Ridel Apartment Renovation by miogui

Reimagining Micro-Living: A 13m² Apartment Transformed with Smart Design & Color Play

In the suburbs of Évreux, France, miogui has redefined compact urban living with a bold renovation of a 13-square-meter micro-apartment. Situated in a socially challenged area, this former underutilized space was in poor condition and called for a full transformation. The main architectural opportunity? A large floor-to-ceiling window occupying half of the facade — a vital source of natural light that becomes a key anchor in the design.

Smart Spatial Rebalancing

Typical of many studio apartments, the original layout suffered from disproportion — an oversized bathroom and a cramped kitchen. miogui’s approach began by demolishing the existing bathroom wall, reclaiming valuable square meters for better flow and functionality. In its place, a glass block partition wall now subtly divides the kitchen from the compact bathroom. This translucent barrier maximizes light penetration while establishing visual privacy.

Material Simplicity, Geometric Boldness

The kitchen is minimalist and fully crafted in natural wood, forming a warm contrast with the bright blue linoleum flooring and a bold red structural pillar. In this compact volume, color and shape take center stage — a nod to De Stijl and Mondrian’s primary color palette, where each element becomes a geometric expression.

A curved yellow curtain is introduced as a playful, functional feature. It flexibly divides the room, conceals storage, and adds a layer of privacy — a design move that dynamically alters the room's shape and proportion. This modular, movable element makes the compact apartment feel adaptable, expressive, and alive.

Function as Abstract Form

Throughout the interior, utilitarian details are embraced as sculptural forms. Exposed pipes are treated as design features rather than eyesores. A triangular backsplash meets a circular mirror above the bathroom sink, producing intentional geometric tension. Contrasting grout colors, a blue shower joint against small white tiles, and a tile-crafted bathroom handle all contribute to a subtle play between texture and tone.

Even the plinths, made of white marble-effect tiles, add a refined base that elevates the perception of the tiny space. Each design element, while practical, also carries an artistic abstraction that challenges the conventions of utility.

Designing Joy in Dense Urban Contexts

With clever spatial planning, a tactile material palette, and a bold use of color and form, miogui has created more than a micro-apartment — it’s a livable, joyful sculpture. In a dense urban and gray social environment, the Ridel Apartment demonstrates how thoughtful interior architecture, modular elements, and color psychology can turn even the smallest spaces into meaningful, dignified homes.

All the photographs are works of Philippe Billard