Property of the week: a Parisian apartment with an industrial past

This article explores a Parisian pied-à-terre, designed by Champeau & Wilde, for a young couple seeking a blend of classical and modern aesthetics. Located on the Quai Voltaire, across from the Louvre, the apartment captures the essence of 19th-century Parisian style while incorporating contemporary elements. The interior design studio, Champeau & Wilde, led by Laurent Champeau and Kelli Wilde, is known for its ability to infuse French sophistication into their projects, balancing historical references with modern sensibilities to create harmonious and livable spaces. Their approach involves a subtle alliance of contemporary and classical elements, tailored to clients' desires. The clients' vision for their 1,500 sq ft apartment in Saint-Germain-des-Prés was to evoke a 19th-century feel while ensuring it reflected their personal style and the romance of Paris. The original three-bedroom layout was reconfigured into two bedrooms, featuring an adjoining walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom, optimizing the use of space. The design incorporates quintessential French architectural details, such as crown mouldings and overdoors, which are then given a modern twist through the integration of contemporary art, like abstract collages by Francis Montanier, and modern furniture pieces, such as a zebra-print bench. Champeau & Wilde's signature style is characterized by this interlacing of bold patterns, diverse textures, and contemporary forms with traditional elements. They excel at combining bespoke and vintage furnishings to achieve individuality, emphasizing that schemes that are too uniform lose interest. A key aspect of their design philosophy is the strategic use of color and texture, often featuring splashes of bold hues against neutral, soft backgrounds. For instance, in the living room, a leopard-print rug and a blue sofa provide striking accents against off-white walls, creating visual interest without overwhelming the space. The kitchen maintains a casual yet classical appeal through its neutral palette, while the bedroom also predominantly features neutral tones to foster a calming atmosphere. The master bathroom highlights the designers' strengths in functionality and aesthetic appeal, featuring a his-and-hers sink layout with ample storage. The collaboration between Laurent Champeau, whose style is described as more rigorous and classically French, and Kelli Wilde, who brings a freer and more playful touch, is pivotal to their success. This partnership allows them to deliver comprehensively designed projects that resonate with their clients' aspirations while maintaining their distinctive design ethos. The article showcases how Champeau & Wilde successfully married the past with the present in this Parisian pied-à-terre, creating a space that is both timeless and uniquely personal. #InteriorDesign #HouseTour #ParisianApartment #ClassicalModern #ChampeauWilde #FrenchInterior #HomeDecor #Design

This article highlights the remarkable transformation of a Paris apartment, meticulously redesigned by the interior design studio Uchronia, founded by Julien Sebban. The project’s objective was to convert a classic Haussmann apartment, which, despite its elegant proportions and original features, was perceived as 'cold, pretentious and beige,' into a vibrant, 'architectural jewellery box.' The clients, a couple working in couture jewellery, provided Uchronia with a distinctive brief inspired by Fabergé eggs, aiming for a home that would reveal a 'treasure trove of jewels.' The redesign centered on injecting personality and color, moving away from the apartment's former staid aesthetic. Uchronia meticulously integrated various gemstones as a guiding principle for the design, selecting malachite, sapphire, opal, pearl, ruby, tiger-eye, and peridot for their unique colors, patterns, and textures. These choices influenced the specific ambiance and decor of each room, creating a cohesive yet diverse interior narrative. The studio's approach involved a significant amount of experimentation, particularly in developing custom dégradé walls in collaboration with Atelier Roma. This innovative technique creates an ethereal background, with color gradients that seamlessly merge into sheer silk curtains, producing a dynamic and 'alive' effect as they flutter. Beyond color and texture, the apartment's functionality was reimagined to accommodate the clients' social lifestyle, with a focus on creating convivial zones suitable for both intimate gatherings and large parties. The layout of the apartment was largely maintained, preserving its inherent Haussmann elegance, while custom furniture, drapery, vintage pieces, and art were introduced to redefine the spaces. Noteworthy design elements include low-level seating in the living room, inspired by Moroccan desert nights, and a dressing room strategically positioned to allow interaction with guests from the adjacent platform bed. The dining room features a unique marbled resin table, designed by Julien, which evokes malachite and can be reconfigured from a two-person setting to accommodate up to twenty guests. Lighting plays a crucial role in the apartment's design, with light being refracted through various materials such as fabric and colored glass, and bouncing off lacquered surfaces. This deliberate manipulation of light creates an effect akin to being inside a fantastical kaleidoscope, contributing to the apartment's overall enchanting and dynamic atmosphere. The project underscores Uchronia's innovative approach to interior design, blending historical elegance with contemporary vibrancy and bespoke craftsmanship to fulfill a highly imaginative client brief. #ParisApartment #UchroniaDesign #ColorDrenching #OmbreWalls #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #GemstoneInspired #CustomFurniture #HaussmannApartment

