Parisian Sanctuary: Inside a Photographer's 85sqm Masterpiece

Every home tells a story, but some speak more profoundly than others. For Spanish photographer Gorka Postigo, his Parisian apartment represents far more than just a place to live—it embodies a nuevo comienzo, a new beginning forged through personal transformation.

The 85-square-meter space, nestled steps from the iconic Palais Royal, serves as both a living quarters and a creative sanctuary. It stands as a physical manifestation of resilience, where art, design, and memory intertwine to create something uniquely personal.

"Me mudé a la ciudad por primera vez en 2017, pero no a esta casa."

This journey from Madrid to Paris, and back again, forms the backdrop to a home that was never meant to be perfect—only possible.

Postigo's relationship with Paris began in 2017, when he first relocated to the French capital. However, this initial move was cut short by family obligations. His mother's declining health necessitated his return to Madrid, where he remained until her passing in 2018.

The pandemic era brought a second chance. While working in Paris, Postigo and his partner discovered the apartment that would become their home. They began a transitional period, commuting between the two cities while building their life in France.

The final decision came when Postigo sold his Madrid property. Rather than maintaining dual residences, he committed fully to Paris, renting the apartment and making the move permanent. This occurred approximately three years ago, marking the definitive chapter in his transcontinental journey.

The location itself proved significant—close enough to the Palais Royal to feel central, yet possessing the character needed to become a true home.

The apartment Postigo found was not an immediate vision of perfection. When he first walked through the door, the space bore little resemblance to its current state. Yet he saw potential where others might have seen problems.

"No era perfecto, pero enseguida vi posibilidades. Y pensé que era mejor invertir en adaptar esta casa que esperar a un ideal que no iba a encontrar, por lo menos al precio que podía pagar."

This pragmatic philosophy guided his approach. Postigo understood that waiting for the perfect space at the right price could mean waiting indefinitely. Instead, he chose to invest in transformation.

The renovation strategy was both practical and transformative:

• Complete floor replacement throughout
• Opening a doorway between salon and dining room
• Creating better flow and natural light
• Preserving the apartment's inherent character

These changes weren't about creating something entirely new, but rather about revealing the apartment's hidden potential. As Postigo notes, the space simply needed "un poco de cariño"—a little love and care.

The finished apartment reflects Postigo's philosophy that every home should be an intimate mirror of its owner. The space has become what the original description called a "hedonistic festival of philias"—a celebration of personal passions and aesthetic obsessions.

As a photographer, Postigo naturally brings his artistic eye to the curation of his living space. The apartment functions as a gallery for his work, a studio for his creativity, and a refuge for his personal life. Objects, photographs, and life experiences blend seamlessly.

The 85 square meters are used thoughtfully, balancing public and private spaces. The opened connection between salon and dining room facilitates both entertaining and daily living, creating an environment that feels expansive despite its modest size.

Every design choice serves the dual purpose of function and expression. This is not a showroom apartment, but a lived-in space that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and the joy of personal curation.

Postigo's story reflects a broader truth about living in Paris: the city demands both pragmatism and imagination. Finding an affordable apartment near the city center requires compromise, but transforming that space into a home requires vision.

The location near Palais Royal places Postigo in one of Paris's most prestigious districts, yet his approach democratizes the experience. He didn't wait for a perfect space in a perfect building—he created perfection through his own vision and effort.

This 85-square-meter apartment proves that meaningful spaces aren't born from unlimited budgets or perfect conditions. They emerge from the intersection of personal history, artistic vision, and the courage to invest in possibility rather than waiting for perfection.

For Postigo, Paris has finally become home—not because it met his expectations, but because he was able to shape a corner of it to meet his needs.

Invest in transformation, not perfection: Postigo's decision to renovate rather than search indefinitely demonstrates the value of creating your ideal space within realistic constraints.

Home as personal narrative: The apartment serves as a physical timeline of Postigo's journey through loss, transition, and renewal.

Location matters, but vision matters more: While the Palais Royal address is prestigious, it's the thoughtful renovation that makes the space special.

Artistic living is accessible: A photographer's eye for composition and detail can transform any space into a gallery-worthy home, regardless of size or initial condition.