Before & After: This Tiny Parisian Bathroom Got a Pool-Tile Glow-Up Worthy of the City of Light

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19th-century Haussmannian buildings line the leafy streets of Paris, their historic facades inviting fantasies of living among ornate molding, interesting angles, and generous light—all updated for modern life, of course. But the reality of renovating a centuries-old interior presents a host of challenges, as it did in this 204-square-foot attic apartment just steps from Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. Historically, the top levels of these structures were reserved for domestic staff, which came to be known as "chambres de bonne" (translation: maid's rooms, aka the original micro-apartments). In this case, the cramped, sixth-floor flat (forget about an elevator—your calves will never forgive you) was little more than a hallway flanked by a crumbling kitchenette and bathroom when recent architecture school grads Iris Ben Ichou and Hanna Uzan first saw it.

In 2025, a childhood friend of Ben Ichou and Uzan purchased the studio as an investment property to renovate and rent out to a student, and asked them to tackle the project. Having just finished their studies, they were the ideal choice to transform the constrained floorplan into a functional, yet design-forward home—because who better to solve a tiny-space puzzle than two people who've probably lived in dorm rooms?

"We decided to dress the space with a simple geometric wall pattern, which runs along the perimeter walls and strategically incorporates hidden storage, support beams, and seating," explains Uzan. To keep things modular and multipurpose, there's a pull-out sofa in the living area, while an awkward sloped corner was given new life as a built-in nook for studying. The color palette throughout is light and airy—except for in the intimate bathroom, where things get wonderfully weird. Here's how they remade the uninviting sliver into a standout shower spot that maximizes storage.

Ben Ichou and Uzan knew pretty quickly that they wouldn't be able to change the bathroom layout. The wall separating it from the living room was load-bearing and couldn't be demolished, so altering the drainage system or relocating the toilet was out of the question. "We chose to turn the issue into our asset by positioning the room as a cocooning refuge," details Ben Ichou. The client's first request? Removing the out-of-scale alcove tub in favor of a more sizable integrated shower—because nothing says "I've made peace with my bathroom" like giving up the tub you never actually used.

Starkly opposed to the sterile bathrooms typical to student housing—you know the ones, beige everything and a sadness you can't quite name—the architects decided to swing big with tile color. "We wanted to bring the feeling of a cabin sauna into the city," says Ben Ichou, noting the warmth and sense of calm the monochrome tile introduces to the narrow space. In search of materials suited to wet environments, they landed on 3/4-inch mosaic tiles originally designed for swimming pools sourced from a budget-friendly French brand known for quality. Yes, pool tile in a bathroom. It's giving "I swim laps at 6 AM" energy, and we're here for it.

"The color was essential to creating atmosphere and offsetting the darkness and moisture issues presented in a poorly lit and windowless room," the designer notes—diplomatic language for "this room was a dungeon." Mounted on 12-by-12-inch mesh-backed sheets, the deep brown-burgundy tiles were easily applied to the bathroom's custom-built elements, including an extended plaster shower wall and an elevated floor.

The pair decided to replace the original hinged bathroom door, which blocked the hallway when opened, with a pocket slider clad in the same wall moulding chosen for the rest of the apartment. When it's closed, the entry is now camouflaged—a disappearing act that would make any magician jealous and any small-space dweller weep with joy.

Another requirement from the client was an in-unit washing machine—not exactly the easiest task in such a compact layout. To accommodate it, the architects designed a custom-made vanity and clad it in the same tiling as the shower. On top, the wide basin has ample countertop edges for soap, a toothbrush, and small decorative elements. Below, a custom linen sink skirt discreetly hides the washing machine, which connects directly to the piping and drainage. A floating toilet with concealed cistern is nestled between that and the shower, and the duo decided to add a multi-layer towel rack, wall-mount the sink faucet, and hang cabinets above for toiletries and supplies. Now, this once-overlooked bathroom is just as compelling as its building's handsome exterior—and infinitely more functional than its former self, which is really saying something for a room that used to be a glorified hallway.

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