A 600

By Hannah Starauschek

Photography by Yohann Fontaine

Architect Anthony Authie, the founder of Zyva Studio, lives with his girlfriend and dog in Bagnolet, France. Their 600-square-foot maximalist loft features all manner of riotous color contrasts, it's a pure explosion of shapes, vibrant hues, and striking furniture. "In my design, I’ve tried to work in humor and a bit of irony to challenge the expectations that people can have of architects and traditional architecture," says Anthony. The design concept behind the apartment reflects his free spirit, with all its sparkle and playfulness, and his passion for comics.

Zyva Studio architect and founder Anthony Authie.

For this surprising universe, the couple developed a fresh concept that breaks with traditional notions of what an apartment should be. The floor is covered with a smooth gray terrazzo, which is repeated on the tabletop and kitchen countertop, contrasting with the bright colors to provide a calm, mesmerizing element. Metallic highlights in the kitchen draw attention as well. Along with the general air of playfulness, the pop culture inspiration gets pretty granular. The metal fronts of the cabinets pay homage to the costume worn by Mr. Freeze, a villain from Joel Schumacher's Batman & Robin film, and all of the kitchen handles were 3D-printed to resemble the spiny turtle shells seen in the Mario Bros. franchise.

A narrow staircase behind the kitchen leads to the bedroom. Here, too, the architect plays with the fantasy world—you just have to look closely to spot it. Once in the bedroom, the fantastical energy is hard to ignore, between the intentionally kitschy "it" piece—a curtain with a printed flame motif—and the vibrant yellow walls. "Imagining this room as a sunny, small, and completely glassed-in hut perched in the clouds helps me have beautiful dreams," he says. Every aspect of these 600 square feet is indeed carefully thought out to reflect pure joy.

French cabinetmaker Maxime Comet's Bandit chair is the owner's favorite piece.

Colorful and playful stools by Ohm Studio contrast with the gray terrazzo of the floor that also covers some walls.

Popping up throughout the home, yellow and mint hues create visual leitmotifs, as in the living room with its bright yellow Lego-like stools from Ohm Studio. Many of the custom pieces were inspired by comic books and reinterpreted from childhood memories into the present day. Other pieces of furniture were created by artist and designer friends. "The goal for my partner and me was to create a truly unique experience. Before we ever thought about the spatial structure of the apartment or even the practical aspects of the furniture, we wanted to create a truly unique aesthetic that reflects who we are," Anthony says. For the striped Bandit chair, which was inspired by the Dalton Brothers’ costumes in the Lucky Luke series, the architect collaborated with French carpenter Maxime Comet. While it's rather unlikely that you’d sit comfortably here, the art object is still Anthony's favorite piece. Other colorful works, such as the Dino Dishes cookie jars on the living room table, were made by the artist Alix Coco.

With its screaming pink knobs, the silver metallic kitchen can't be missed.

By Erika Owen

By Eva Morell

By Erika Owen

Made from repurposed steel, Ohm Studio's stools echo Lego colors.

Bright yellow coats the bedroom.

The flaming curtains are the highlight of the bedroom.

By Erika Owen

By Eva Morell

By Erika Owen

Mint green cabinets define the bathroom. The stool is by artist Alix Coco.

This story was first published by AD Germany. It was translated by John Oseid.