The Brush Factory Lofts project in South Philadelphia involved the conversion of a former Bestt Liebco paintbrush factory into a distinctive apartment complex. Sherwin-Williams acquired the factory in 2004, which had ceased operations in 2005. The Rufo Companies, led by Anthony Rufo Jr., purchased the abandoned complex from Sherwin-Williams in 2007, recognizing its structural integrity despite being heavily graffitied both inside and out. The conversion project, however, faced significant delays due to the Great Recession and a lengthy zoning variance process, finally commencing in 2015 after an eight-year hiatus. The development aimed to retain elements of the building's industrial past while creating modern living spaces. This includes a hanging sculpture made from old paintbrushes in the residents' lounge and the preservation of original fire doors. The industrial aesthetic extends to the individual units, with kitchens featuring metal shelves instead of traditional cabinets and distinctive LED lighting. The complex comprises five buildings, resulting in unique layouts and dimensions for the 150 units. For instance, some apartments in Building 1 have galley kitchens that project from the main structure, and some first-floor units in Building 2 feature basement bedrooms. The Brush Factory Lofts offer a variety of unit types, including studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, ranging from 625 to 1,500 square feet. Studios are priced between $1,475 and $1,700, one-bedrooms from $1,500 to $2,250, two-bedrooms from $1,750 to $2,400, and three-bedrooms from $2,750 to $2,850 per month. Amenities include a residents' lounge with a coffee bar, a fitness center, and a covered parking garage with 65 spaces available for $200 per month. A green roofdeck is also being added as part of the second phase. The project addressed local concerns, particularly regarding parking, a common issue in South Philadelphia. Although neighbors initially desired one parking space per unit, the city's revised zoning code made this unnecessary. The developer provides 65 spaces for the 150 units, a number deemed sufficient as approximately one-third of residents are observed to own cars. The first phase of 60 units began welcoming tenants in the fall, and the larger 90-unit second phase is nearing completion, with leasing underway and move-ins anticipated soon. The development has been met with positive community reception, with locals expressing enthusiasm for the revitalization of the building. One resident, Charlie Porco, a 75-year-old former neighbor, chose to sell his house and move into the lofts, highlighting the appeal of the renovated spaces and the convenience of single-floor living. #ApartmentConversion #IndustrialLofts #PhiladelphiaRealEstate #AdaptiveReuse #UrbanDevelopment #HistoricPreservation #ResidentialDesign #RentalProperty

The article explores the Parisian apartment of Benoît Rauzy and Anthony Watson, founders of the design studio Atelier Vime, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The apartment, originally Rauzy's childhood home, embodies a deep connection to the past through its blend of family heirlooms, vintage furniture, and the couple's contemporary wicker designs. Rauzy's parents moved into the two-floor flat in 1953, a time when the neighborhood was a hub for artists and intellectuals. His father, a dentist, ran his practice from the first floor, serving the diverse residents of the area. Decades later, Rauzy and Watson have transformed the apartment into both a living space and an occasional showroom for their work, maintaining much of its original character. Atelier Vime specializes in making wicker furniture relevant again, drawing inspiration from Modernist designers like Charlotte Perriand and Tito Agnoli. Their journey began 16 years ago with a collection of woven furniture. In 2014, after purchasing an 18th-century hôtel particulier in Vallabrègues, they discovered its history as a basket-weaving workshop, which inspired them to start their own business. With the help of Raphaëlle Hanley, a former creative director at Yves Saint Laurent, they began dealing in vintage pieces and producing their own designs, known for balancing handcrafted warmth with refined forms. Their creations range from leaf-shaped wall sconces to daybeds with scalloped rattan skirting, including the signature Aramis pendant lamp, which requires extensive braiding. For Rauzy, the Paris apartment is a repository of memories, largely unchanged since his return in 2002 to care for his ailing father. The home's entrance leads into a small galley kitchen painted deep forest green, featuring modular plastic Kartell storage units from Rauzy's parents. The space unfolds through an enfilade of narrow rooms with worn herringbone parquet floors. A small lounge showcases a 1940s raffia armchair by Adrien Audoux and Frida Minnet, alongside wicker panels from Atelier Vime displaying 19th-century ceramic plates. The dining room contrasts a white lacquered Eero Saarinen tulip table with historical wooden antiques, including an 18th-century rosewood commode that belonged to Rauzy’s grandmother and an empire armchair with tapestry upholstery. The apartment is also filled with an extensive art collection, primarily 1920s and 1930s works acquired at auction. Notable pieces include an oversized plaster bust by Margaret Cossaceanu, a smaller terra cotta bust by Josep Clarà, and wartime pencil drawings believed to be by Marcel Duchamp. Many artworks were acquired through exchanges with artist friends of Rauzy's parents, who often stayed in the apartment's former maid’s suite, now a guest room. This tradition continues with Rauzy and Watson, who collaborate with artists like Wayne Pate for rattan and hammered-copper cabinets and Marie Victoire de Bascher for hand-printed linen tablecloths. These collaborations foster a sense of community, reflecting a natural way of living that honors both personal history and artistic connection. #ParisApartment #AtelierVime #WickerFurniture #HomeDesign #InteriorDecoration #HeirloomFurniture #ModernistDesign #ArtCollection #SaintGermainDesPres

This article highlights an East London apartment, located within Martha's Buildings off Old Street, which has undergone a rehabilitation by architect Julie Richards. The two-bedroom property, currently listed for £1.25m with The Modern House, was featured on Channel 4's 'Britain's Best Home' due to its sophisticated design that optimizes light, height, and views of a leafy courtyard. The apartment is characterized by an industrial aesthetic softened with calm and elegant touches. A key design element is the integration of recessed lighting in the ceiling, walls, and epoxy resin floors, which not only enhances the overall illumination but also creates clear sightlines throughout the space. The kitchen embodies an industrial style, featuring stainless steel and glass finishes. It includes uplighting along the rear wall and custom-built lighting within a glass island. A notable appliance is the original Renzo Piano Smeg hob and matching extractor. Adjacent to the kitchen, an office nook is discreetly integrated into the layout. The living area is distinguished by a sunken lounge, accessible via a concrete staircase. This space is furnished with built-in modular units and features timber floors, adding warmth and texture. A wall of sliding glass doors provides direct access to an interior balcony, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. At the rear of the apartment are two en-suite bedrooms, each equipped with built-in storage. A modular doorway system offers flexibility in arranging the bedroom layouts. The main en-suite bathroom is particularly luxurious, featuring a shower, a large freestanding bath, and sanitary ware by Starck 1. The apartment's location is ideal for urban professionals, offering a highly walkable neighborhood. The area provides easy access to markets, diverse restaurants, shops, theatres, and live music venues. Furthermore, a Tube station is conveniently located steps away, ensuring excellent connectivity to the wider London area, including the Thames. #EastLondonProperty #IndustrialDesign #ApartmentLiving #JulieRichardsArchitecture #ArtDeco #ModernHouse #LondonRealEstate

