It was important to Cyrus Ardalan’s client, an American gallery owner specializing in midcentury design, that his 430-square-foot Parisian pied-à-terre be a stylish showcase. Working with architect François Gastesoleil, Ardalan gave this small space the functionality and character it lacked, with some subtle references to the 1950s and Le Corbusier .

Plywood, a signature material of Cyrus Ardalan, was used throughout the project.

The framed series of works on the wall is by Maxime Bagni. The Duck Boo chair is by Tim Leclabart.

Small space hacks on the Left Bank

In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of Ardalan’s recent projects is located in an 18th-century building. “It is a very pre-Haussmannian home,” Ardalan says of the space. “It’s very beautiful with its exposed beams, other original elements, and its unique layout.” The first challenge for Ardalan and Gastesoleil was to open up the interior and create a bright, new living area (see the before and after floor plans below).…