Located on the 44th floor of a towering skyscraper, this 57sqm two-room apartment is bathed in light and offers a breathtaking view of the entire city. Designer Sara Mikhailova created this project, completed in 2024, with short-term rentals in mind. The project’s name, “Le temps suspendu” (Time Suspended), perfectly captures the atmosphere the designer sought to create. Outside, skyscrapers rise and fall, and the city never stops moving. Inside, however, every object invites you to slow down.

This small apartment plays a simple yet effective card. It contrasts the frenzy of the skyline with a cozy interior. The view is treated as a decorative element in its own right, almost a life-size painting. The large floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city like a canvas, living day and night. This dialogue between the spectacular exterior and the reassuring interior is a success.

A living room that showcases the view


The living-dining-kitchen area occupies the apartment’s largest room, spanning nearly 25sqm. A light gray velvet sofa hugs the corner of the room. Natural linen cushions and a powder-pink throw soften its sleek, modern look.

On the ceiling, a terracotta Cirkus chandelier is the room’s most distinctive feature. Its organic, almost tentacle-like shape evokes Italian postmodern lighting from the 1970s. This bold choice is also timeless, as this model is destined to become an icon of contemporary design.

On the floor, a black-and-white striped rug adds rhythm to the space. Its graphic pattern complements the light-colored hardwood floors found throughout the apartment. A black coffee table with a rattan top completes the look. A black and brass floor lamp, in the style of Serge Mouille, adds a vintage touch to the ensemble. In the dining area, the small round black table is surrounded by two mauve velvet chairs. On the walls, the selected artwork is original and colorful.

An unobtrusive kitchen


The kitchen nestles into a recess and knows how to keep a low profile. The white, Shaker-style framed cabinet fronts are understated and timeless. No handles protrude, only a black trim discreetly highlights each drawer. This kitchen is the same color as the wall and blends right in. It’s always a good choice when you have an open kitchen in a living space but don’t want it to dominate the view. Because what matters most in this room is the cityscape.

A bedroom with graphic lines


The bedroom takes a completely different approach and is much more colorful. An XXL burgundy headboard takes up almost an entire wall. This deep color contrasts sharply with the soft tones of the living room. The bed nestles against the floor-to-ceiling window, offering a bird’s-eye view of the city the moment you wake up. And in the evening, you drift off to sleep gazing at the lights of the skyline and the stars.

A round terracotta armchair, placed near the window, is an invitation to contemplation. Its curved shape and thick velvet directly echo the living room’s ottoman. This repetition of the brick-red color creates a real sense of cohesion between the different rooms. A black console table serves as a side desk facing the view. The black nightstands are simple and low-profile. A blue throw draped over the bed breaks up the room’s warm color scheme. This warm-cool contrast works well.

A well-designed entryway for storage


The entryway leads directly to the kitchenette and the bathroom. Its large built-in storage system accommodates coats, shoes, and everyday items. A modern black console table and a more classic gold mirror make this area highly functional. A beige, cloud-shaped ottoman provides a place to sit and take off your shoes. This transitional space has real character.

A marble-colored bathroom


The rather compact bathroom features large marble-colored porcelain stoneware tiles. The shower enclosure reflects the light. A vanity unit with drawers, complemented by two open shelves, keeps this room perfectly organized. It’s a small bathroom that’s elegant thanks to its thoughtful choice of materials.

A decor scheme that plays on contrast


This 57sqm two-room apartment successfully tackles a truly challenging design task. It features a warm and inviting decor that contrasts with an urban view that might otherwise feel harsh. The designer avoids the pitfall of cold minimalism, which is all too often associated with high-rise buildings. Instead, she relies on velvet, wood, and brick-red tones to soften the space.

Some choices strike us as particularly successful, such as the interplay between the terracotta chandelier and the armchair in the bedroom. This repetition of colors gives the space a distinct identity without ever becoming repetitive or monotonous. The graphic rug on the floor also works very well, adding energy to an otherwise fairly neutral space.

A small apartment that inspires us


This approach finds a natural echo in small living spaces. In other cities, too, we rely on color to lift small apartments out of the ordinary. A view of the rooftops or a historic monument will replace a view of the skyscrapers in the business district. Graphic rugs, sculptural light fixtures, and terracotta hues have, in fact, been a huge hit in interiors for several seasons now.

In summary


This project demonstrates that a small rental apartment can also have real personality. The view is spectacular, but that’s not all. The decor is carefully curated to attract people looking for a home that stands out from the ordinary. And it’s undoubtedly a success.

living room with picture window contemporary decor 57sqm two-room apartment in cityShare on Pinterest


living room with picture window contemporary decor 57sqm two-room apartment in cityShare on Pinterest




living room with picture window contemporary decor 57sqm two-room apartment in cityShare on Pinterest


living room with picture window contemporary decor 57sqm two-room apartment in cityShare on Pinterest


living room with picture window contemporary decor 57sqm two-room apartment in cityShare on Pinterest


open kitchen and living room with picture window contemporary decor 57sqm two-room apartment in cityShare on Pinterest


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bedroom with picture window contemporary decor 57sqm two-room apartment in cityShare on Pinterest


bedroom with picture window contemporary decor 57sqm two-room apartment in cityShare on Pinterest


bedroom with picture window contemporary decor 57sqm two-room apartment in cityShare on Pinterest


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modern bathroomShare on Pinterest


modern bathroomShare on Pinterest


modern bathroomShare on Pinterest


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