ORTIGIA
Some apartments aren’t just renovated.
They are reimagined, redesigned as a silent symphony where every detail matters: a well-placed light, an open space, a color that frames the scene.
For Sarah, an architect at Chaos Architectes, everything seems to flow naturally. Her apartment reflects her work: a subtle balance between bold colors and softness, between architecture and the art of living. She opens the doors to this space, which she has completely transformed—a personal project, almost a manifesto—before turning a new page and entrusting its sale to Manon, as she has done twice before.
Sarah, how does this project fit into your career as an architect?
S – This is a very personal project for me, because it’s also the place where I live. With only 36 square meters of space, I had to focus on the essentials and think through every detail with great precision. It was both a testing ground and something very intimate, where I was able to express a free and personal style, just as I do every day at my firm, Chaos Architectes.
Looking back, I see it as a small-scale manifesto: a way of showing that a confined space can become very spacious and, above all, very tangible.
What was your main goal when you renovated this apartment?
S – I wanted to create a space that truly reflects who I am one that’s both practical for everyday life and emotionally resonant, with a Mediterranean vibe that evokes my roots and is close to my heart. The challenge, given the small size of the space, was to maximize the sense of openness while maintaining a distinct identity.
So I focused on fluidity and light, but also on color, treating it as a true architectural tool. Color isn’t just decorative here; it structures and frames the spaces. It creates rhythm and depth without creating barriers.
“ARCHIK understands the value of an architectural project. It’s not just about square footage or efficiency, but about intention, vision, and atmosphere and that’s essential to me.”
The materials and details seem very well executed. How did you choose them?
S – With all my heart! (laughs) I envisioned a balance between natural materials and bolder colors, deliberately limiting the palette to maintain true harmony, with yellow as the common thread. Natural Bejmat from Jardin des Matières for the floors and backsplash, brick trellises from Carré Créatif… since I live here, everything had to be both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.
The layout, the arrangements, the transitions… everything is designed to be unobtrusive yet effective. It is these details that allow the space to appear simple on the surface, while still being very thoughtfully designed.
You’re getting ready to sell it today. What message do you want to convey to the future buyer?
S – A sense of balance. This apartment was designed to stand the test of time, to support a comfortable and seamless daily life. I hope that whoever lives here will feel this sense of serenity, while making it their own.
As a loyal customer, you’ve already sold two properties with ARCHIK. Why do it again?
S – Because trust developed naturally. ARCHIK understands the value of an architectural project. We’re not just talking about square footage or return on investment, but about intention, design philosophy, and atmosphere and that was essential to me. Manon had already helped me with my first real estate project; she had found a buyer who shared my vision. So it seemed obvious to me to call on her again for my second property, another small space that I renovated, and once again, she knew how to showcase it. A real sense of calm has developed in our collaboration.
What sets ARCHIK’s approach apart?
S – The ability to authentically capture the essence of a place.
The presentation is meticulous, thoughtful, and accurate. As an architect, I’m very particular about how a space is presented. With ARCHIK (and Manon!), I know that the way the property is portrayed will reflect the work that went into it—in this case, my own.
How would you describe your relationship with the agency in a few words?
A smooth and respectful collaboration.
There is a genuine mutual understanding: an understanding of detail, quality, and the time needed to do things right. We don’t rush; we do things well. It’s invaluable to feel supported by a team and especially by Manon, who shares this vision.
THE 3 FAVORITES
THE PURPOSE
S – My ceramic fish that I found in Sicily, whose colors blend perfectly with my interior.
EDITION ARCHIK
S – À LIVRE OUVERT by Thibault Huguet, for his original material and his raw approach, which really resonates with me
L’ADRESSE DU QUARTIER
S – I often go for walks on the Hill of the Sacred Grove. The views are breathtaking, and there’s something comforting and soothing about being close to the Bonne Mère.
Interview and photo credits: Julie Fleutot