the apartment, see all the space.”
Custom Curtains Make the Room Cocoon-Like and Act as a Door
While the partition achieves most of Juliane’s home goals, the favorite part of the space is the custom curtains. She worked with a friend to create thick curtains that pull across the entire partition wall and adjoining window wall to completely black out the space.
The partition wall doesn’t have a door, so the curtain, while pulled across, acts as a de facto door. Plus, if she’s hosting guests and doesn’t feel like cleaning up her room, she can simply close the curtain to block the view.
What inspires me most about Juliane’s bedroom wall is that she eschewed tradition for a solution that, while unique, checks all of the boxes. She didn’t have to compromise while likely spending less than she would’ve to install a traditional wall. The glass partition isn’t the only clever thing in her home; check out more in the full House Tour.