This article highlights the distinctive industrial apartment of Terrence Hill, president of Hill Construction, located above Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s bar on Third Street in downtown Baton Rouge. Hill, despite considering purchasing a home, chose to remain a renter after discovering this unique space. The apartment offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling downtown environment, with Hill frequently enjoying his rooftop balcony to read. The article emphasizes the surprising tranquility of downtown, even amidst ongoing construction. The interior of the apartment is described as Hill's sanctuary, characterized by its one-of-a-kind, salvaged materials and industrial aesthetic. Every element, from exposed piping and weathered wood flooring to exposed brick walls and ceiling beams, contributes to its unique charm. The apartment incorporates old doors with peeling paint, wooden window shutters, stained glass on doors and cabinet windows, architectural pulleys, and steel, hand-welded chandeliers. Even the bedroom closet walls are crafted from galvanized tin, designed to resemble a mini shed. The apartment was constructed in 2007 by Danny McGlynn, owner of Boudreaux & Thibodeaux’s and the Circa 1857 art and salvage shop. McGlynn’s vision for the space involved collecting antique beams and integrating salvaged items throughout the design, effectively eliminating the need for additional furniture or decor. The details themselves, such as a rusted bird cage above the front door or peeling paint on kitchen cabinets, serve as the apartment's art and ornamentation. Items that might seem out of place elsewhere, like large nails in the wall and rods extending from the ceiling, are meticulously incorporated to appear intentional. Key features of the apartment include a living room with weathered wood flooring, exposed brick, and ceiling beams, complemented by an old church pew for seating. The guest bathroom boasts a clawfoot tub with a brass faucet and shower enclosure. In the kitchen, a porcelain sink is paired with a brick and concrete backsplash, stained glass upper cabinet doors, multicolor wood panel lower cabinet doors, and a built-in butcher block cutting board. The apartment also features a small, slanted-roof attic/loft space on the third floor, which Hill occasionally uses for workouts. Hill has added minimal personal touches, such as a large wooden mirror and an Arctic brown sheepskin, choosing instead to let the apartment's inherent character speak for itself. As a commercial contractor, he appreciates the intricate details and craftsmanship of the space, noting that many people believe the apartment perfectly reflects his personality. #IndustrialApartment #DowntownLiving #SalvagedMaterials #UniqueInteriors #BatonRougeRealEstate #ArchitecturalDesign #HomeDecor #TerrenceHill #DannyMcGlynn

Architect Charlotte Fequet and Maud Tyzon undertook a significant renovation of a 1,400-square-foot apartment in Paris's 18th Arrondissement, initially tasked with simply replacing cold ceramic flooring with warmer wood planks. The clients, Aude and Antoine, and their two teenage daughters had resided there for nearly a decade and desired a home that better reflected their personalities. What began as a minor update evolved into a comprehensive reorganization of the apartment's layout, driven by the architects' perception that the home lacked a welcoming ambiance even after the flooring change. The renovation focused on optimizing space and incorporating soft, curving lines throughout the apartment, a signature style of Fequet. In the living area, a wall near the fireplace was repositioned to create a larger gathering space. The couple’s bedroom was divided, allowing for the creation of a closet between the bedroom and bathroom, enhancing storage efficiency. A key design element was the replacement of all rectangular doors with sliding glass openings featuring arched detailing, which visually expanded the space and, in the kitchen, served the practical purpose of containing cooking odors. A unique bending wood banister at the foot of the staircase functioned as a desk, room divider, and an artistic focal point, its form designed to evoke a sunset. Fequet emphasized that round shapes and curves not only alter a room's proportions visually but also diffuse light more softly, particularly beneficial in a bedroom setting. The color palette prominently featured Yves Klein Blue, a favorite of the homeowners, reminiscent of their holiday destination, Greece. This color appeared in various forms, including wallpaper in the living room and headboard alcove, and herringbone-patterned shower tiles in the primary bathroom. The couple's bedroom was designed to emulate a hotel suite, offering a cozy retreat for relaxation and work, complete with ample hidden storage for clothing and a built-in desk. To integrate the outdoors with the interior, especially given the apartment's two sunny terraces, Fequet custom-designed a dual-tone mirror for above the living room fireplace. Its cloud-like shapes reflected the external views and enhanced natural light distribution. While cobalt blue dominated the color scheme, two elements provided a departure: ochre bookshelves flanking the fireplace and a surprisingly pink kitchen. The pink kitchen cabinets and terrazzo floor tiles were a specific request from Antoine, intended to introduce warmth and contrast, ultimately proving to be a successful and delightful choice that brought the renovation full circle from its initial simple flooring replacement. #ParisApartment #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CurvedShapes #SpacePlanning #ColorPalette #CustomMillwork #StorageSolutions #ModernDesign #UrbanLiving

