Small Apartment Design - Episode 3

Transforming our small New York apartment bedroom with a real French touch — soft Japandi tones, vintage details, and clever space planning for cozy elegance.

Sylvain

10/14/20253 min read

A Cozy Bedroom Makeover with a Real French Touch

Welcome back to our New York apartment makeover series!
Today, we’re tackling the final step of the transformation: the bedroom.

Surprisingly, this small NYC apartment has a decent-sized bedroom (18’x11’) — quite a luxury for the city!
But aside from the bed, we also need to fit in a workspace. Thankfully, a large built-in closet is already in place and doesn’t take up extra room.

Let’s debunk a design myth: the “French bedroom style” you see online isn’t real.

Here’s the truth — even if it might come as a shock:
Most “French-style bedrooms” featured on American design blogs (think pink tones, satin bedding, lace, and ruffles) are nothing like what you’ll actually find in France.

In reality, that aesthetic feels dated and overly boudoir, like something out of the 19th century.
The modern French bedroom is far more minimalist, warm, and authentic.

If you want to see what real French bedroom design looks like, check this out:

So, let's go !

Planning the Layout

First things first: the desk.
It’s essential that the workspace isn’t visible when you walk in — and definitely not from the bed!
A small half-wall partition solves the problem perfectly while breaking up the room’s long rectangular shape.

Creating a Calm and Warm Atmosphere

To bring in a soothing vibe, we chose Japandi-inspired colors — natural wood, soft beige, and earthy tones — that blend Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese serenity.
Half-height elements help open up the space and keep the room feeling light.

The available space allows for a king-size bed (72 inches wide).
A wood-and-cane headboard ties everything together, keeping that Japandi balance between simplicity and warmth.

Details That Make the Difference

For nightstands, we opted for vintage-inspired pieces in light wood tones.
Bedside lamps echo the texture of the headboard and bring a soft, elegant glow in the evening.

To stay in harmony, the desk should be sleek and understated — think architect-style desk with a glass top to showcase the structure underneath.

Add some simple decor touches, and… voilà!
Your French-Japandi bedroom is ready.

Final Thoughts

A cozy, calm, and elegant retreat — perfect for small-space living in New York.
This makeover proves that even in a tiny apartment, you can create a bedroom that feels serene, stylish, and unmistakably French.

Sleep well — and enjoy your new space!