The International Writers Magazine: Paris Living

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A Reconciliation of Space: The Parisian Apartment • Erin B. DeBernardo As in any major city, everyone knows that space is at a premium in Paris. Everyday living has to be "somewhat" to "majorly" reduced to be conducive to Parisian lifestyle. As an American who is used to big cars, big houses, big malls, big space, I suffered a bit of culture shock during my first visit to Paris. Being friends with Gregory Gauthier, a native of the city, we were lucky enough to spend time in the homes of he, his family, and friends, giving us an insiders view of everyday Parisian living.

Apartments are typically small, even if they come with a hefty monthly lease or mortgage. Most are equipped with few rooms including a kitchen (or "kitchenette"), living room, a bathroom and usually either one or two bedrooms. Sprawling rooms and walk-in closets were no where in sight. Second bathrooms were non-existent. Each time I walked into a 'cuisine', I surveyed the room for a dishwasher, but the only dishwashers around were the people living there.

Chez Greg

Greg's apartment is a typical rendition of a Parisian maison, with a small living room, an even smaller (but separate) cuisine, and a generously-sized bedroom where you'll find the bathroom as well. He makes excellent use of his space with enviable organization (I can say this because I am very disorganized). He is no stranger to IKEA, where he has accumulated some very functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture pieces such as an entertainment center and a large bedroom closet. Despite the roomy closet, I was still uncertain where all his clothes and shoes were being stored. It was unfathomable to me (having two walk-in closets in my bedroom) that someone could make due with one very defined space for their entire wardrobe.
"Where do you keep your shoes?" I asked. "Right there," he pointed. "In the closet."
"All of your shoes? In there?" I asked.
"Yes," he smiled.
Hmmm.
"What about your clothes? Your winter things, your summer things...your sweaters...," I pressed.
"All...in...there," he confirms.

Looking inside the free-standing wardrobe, I was amazed at the intense order of things. He has many clothes (many), and with one quick glance I felt instant envy of the astute organization. I possess much, much more space in my own home, but lack the ability to use it to its fullest potential.

Thankfully, Greg realized that I was not being rude by focusing on the apartment's spatial challenges, but rather attempting to absorb the differences in our respective living spaces. I say this as a matter of clarification only - I do not live in a massive home either, but I enjoy much more square footage than my Parisian friend while at the same time, paying a considerably less expensive mortgage.

Additionally, shelves have been strategically placed in the living room to make the most of valuable wall space for showcasing, and storing, items such as cds, dvds and an impressive and varied collection of books.
The bedroom also seconds as a semi-work space, housing a computer desk and filing system. The bathroom is also located in the bedroom, and I realized I would not be at all comfortable with this. I do have a full bath in my own bedroom at home, but the bathroom in the hall is primarily the one utilized for guests. I then realized that this layout enables me to keep my own bathroom in a constant, but admittedly comfortable, state of disarray. I am never forced to put my makeup, or the hairdryer, or the toothpaste, away.

Wet towels can haphazzardly be thrown over the shower door without fear of being judged a slob by our guests. My careless misuse of space has allowed me to become exceedingly lazy. Greg's apartment, on the other hand, is pristine. Everything has it's place.

He does not allow messes to accumulate. He does not allow dishes to pile up in the sink because it's late and he doesn't feel like washing them. He doesn't allow stray towels to remain on the bathroom floor. He does not allow junk mail to clutter his desk. He takes care of, and respects, his space. In the end, this has allowed him to live fully in a smaller, but more structured space.

Chez James When we had the opportunity to visit his neighbor James, who lived upstairs at the time, I was astounded at the sheer differences in their apartments, which share identical floor plans. James' flat seemed smaller, less organized, and lacking the clean lines that Greg's apartment had. And yet, the rooms were the same size. So what was the difference? you ask.

Well, by taking close mental notes of the apartment, and being careful not to look as if I was staring at anything in particular, I came to one clear realization - even though he is a native of London, James lacked "big city" organization. It wasn't that he had more furniture than Greg, or even more "stuff." The arrangement of the apartment was simply not at its premium, thus giving the place an unfinished, and somewhat unkempt, appearance. Chez G.'s Maman Greg's mom resides just outside the Paris city limits in a very charming flat. It is spacious, and not only by Parisian standards. The apartment boasts a large living room with tall windows for maximum comfort during the hot summer months. The bedroom is also generous in size and natural light.
The cuisine had enough room to show off her culinary skills while allowing enough space for a dinner table and chairs. And the decor was splendid, emitting old French provincial appeal. Like most French women, she has a flare for the jolie.

So that sounds lovely, you think.
And it was. But there was one thing - just one - that did not sit well with me and that was, once again, the bathroom. Instead of being off the bedroom this time, it was right off the kitchen. It's a little hard to explain without a visual, but the placement seemed all wrong to me. There was somewhat of a hall space, and of course there was the bedroom, so why put the bathroom off the kitchen?
Only the French architects know.

Chez Mathieu and Barbara

Mathieu and Barbara - lovely couple and two of Greg's best friends. They recently purchased their apartment and have been busy with rennovations and basically "making it their own." The flat sits on the fifth floor of their building. The elevator is claustrophobic in size and a little bit scary. But their apartment is handsome. They've managed to install an actual loft, taking full advantage of the tall ceilings in the flat. That being done, they have plans to utilize it as a second bedroom, allowing them the space needed for the arrival of their baby.
As in Greg's flat, organization has proven crucial in their space as well. They've mastered the art of systemization and coupled it with their own unique style, giving their apartment a distinct and orderly character. Finale I've been lucky to get to know many French people (via Greg) residing in Paris. I haven't yet seen all of their apartments, but with each visit I become more familiar with them and their lifestyles. With simple observation, I've been able to learn a lot about life in Paris, and I know that it's not so different from life in any big city such as New York, L.A., Rome, etc. All of those places share one common factor - space is at a premium, and residents come up with all sorts of tricks and ideas to make the most of their share of the city life. After my recent trip to Paris, I returned home and promptly tore every last item and stitch of clothing out of my primary closet. I resolved to take ownership of my space and finally get organized. I planned to sort through my clothes, purses and shoes and donate unworn and forgotten items to charity. Classic French style is not about quantity, but rather quality and I vowed to shop for new, more functional shelving and create an exact place for each and every select item I chose to keep. I would adopt the Parisian "big city" style of living and purge my home of unecessary and 'unfabulous' things. I was on a mission.
That was seven weeks ago.
I have completed exactly half of my resolution.
I pulled everything out of my closet.
Finis.
© Erib B De Bernado Dec 2006
runaroundparis@hotmail.com


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