This blog post highlights a unique one-bedroom apartment available for rent on the parlor floor of a 27-foot brownstone located at 15 Pierrepont Street in Brooklyn Heights. The apartment stands out due to its exceptional preservation of rich 19th-century architectural details. These historical elements include carved mahogany accents throughout the space, three fireplaces (with one being functional), massive pier mirrors positioned in both the front and rear rooms, and impressive 15-foot ceilings that contribute to the grandeur of the space. Further enhancing its historical character are inlaid parquet floors, intricate wedding-cake wall detailing, built-in china closets, and a bespoke built-in mahogany wardrobe. The apartment spans 1,150 square feet, offering a generous living area. The front room, designated as the bedroom, features large floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Pierrepont Street, providing ample natural light and a view of the historic neighborhood. The central room of the apartment boasts distinctive mahogany beams, while the rear of the unit houses a magnificent solarium adorned with a mahogany ceiling, creating a luxurious and distinctive atmosphere. The article emphasizes that such splendor is rarely found in rental properties, often being associated with homeownership. Beyond the interior aesthetics, the apartment's location is a significant advantage. It is situated just a few doors away from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, placing it in a highly desirable and central part of the neighborhood. While the listing focuses heavily on the historical charm and expansive living areas, it explicitly notes that the kitchen and bathroom are “surprisingly small,” a detail not accompanied by photographs. The property is being marketed by two different real estate brokers, Vicki Negron from Corcoran and Brian Lehner from Brown Harris Stevens, which is an unusual arrangement. The listing history on StreetEasy reveals that the apartment has been listed five times over the past few years, indicating a potentially complex rental pattern. Lehner’s listing also mentions the availability of a flexible lease, suggesting that the unit might be popular for corporate or short-term stays, a notion supported by the fact that it is offered fully furnished, although the furnishings themselves are not pictured in the provided images. The rental price for this unique property is $5,000 per month. Despite the potentially high per-square-foot cost, the article concludes that the price appears justifiable given the apartment's distinctive character, historical integrity, and prime location. #BrooklynHeights #LuxuryRental #HistoricApartment #19thCenturyDetails #Brownstone #PierrepontStreet #ArchitecturalDetails #RealEstate

Paris-based designer Thibaut Picard, known for his work on luxury hotels like Kasiiya Costa Rica and Hyatt Regency Morocco, took on a rare residential project for a local couple. The clients, a marketing manager and a travel brand director who frequently travel, desired their one-bedroom apartment to evoke the comfort and exclusivity of a five-star hotel suite. Picard aimed to fulfill this by incorporating design elements inspired by their travel experiences. The apartment, approximately 700 square feet, features a dramatic entrance painted in a rich blue-green hue. Picard selected this color for its theatrical quality, intending to create a distinct universe within the space. Initially, the homeowners were hesitant about such a dark color, fearing it would diminish natural light. However, strategically placed cutouts in the transitional area, which also serve as practical spots for keys, convinced them that the apartment would not lack sunlight. The substantial 12-foot ceilings of the Parisian apartment also allowed the dark color to extend throughout the hallway without making it feel overly confined. Seamlessly integrated closets, painted the same shade, blend into the wall, adding to the cohesive design. The bold color scheme extends into the private areas of the apartment. The primary bedroom is adorned in a soft peachy pink, specifically "Pink Coral by Ressource." Picard explains that this shade was chosen to create a sense of comfort and luxury, transforming the bedroom into a boudoir-like retreat. The color subtly shifts throughout the day, appearing pastel in the morning and mauve in the evening, adding dynamic character to the room. The green marbled bathroom continues the rich and sophisticated palette. A key feature of the bedroom is the hidden walk-in closet and dressing area, ingeniously concealed behind what appears to be standard picture-frame molding along one wall. This clever design element fulfills the husband's long-held wish for a secret room, a concept Picard kept in mind throughout the design process. The apartment also incorporates practical and discreet storage solutions. The dining area, which doubles as a workspace for the owners, features built-in shelves behind the marble dining table, perfect for storing art books. Additional hidden storage for tablecloths and serveware is integrated beneath the bench seat and on either side of the shelves. To preserve the apartment's original crown molding, these cabinets are designed to stop just below the full ceiling height. In contrast to the vibrant hues in other parts of the apartment, the open-concept living space adopts a quieter aesthetic with a cool white paint. This choice was made to complement the sage green dining room shelving and to provide a more serene environment where the owners can focus on their work. In the evenings, the living area transforms into a cozy retreat with a mix of sleek mid-century furniture, many pieces upholstered in velvet, offering a comfortable space for relaxation and entertaining. The homeowners recall sharing wine with neighbors during the 18-month renovation, a distant memory now that the project is complete and they can fully enjoy their transformed home. #ParisApartment #ThibautPicard #InteriorDesign #HiddenStorage #ColorPalette #LuxuryLiving #HomeTours #Renovation #MidCenturyModern

The article showcases the 323-square-foot apartment of interior designer Hugo Toro, located on the second floor of a 1930s building in Paris’s 10th arrondissement. Renovated by Toro in 2018, the compact space is characterized by a rich interplay of texture and color, reflecting his French and Mexican heritage. The apartment comprises a living room, an open kitchen, a bedroom with a closet, and a bathroom. Each area is thoughtfully furnished with custom pieces designed by Toro himself, alongside a curated selection of vintage and contemporary objects sourced from various eras and international locations, including Mexico and France. A central design theme throughout the apartment is the deliberate use of red and green, a color palette chosen to echo the vibrant artistic expressions of renowned Mexican creatives such as painter Diego Rivera and architect Luis Barragán. In certain sections of both the living room and bedroom, Toro incorporated an aluminum veneer on the walls. This design element was conceived to evoke a sense of travel, specifically reminiscent of the atmosphere found within an old train or boat. The open kitchen, an integral part of the main living space, features unique rounded cabinets crafted from Macassar ebony, accented with brass edges, and topped with Rainforest stone countertops. A notable detail is a small porthole strategically placed on the red-painted wall between the kitchen and the bathroom, serving as a subtle homage to the influential French architect Charlotte Perriand. The flooring throughout the kitchen and living area extends into the bedroom, consisting of lacquered parquet made from solid natural oak, ensuring a cohesive flow. The living room is furnished with a custom L-shaped sofa, upholstered in emerald-green velvet fabric by Pierre Frey, with brass formwork that harmonizes with the detailing on the kitchen cabinets. In the bedroom, the walls are painted in a pale-green hue, Lichen green by Farrow & Ball, creating a contrasting yet complementary ambiance to the red in the main living space. The custom bed and closet in the bedroom are made from mahogany and natural cane. An Alualéatoure chair by Hélène de Saint Lager serves as a unique nightstand, supporting a pink ceramic lamp by Entler Studio. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation also focused on enhancing functionality and comfort. New double-glazed windows were installed to provide optimal sound and thermal insulation, and the floor and ceiling were soundproofed with acoustic screeds. Modern technological integrations include an integrated sound system controllable via a mobile app, a retractable TV screen, and a centrally controlled lighting system. The bathroom features a custom-designed Breccia Parma stone sink, paired with a wicker mirror, mahogany furniture, and an onyx soap holder sourced from Mexico. This meticulously designed Parisian apartment, showcasing Hugo Toro's distinctive style and attention to detail, is currently listed for sale at €410,000. #ParisApartment #InteriorDesign #HugoToro #SmallSpaceLiving #VibrantDecor #CustomFurniture #MexicanInfluence #FrenchDesign #LuxuryInteriors

