Located on Place du Marché Notre-Dame in the bustling Antiquaires district of Versailles, cobblestones and ancient facades create a setting full of character. It was here that Albane, the property owner, fell in love with this small 27-square-meter apartment intended for short-term rental. Despite its awkward layout and outdated decoration, the potential was clearly there: two large windows, beautiful high ceilings at 2.90 meters, and an unobstructed view of the rooftops and the bell tower of Notre-Dame church.
To transform this studio into a space that was both pleasant and functional, Albane enlisted the help of architect Cécilia Georges. The first bold move was to tear down a central partition that divided the main room in two and blocked natural light. As a result, the space gained fluidity and brightness. An open kitchen now discreetly integrates into the living room, while a bedroom was created around the existing bathroom, hotel suite-style, then defined by a glass partition that allows natural light to circulate throughout.
The design philosophy embraced a "chic vacation" spirit that blends contemporary design with vintage finds. "Design-wise, I wanted to create a white box and dress it with a mixture of designer furniture, vintage pieces, and antique objects: a blend of eras and styles," explains Albane. This aesthetic, conceived as an elegant patchwork, translates into every corner of the apartment.
The Togo sofa from Ligne Roset pairs beautifully with an antique coffee table, while GUBI lighting fixtures sit alongside vintage wall sconces found at flea markets. HAY Design chairs surround a fresh green table, and everything rests on striking graphic flooring by WOW Design. The bathroom, a true little gem, features white and yellow striped tiles reminiscent of beach cabins, a pool ladder-style towel warmer, and a shell-shaped door handle.
As for decorative objects throughout the space – vintage lithographs, sculptural stools, ceramic basins, and straw pendant lights from Spanish brand Balbanera – most come from local antique dealers in the neighborhood, creating a direct nod to the soul of the location.
Designed to accommodate two people, Studio 13 Versailles doesn't resemble any other Airbnb property. Its refined atmosphere and warm decor make it a charming destination for a city break just 35 minutes from Paris. Nestled just steps from the Palace, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Notre-Dame market (founded by Louis XIV himself), it invites visitors to immerse themselves in history without sacrificing contemporary comfort.
The color palette features blonde wood, brilliant white, deep greens, sunny yellows, and enveloping browns that respond to each other in soothing harmony. The custom-created L-shaped living space maximizes every square meter without ever sacrificing aesthetics. With its optimized 27 square meters and vacation home ambiance, this small luminous gem proves that grandeur doesn't always depend on square footage. In Versailles, it sometimes lies in a well-conceived studio apartment.
