Mini mania!

Mini got hold of me again! And I started my next project: a Parisian pied-à-terre on the top two floors of a typical building in Boulevard Haussmann in Paris.
This totally different and new style really tempted me....

Here the design I made for the house. I focus on the apartment right now - whether I do the three remaining levels below this ... not sure yet.

Walls: I decided not to paint but rather use a nice color paper.

Windows: we recently got a fablab (public space with laser cutters, 3d printers, felt-press, etc.) in our town. So, I decided to laser the windows with cardstock. But first I had to learn the software (Inkscape) and get to know how the laser works. This took a while but it was fun because I got to know new people and techniques. Learning something new is sooo important!

miniature Window handles

But only two of the windows on this floor open - didn't want to stress myself too much ;-)
I am so please with the hardware from my shop at Shapeways... it looks perfect.

Floor: popsicle sticks with a tinted waxing.

The holes in the wall are for lights up to staircase...

Panels for the walls: cardstock, combination of laser and hand-cut. But I had to order the quarter-round dowels for the top from the U.K. - and of course all these other wall trimmings.

Entrance and staircase: space is a little cramped there and I really had to figure our which step to take first. I wanted to use the space under the staircase and recessed part of the kitchen into it.

And there was a small space for a laundry room as well :-) I did not furnish this because I cannot get to it and just used a photo.

While the apartment is old, the furnishing and interior decorating will be contemporary. Shabby chic or antique is just not my style. So, I saw this sofa 'Major Tom' in Dezeen and made a replica. It turned out beautiful but I think it is a little too big for this room - might have to make a different one.

Major Tom in miniature

As you know lamps and lighting is my passion! First I had this idea for the two in the entrance hall.
Then I wanted a Belux Twilight for the lounge. And of course a reading light: copy of Fez from Baltenschweiler. And I laid enough cables for a few more ;-)

Entrance Hall with downlights (Nalladris bulbs)

Miniatures Belux Twilight floor lamp

And the kitchen is nearly complete as well:

Ah, nearly forgot the radiator - it can be cold in Paris in winter, too ;-)

oh, just see that the door handls are at a different height... mh. Some things you only notice on a photo...

Well, this is what the project looks today. Seems as it I calculated the stairscase correctly: just enough space for the flooring :-)

A looong blog - but there was so much to share!
And either I now get busy with the floor above or I do the front first - there is still plenty to make me happy :-)

Keep you posted...

Revealing my new project - the 'Lagnes' house

After three months of trials and samples I could raise the first walls!

I designed the house based on a real property that was for sale in Lagnes (near Avignon). It is in the middle of a village - the last house in the street. So, it has a bit of a garden on the one side and a view to the west - ideal...
Buying it was no option because the only fun would be the rebuilding part - and with a 7 hour drive one way (and French builders...) this seems a bit crazy next to running a business ;-).
That is why Mini is wonderful: I still can make the dream come true without really having all the hassle!

Because it is a real-life situation I was limited with the design of the house - it had to fit into the village and street: 2 storeys, no balconies, low pitched roof, etc.

Finding the best way to create the stone walls was the biggest challenge up to now. And I had my architect friend Francisco from Miniarquitect in my back, constantly challenging me to make it even more realistic. Thanks Francisco - I needed that push from you!

I made all the windows - they are ready for installation.

For all you window builders: AFTER I finished my windows I get the clever idea of having handles designed in 3D ;-) .

They are available in my Shapeways shop. I made an opening to of 1.2mm so that a wire or stick can be fed through it!

The first room that I can now present is the guest cloakroom :-)
I have not received the versi flags stones for the floor yet and worked with the little I had.

oops, the lampshade has to be adjusted....

And I finished the typical provencal fireplace (foam board).

Probably heading for the Paris miniature show in June to meet a few FB friends who are making great deco and miniatures. This chair is from Jena Jangren's shop Miniatyrmama - all the way from Sweden!

Keep u posted!