For nearly five decades, beginning in 1969, Jean-Paul Beaujard, a Burgundy-born antiques dealer, established himself as a leading authority on 19th-century French aesthetics on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. His eponymous shop on East 76th Street was renowned for its curated blend of Napoleon Bonaparte’s First Empire style, characterized by disciplined stripes and allusions to Ancient Egypt and Imperial Rome, alongside the late 19th-century Art Nouveau furnishings of French cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle. Beaujard, who developed a passion for antiques at a young age, utilized his Art Deco duplex apartment in New York as a personal canvas for his eclectic tastes. He frequently reconfigured his living spaces, incorporating diverse pieces such as a lion paw table in the Troubadour style of Charles X or a giltwood velvet-covered sofa alongside a seven-foot-tall palm tree crafted from brass and steel. His personal aesthetic extended beyond 19th-century French furnishings, drawing inspiration from 18th-century Pavlovsk Palace watercolors, the large-scale oils of French painter Felix Courché, and the work of Parisian decorator Madeleine Castaing. In 2017, Beaujard made the significant decision to relocate permanently to Paris, his hometown, selling his duplex and closing his New York shop. He had owned a 2,200-square-foot apartment in an Art Nouveau building in the Seventh Arrondissement of Paris for over two decades, previously using it primarily during buying trips. Initially, the apartment's decor was relatively minimalist, featuring ivory and wheat tones, despite his extensive restoration of its surfaces, including parquetry floors and boiserie. Since his return to Paris, Beaujard has transformed the two-bedroom penthouse, infusing it with his characteristic theatricality and a newfound sense of insouciance. The apartment boasts a 25-foot-tall octagonal salon at its center, with terraces offering views of the neighborhood's mansard roofs. An internal rounded balcony on the second floor overlooks the living room and provides views of Notre-Dame through floor-to-ceiling windows. This space now serves as a vibrant amalgamation of furnishings spanning two centuries, transitioning between explosively decorative and airily calming elements. Beaujard emphasizes that his design philosophy is driven by instinct, finding connections between objects regardless of their monetary value. The large, moodily lit entry hall features a mahogany Empire console adorned with Sèvres vases from the 1870s and a 19th-century marble bust of Louis XVI. An expansive early 1800s eight-panel Coromandel screen, painted with rural Chinese scenes, is used to delineate an area for dinner parties. A gently illuminated niche showcases a collection of emerald green-edged Paris porcelain plates from the 1840s, each depicting a different flower. The center of the room is anchored by two forest green velvet 19th-century Italian sofas and a round pale pink silk borne settee, reminiscent of genteel French parlors during the Belle Époque. Beaujard's liberal use of these hues and animal prints in carpets and wallcoverings echoes the preferences of Madeleine Castaing, whose eclectic mixing of high and low influenced his warm and informal approach. He continues to acquire and sell pieces, often through Instagram and 1stDibs. The salon is painted in a celadon shade, also favored by Castaing, and features trompe l’oeil marble columns. In the evening, the crystal chandelier and terrace lights reflect in mirrored panels, creating an 'alchemical' effect. The top floor houses Beaujard’s bedroom and a guest room, both designed with a breezy and debonair aesthetic in pale white and yellow tones with accents of ebony and chocolate. These spaces blend formal late 19th-century French design with fanciful postwar modernism. The polymathic writer and filmmaker Jean Cocteau, a significant influence on Beaujard, is celebrated in the bedroom with a grid of framed illustrations by Bernard Buffet from Cocteau’s 1930 play “La Voix Humaine.” A life-size blackened bronze bust by Cocteau of his lover, Jean Marais, depicted as a faun, rests on an 1874 bamboo cart. This sculpture, a gift from a friend, has traveled with Beaujard across the Atlantic multiple times, symbolizing an enduring commitment to beauty and personal ethos. While many objects may find new homes, some, like this sculpture, are destined to remain with him. #ParisApartment #AntiquesDealer #FrenchDesign #InteriorDesign #EclecticDecor #ArtNouveau #EmpireStyle #19thCenturyFurnishings #JeanPaulBeaujard

