Lyon Design Maestro Louis Pradel Transforms Tiny Studio into Modern Masterpiece

For the past six years, Louis Pradel has been running his interior design agency, Fiderias, in Lyon, France. Passionate about ergonomics and functionality, this former project management technician turned apartment and house designer uses his technical knowledge and experience in painting and construction companies to serve his clients, from plastering to decorating. "With this background, big projects don't scare me," jokes the designer, who specifies that he works in a very "realistic" way. He designs and conceives spaces that meet his clients' needs as closely as possible. One example is this 18 sqm Lyon studio, which he completely redesigned to combine sleeping, cooking, eating, working, and entertainment areas... His designs create a comfortable living environment.

In the heart of Lyon's vibrant urban tapestry, interior design virtuoso Louis Pradel has dedicated the past six years to transforming living spaces through his esteemed firm, Fiderias. With an unparalleled fusion of ergonomic principles and unparalleled functionality, this former project management technician has masterfully reinvented the art of residential design. Having honed his expertise within the intricate realms of painting and construction, Pradel's technical prowess and unwavering attention to detail have become the cornerstone of his client-centric approach.

"Armed with this diverse background, ambitious projects hold no sway over me," Pradel quips, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to delivering realistic and practical solutions. Through meticulous planning and execution, he conceptualizes and crafts spaces that seamlessly align with the aspirations of his discerning clientele.

A testament to his transformative prowess is an extraordinary 18-square-meter Lyon studio that Pradel meticulously reimagined, infusing it with an ambiance of comfort and functionality, enabling its inhabitants to sleep, cook, dine, work, and unwind within a harmonious and inviting environment.

"Initially, it was a cramped and dilapidated space," Pradel recalls, "in dire need of rejuvenation. It had been relegated to the role of a mere workshop. My client, having recently acquired the property with the intent of renting it out, sought my expertise to restore it to its former glory, imbuing it with both warmth and practicality."

Embark on a captivating journey through this remarkable transformation:

The Mezzanine Sleeping Nook

Before: A lofty ceiling, brimming with untapped potential.

After: A serene sleeping nook nestled upon a mezzanine, boasting a panoramic view.

After: A captivating net adorns the mezzanine, allowing for the seamless passage of light and infusing the space with a playful personality.

"The solution that immediately presented itself was to harness the impressive 3.40-meter ceiling height to create a dedicated sleeping area," Pradel explains. "However, the presence of a structural beam posed a unique challenge, necessitating careful consideration of the mezzanine's orientation."

"Positioning it above the window would have plunged the space into darkness. Conversely, aligning it towards the window would have compromised the structural integrity of the fireplace, reducing its height and rendering it unusable. As a solution, I opted to bisect the window, creating two continuous openings – one at the lower level for the living space, opening conventionally, and another at the upper level for the sleeping nook, featuring a tilt-and-turn mechanism."

"To facilitate the circulation of light and air throughout the space, I adorned the far end of the mezzanine with a specialized catamaran net, a product of the renowned brand LoftNets. This ingenious design choice, born from the realization that extending the floor space would have diminished the studio's luminosity and created an oppressive ambiance, endows the space with a playful character, imbuing it with a unique personality."

"In keeping with this design ethos, the guardrail, which seamlessly borders the staircase, supports the banister, and extends along the mezzanine, presents a visually light and airy presence. The strategic placement of a large Plexiglas panel adjacent to the net eliminates the need for an imposing guardrail, which would have evoked a sense of confinement."

Complementing the color palette throughout the mezzanine and beyond, Pradel presented an array of options, with the client ultimately opting for a rich crimson hue, a subtle nod to the vibrant spirit of Lyon.

Storage Space and Dining Area

Before: An unnecessary partition, consuming valuable space.

After: A seamlessly integrated 18-square-meter studio, perfect for hosting dinner gatherings.

After: Ample storage solutions, clever design elements, and a simplified lifestyle.

"Beneath the mezzanine, directly opposite the entrance, I incorporated a compact Ikea storage unit, complete with shelves, a wardrobe, and a dedicated shoe rack. We strategically affixed coat hooks to the concealed side of this unit, adjacent to the entrance, providing a convenient and organized space for outerwear."

"Complementing these storage solutions, a clever folding table resides beneath the staircase, providing ample space for stools when not in use. For dining and entertaining up to four guests, simply position the table in front of the kitchen and set the stage for memorable gatherings."

The Cozy Living Room

After: A captivating living room, where the original stone wall emerges behind an illuminated aluminum structure.

"We were aware of the existence of stone beneath the aging plaster," Pradel explains, "but its condition remained unknown. Upon uncovering it, we were greeted by the stunning golden stone of the Monts d'Or, prompting me to retain its presence in select areas."

"While a 10-centimeter thermal lining was applied throughout, the stone remains visible in certain sections, notably behind the sofa. In this area, I preserved the raw stone and commissioned rigid aluminum slats equipped with LED strips to be installed in front of the wall. This ingenious design element not only adds a touch of dynamism to the space but also serves a functional purpose, providing ambient lighting."

The Retractable Desk

After: A practical desk, positioned opposite the window, complemented by an adjustable TV nearby.

"My vision for the desk's placement was to align it with the window, allowing for an expansive view of the outdoors while working. I opted for a wall-mounted, drop-leaf Norberg table from Ikea, which can be folded away when not in use."

"Adjacent to the desk, a compact cabinet provides ample storage for files, laptops, and other office essentials, ensuring a clutter-free workspace. Surmounting this unit is a TV, expertly mounted on an adjustable arm. This versatile arrangement allows for optimal viewing angles, whether you prefer to relax on the couch or gather with friends for a movie night."

The Kitchen Box

Before: An outdated fireplace and an impractical layout.

After: A meticulously designed and highly functional kitchen, offering ample storage options both above and below, accessible via a ladder that conveniently stows away at the foot of the staircase.

"The kitchen manifests as a compact 'box,' accommodating a myriad of appliances within its confines. It nestles beneath a spacious overhead storage unit, designed to house suitcases and other bulky items. Access to this unit is provided by a ladder, which hangs on the wall near the staircase and securely attaches to a horizontal metal bar installed atop the storage unit."

"The kitchen space is visually defined by the use of terrazzo, which adorns not only the backsplash but also the flooring, creating an eye-catching contrast against the warm tones of the wood and beige finishes. This compact yet fully equipped kitchen boasts an array of essential appliances, including a mini dishwasher, refrigerator, washer/dryer, and recycling bins. By maximizing the available height, I was able to incorporate additional storage cabinets beneath the overhead unit, providing ample space for cookware, tableware, and everyday essentials."

The Bathroom

Before: An unusable space.

After: A bright, airy, and restructured bathroom.

After: Concealed behind a mirrored door, a vanity sink resides adjacent to the bathroom.

"The studio originally featured a cramped bathroom to the right of the kitchen, combining a shower, toilet, and sink within a minuscule space. Reconfiguring this layout presented a significant challenge."

"The solution involved retaining the shower and toilet but eliminating the sink. However, we were able to incorporate a nearby vanity sink, cleverly utilizing a previously unused alcove beside the kitchen, resembling a compact closet. We even managed to add shelves to the right and below the sink, providing additional storage space."

"This ingenious arrangement is artfully concealed behind a sliding mirrored door, which, by reflecting the window, creates an illusion of spaciousness."

Louis Pradel's exceptional design prowess extends far beyond this remarkable studio transformation. His portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, each infused with his signature blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. For further inspiration and insights into his transformative work, visit his website at https://fiderias.com.