In Paris, BETH X EPISTĒMĒ STUDIO transformed a 248-square-foot (23-square-meter) studio apartment into a minimalist and functional living space. The design prioritizes efficiency and aesthetic appeal, demonstrating how small spaces can be optimized without sacrificing comfort or style. The central element of the apartment is a custom-built, raised platform made of okoumé wood. This platform serves multiple functions, integrating a sleeping area, a dining table or desk, and concealed storage. Its adaptable nature maximizes flexibility while maintaining an uncluttered floor plan. A notable feature of the raised platform is the built-in table, which draws inspiration from Japanese zataku, designed for floor seating. However, it incorporates a modern ergonomic adjustment: the platform is raised high enough to allow occupants to dangle their feet comfortably, improving comfort during meals or work sessions. This detail blends traditional design principles with contemporary needs. Every component within the apartment is custom-designed to enhance efficiency and maintain design cohesion. For instance, a bookshelf seamlessly transitions into a headboard, while a retractable desk can be tucked away into a storage module when not in use. Additionally, a wall-mounted Murphy bed further conserves space, allowing the apartment to transform with ease. These integrated solutions create an intentional and balanced interior, where each element serves multiple purposes without contributing to visual clutter. The material palette for the apartment is soft and natural, featuring light-toned wood, polished concrete, matte plywood, and aged brass. These materials create a calming and serene environment with a tactile quality. Linear lighting and clean architectural lines enhance the clarity of the space, promoting an open feel without making the area seem rigid or impersonal. Instead of using conventional walls to divide the compact apartment, BETH X EPISTĒMĒ STUDIO utilized built-in storage solutions and subtle shifts in surface levels to delineate different zones. Light is employed as a guiding element, facilitating movement and visually connecting various areas, contributing to an uninterrupted flow throughout the space. The design successfully avoids the common pitfall of minimalist interiors appearing sterile. Instead, it embodies a warm minimalism, influenced by Japanese aesthetics and the serene qualities of desert landscapes. The apartment achieves a cocoon-like atmosphere, offering its resident a sense of quiet comfort while remaining highly adaptable to evolving needs. This project exemplifies how small-scale design can be both functional and human-centric, balancing precision with softness to create a harmonious living environment. #ParisianApartment #StudioDesign #MinimalistInterior #SmallSpaceLiving #FunctionalDesign #CustomFurniture #JapaneseAesthetics #BethXEpistemeStudio #HomeDecor

Architect Yacine Bensalem, founder of In Situ & Partners, led the renovation of an elegant Haussmann-style Paris apartment situated in the 16th arrondissement. The project aimed to preserve the aesthetic codes of a classic Parisian apartment while seamlessly integrating modern functionality. Drawing inspiration from the apartment’s 19th-century deeds, the renovation meticulously recreated the original rhythms of the space, adhering to Haussmannian rules while incorporating British and Asian influences inherent in the firm's design philosophy. The outcome is a sophisticated and refined living space that highlights exquisite craftsmanship through handmade finishes and custom pieces, all crafted by Italian and French artisans. Bensalem's aesthetic is evident in the subtle fusion of styles. The hallway, for instance, features leather and bronze shelves that introduce a touch of Asian glamour, a theme echoed in the Japanese-style resin shelves above the living room fireplace. Designed to mimic an outdoor space, the hallway acts as a transition zone between the private and public areas of the home, featuring lantern-style lighting and geometric marble flooring that evoke the atrium of a Parisian mansion. Despite the previous owner removing many distinctive Haussmannian elements like parquet flooring and original moldings, the apartment’s monumental entrance, high ceilings, large windows, and an incomparable view of the Eiffel Tower provided a strong foundation for imagining its original grandeur. The material and color palette were carefully selected to align with classic Haussmannian codes. Walls and ceilings were painted in natural ivory, complementing the lightly patinated herringbone oak parquet, which was chosen to convey a sense of lived-in history. The study and powder room feature dark oak paneling, reflecting British design influences. The long hallway’s flooring boasts a traditional 19th-century geometric pattern in grey, black, and white Italian marble, a motif that extends to the contemporary kitchen with contrasting grey and rust-colored wall tiles. The furniture for the living area and other spaces was a blend of custom-made pieces and curated design elements. Collaboration with skilled Italian and French artisans was crucial, ensuring that many elements were custom-made to personalize the rooms. Notable pieces include Kartell armchairs and Flos lamps, complemented by antique items such as the mirror above the dining room fireplace. The dining room also features a custom-made dining table, couch, and lighting, alongside pieces like Sinai wooden coffee tables by Cattelan Italia and a blue Febo armchair by B&B Italia. Custom rugs by GC further enhance the tailored feel of the apartment. One of the primary challenges of the project, beyond the logistical difficulties posed by the Covid pandemic, was authentically capturing the Haussmann spirit while infusing it with In Situ & Partners' unique style. Bensalem's extensive background in classical French architecture, honed during his 14 years of studying and working in Paris, proved invaluable. The project deliberately went against the prevailing trend of devaluing classical interior design, demonstrating a commitment to historical accuracy and cultural identity. The interaction with art was also a key aspect, with numerous works by Pierre Bonnefille, a Maître d'art, chosen for their poetic and contemporary representation of tradition, aligning with the project's artistic and poetic guiding principles and its deep respect for craftsmanship. #HaussmannStyle #ParisApartment #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #InSituAndPartners #TraditionalModernMix #FrenchArchitecture #CustomCraftsmanship #ArtIntegration

This blog post highlights a distinctive one-bedroom apartment available for rent on the parlor floor of a brownstone located at 57 Halsey Street in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. The apartment stands out due to its rich array of original architectural details, which are uncommon in typical rental properties. These features include extensive original woodwork, such as intricately carved mantels, detailed wainscoting, and built-in cabinetry, all contributing to a historic and ornate aesthetic. Further enhancing its unique character, the unit boasts functional pocket doors, elegant bay windows positioned at both the front and rear of the apartment, and decorative stained-glass window transoms. These elements collectively present a living space that merges historical charm with modern living. The building itself has undergone recent renovations, ensuring that the entire house, including this unit, is in excellent condition. Potential renters are informed that two other units within the same building are also listed for rent, indicating a comprehensive renovation of the property. A contrasting design choice is observed in the kitchen, which is described as brand-new, simple, and modern. This contemporary kitchen is equipped with a six-burner gas stove and offers adequate cabinet space, providing a functional area for cooking. While the juxtaposition of the modern kitchen with the traditional mahogany splendor of the rest of the apartment might be perceived as jarring by some, it serves to create a distinct aesthetic balance within the home. The apartment offers a spacious layout, featuring a generously sized bedroom situated at the rear of the unit and a full dining room located in the middle. The dining room is notable for its marble flooring, an element that adds a touch of luxury, though its appeal may vary among individuals. A bathroom is present within the unit, though specific details or images of it are not provided in the post. Convenience is a significant advantage of this rental property, as it is strategically located near the A/C subway lines at Nostrand Avenue, facilitating easy commutes and access to various parts of the city. The apartment is listed as a no-fee rental by Jason Garcia of Citi Habitats and is priced at $3,999 per month. The article concludes by inviting readers to consider the competitiveness of this price point for a one-bedroom apartment in the Bed Stuy area, prompting reflection on whether its unique features justify the asking rent. #BedStuy #BrooklynRealEstate #ApartmentForRent #VictorianArchitecture #HistoricHome #LuxuryRental #InteriorDesign #OriginalWoodwork

SABO Project, led by founder and principal Alex Delaunay, undertook the renovation of a 1920s Paris loft, transforming an impractical and dated space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing home. The loft was initially not legally habitable, but Delaunay recognized its potential for simple and pure design with harmonious proportions. The clients, a young French couple, were presented with evidence of underlying concrete, which Delaunay suspected was hidden beneath layers of stucco and paint throughout the apartment. During the demolition phase, Delaunay's hunch was confirmed as rough concrete was uncovered on the ceilings and columns. This discovery became a central element of the renovation, with the exposed and varnished concrete serving as a focal point and a connection to the loft's historical context. However, not all existing features were retained; the previous layout was inefficient, with living spaces positioned away from windows, limiting natural light and views. The living room was awkwardly located near the entrance, and a corner bedroom received minimal natural light. Initially considering a series of distinct volumes to address these issues, Delaunay determined that the 872-square-foot apartment was too small for such an approach. Instead, he opted for a single, integrated enclosure that efficiently combines the master suite, storage, and a lofted guest bedroom. Delaunay conceptualizes this structure as a 'piece of furniture' that also functions as a sleeping area. Access to the guest sleeping area is provided by simple white stairs, deliberately designed not to overshadow the living space, a departure from Delaunay's previous projects where staircases were often dramatic features. The multi-functional volume features doors on three sides and a wall of custom-punched aluminum shutters on the front. The gypsum-board-and-steel structure is clad in champagne-hued anodized aluminum, chosen for its reflective quality without creating a mirror effect. Beneath the aluminum, sound-dampening acoustic paneling is integrated. The perforated aluminum shutters, which cover translucent twin-wall polycarbonate panels, were the result of 40 design iterations, balancing aesthetic appeal with technical requirements. These perforations allow natural light to filter into the internal spaces, creating a diffused, dappled light effect reminiscent of sunlight through foliage, an effect favored by the clients who often keep the shutters closed. #SABOProject #ParisLoftRenovation #InteriorDesign #LoftConversion #ConcreteArchitecture #AnodizedAluminum #SpaceOptimization #ModernRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign

This article showcases a modern loft apartment in Brooklyn, New York, situated within one of the borough's last historic factory-to-residential conversions. The project was led by Brooklyn-based architect Alloy, with the interior design crafted by Rebecca Robertson of RR Interiors. The apartment is located in the Dumbo neighborhood, occupying two 100-year-old paint factory buildings, one from 1891 (Brick and Timber) and another from 1921 (Daylight Factory). Alloy’s architecture team meticulously preserved many of the buildings’ historic elements, setting the stage for Robertson’s contemporary design vision for a Brooklyn family. A key feature of the loft is the abundance of natural light provided by huge factory-style steel windows that encircle the space. Rebecca Robertson’s design philosophy aimed to create a 'lived-in' rather than 'decorated' feel, achieved through a layered approach using soft, organic textures, carefully selected furnishings, artwork, and accessories. Her firm, RR Interiors, specializes in antique furnishings and unique finds, sourcing items from small vendors and craftspeople to give the space a collected and curated aesthetic. Considering the evolving role of homes as central hubs for work, family, and personal life, the design incorporates flexible spaces. Separate corners are dedicated for working, studying, or family activities. A notable example is a long desk designed for two, created in collaboration with Alloy and Braga Woodworks, which can be reassembled into two individual, portable desks for versatility within the apartment. The master bedroom is designed to exude a calming atmosphere, utilizing a neutral color palette. A distinctive element in this room is the white oak Tambor wood wall behind the headboard, which ingeniously conceals a wardrobe. The children’s room features a whimsical wallpaper mural by Rebel Walls, titled “Bellewood.” The designer balanced everyday practical items, such as a Crate and Barrel bunk bed, with iconic design pieces like the Lamp de Marseille by Le Corbusier, blending functionality with distinct style. This Brooklyn loft exemplifies a successful integration of historical industrial architecture with modern, comfortable, and adaptable living spaces, reflecting a thoughtful approach to contemporary urban dwelling. #NewYorkLoft #FactoryConversion #BrooklynDumbo #ModernInteriorDesign #RebeccaRobertsonInteriors #AlloyDevelopment #IndustrialChic #HistoricPreservation #FlexibleLivingSpaces

Interior designer Olga Ashby transformed a 1911 Haussmann building pied-à-terre in Paris's 7th arrondissement into a sophisticated and welcoming space designed for both large gatherings and tranquil relaxation. Spanning 1,615 square feet on the Rive Gauche, the apartment features a spacious entertainment living-dining area, two studies, and two bedrooms, meticulously curated with refined art and design pieces. Ashby's vision was to create an "easy hedonistic experience" that embodies the effortless elegance of Parisian life with a modern twist. The design ethos centers around a livable cabinet of curiosities, incorporating hidden doors and charming architectural details. The apartment showcases a blend of contemporary and bespoke creations, with collaborations involving notable brands such as Dedar, Sacco Carpet, and Phillip Jeffries. A unifying element throughout the space is the consistent use of light travertine with gray stripes, which appears in the kitchen, as a bar support in the living room, on the fireplace in the second bedroom, and in the main bathroom's basin unit. The material palette is further enriched with sophisticated touches of red marble, wool, and silk, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the rooms. Circular movement was a key consideration in the design of each room, intended to foster flow and connection within the apartment. Ashby drew inspiration from the city's outdoor ambiance to inform her color scheme, opting for a serene palette of beige and gray in the living room. The rest of the apartment features earthy tones, punctuated by vibrant hues introduced through carefully selected art pieces. This thoughtful approach to color and texture contributes to the home's distinctly French feel, balancing classic elements with contemporary design principles, functionality, and artistic expression. Throughout the pied-à-terre, bespoke furnishings and fixtures are prominently featured. The living room includes wall coverings by Phillip Jeffries and a Trizo21 ceiling light. A curved sofa from Ashby's "River flow collection" is upholstered in Dedar (Lamberto), complemented by vintage armchairs upholstered in Dedar (Vuk). The main bedroom features a bed and a rug that are collaborations between TIH Joinery, Olga Ashby, and Sacco Carpet, respectively. The entrance hall is adorned with Nathalie Katwal's "Majorele" wall art. In a study area, a rug depicting sun rays is a joint design by Sacco Carpet and Olga Ashby, accompanied by foot stools from Liang and Eimil, upholstered in Dedar (Tiger Beat and A Soft Place). The dining area showcases an ovular wooden table designed by Olga Ashby and Three One Four studio, paired with vintage chairs upholstered in Dedar (A soft place). A dining bench is a custom piece by THI joinery, designed by Ashby and upholstered in Dedar (Alpakhan). The main bathroom features a Lusso Stone bath. The guest office includes a desk by TIH Joinery, designed by Olga Ashby, and an NV Gallery chair upholstered in Dedar (A soft place). The kitchen, with fronts designed by Olga Ashby and TIH joinery, is equipped with ArchiProMenager appliances and Hudson Valley wall lights. The main study features a TIH desk upholstered in Majilite fabric (Finesse Ivory) and bookshelves, both collaborative designs by Ashby and TIH joinery, which include Vellum Faux Books. These details collectively underscore the apartment’s blend of Parisian elegance with modern design and artistic flair. #ParisianPiedATerre #InteriorDesign #OlgaAshby #HaussmannBuilding #LuxuryApartment #BespokeFurniture #FrenchElegance #ContemporaryDesign #HomeDecor

Interior designer Charlie Ferrer's new Greenwich Village apartment in New York City is a testament to his evolving aesthetic, moving from a "spare masculine" midcentury modernism to a more eclectic, colorful, and "granny feminine vibe." Ferrer sought a pre-war building with a working fireplace in the West Village, a combination he found in a 1931 Bing & Bing condominium on Christopher Street, directly above the Stonewall Inn. This location, described as a "dynamic little intersection of energies," offered a livelier environment than his previous Chelsea residences. His stylistic shift mirrors a personal transformation, having grown up in Greenwich, Connecticut, with a "heteronormative white preppy" aesthetic. After moving to Los Angeles, coming out, and entering the furniture business, his design preferences naturally broadened. As a largely self-taught interior designer, Ferrer has expanded his studio to include luxury condominium model apartments and a vintage furniture collaboration with CB2. He notes that different projects and evolving interests taught him to integrate pattern and color into his designs. The apartment's inherent pre-war character, with its solid proportions and charming details like entry vestibule railings, facilitated this transition towards a layered and collected look. Ferrer, who also operates his own vintage design gallery, furnished the apartment by hand-picking pieces from his inventory. He describes his approach as "iterative or incremental, based on discoveries," rather than a pre-conceived "full vision." This method involved customizing chosen items to ensure they complemented each other. Examples of his unique customization include a sofa with added pleats, cast-bronze animal claw feet, and magenta piping. A swiveling "Elda" chair by Joe Colombo, selected for its "weirdness quotient," was reupholstered in a dark green alpaca-hair fabric. Striking molded acrylic dining chairs were given chartreuse-hued textile cushions to contrast with their rosy-amber bases, a design choice Ferrer playfully admits few clients would approve. These chairs pair with an antique wooden table featuring a figurative bronze sculpture by French artist César. In the bedroom, a 1930s archival print from French textile house Le Manach covers the bed, which Ferrer affectionately calls "grandma, but I think it’s super sexy." Above the bed hangs a collection of small crosses from a Parisian estate sale, recontextualized by Ferrer as an "aesthetic gesture" rather than a religious symbol. Unexpected details also appear in the kitchen, where the cabinet interiors are finished in Hermès-orange, contrasting with a wall lined in textured grasscloth. Ferrer justified the choice of absorbent grasscloth due to his minimal cooking habits. Ferrer continuously refines the apartment's details, even installing a new fireplace mantel just before the photo shoot. This collector's approach to interior design has created a personal sanctuary that balances the vibrant energy of the neighborhood with a distinctively curated aesthetic. The apartment serves as a compelling example of how personal narrative, playful experimentation, and a passion for vintage finds can converge to create a truly unique and evolving living space, demonstrating that personality and character can triumph over larger, more conventional layouts. #InteriorDesign #CharlieFerrer #NewYorkApartment #VintageFurniture #EclecticDecor #PreWarBuilding #DesignEvolution #CustomInteriors #GreenwichVillage