In Paris, an Apartment Built on Heirlooms and Wicker (Published 2022)

Paris Design Week 2024, held from January 18 to 22, showcased a diverse array of new launches in fabric, wallpaper, lighting, and furniture across various arrondissements of the French capital. Despite sub-zero temperatures, the event attracted significant crowds, with St Germain serving as a central hub for Paris Deco Off and Maison Objet In The City, hosting over 100 showrooms, apartments, and pop-up spaces. Key highlights included Dedar Milano's 'Contemporary Archives' collection, which featured an eclectic mix of classical and contemporary styles. Noteworthy were three new interpretations of their woven jacquard tiger’s skin, available in varying scales of deep orange tiger-print fabrics. Sahco, with its 200-year textile legacy, presented designs inspired by 'Neo-classicism in the North,' including 'Deedee' (a graphic polka dot), 'Fiorella' (an epic flower design), and 'Satora' (a vibrant leopard print). Loro Piana showcased new products focusing on personalization for various home areas, displayed in an apartment with Eiffel-designed ceiling beams. Their offerings included customizable tablecloths, placemats, runners, linen napkins with embroidery and openwork, organic cotton and linen bedding, and a cashmere blanket with chevron ribbon options. They also introduced the 'Sils Stripe' rug, handwoven in New Zealand wool, and new indoor fabrics like Harris Tweed interpretation (Hebrides), a cashmere and wool mix (Khangai), a hemp/jute/cotton/viscose blend (Tusco), and an ultra-soft cashmere and linen (Ponente). A selection of outdoor fabrics with high recycled content was also featured. Studio Liaigre presented a capsule collection of five pieces, including seating and lighting, originally designed by Christian Liaigre for Hotel Costes, embodying clean lines and simplicity in neutral palettes. Delcourt Collection celebrated its 30th anniversary with the 'Piece By Piece' series of contemporary furniture and new textiles, reflecting Christophe Delcourt's discreet French excellence, highlighted by the 'Nin' console and the 'Oko' side table. The Socialite Family curated 'La Scopa' in a classic Parisian apartment, drawing inspiration from a centuries-old Italian game. This temporary exhibition featured their latest furniture, homeware, and art, intertwined with items from Puces de Saint-Owen, with the 'Rotondo' modular sofa being a standout piece. Tolix unveiled the completed 'Patio' collection by the late Pauline Deltour, showcased at the Septieme Gallery, extending the iconic galvanized chair line with considered design, material finishes, and colors. Ligne Roset announced a series of 18 designs by midcentury designer Pierre Guariche, to be released through Cinna. Creative director Michel Roset emphasized Guariche's natural fit with Ligne Roset's avant-garde ethos, with pieces like the 'Vallée Blanche' chaise longue expected to launch in May 2024. Project 213A, founded in 2020, debuted at Paris Design Week with sustainable, well-crafted furniture and homeware, including lighting, artisanal ceramics, and handcrafted wooden pieces like the 'Mirror' lounge chair and 'Porto' modular sofa, made by local craftsmen in Northern Portugal. Little Greene introduced 'National Trust Papers IV,' its fourth collaboration with The National Trust, featuring eight wallpaper designs from historic properties in freshly imagined, contemporary colorways. Rubelli, under new creative directors Formafantasma, launched the 'Gardens' collection, a botanical-themed range with literal and abstract designs in sherbet hues. Hermès unveiled a new tableware collection by Benoît-Pierre Emery, featuring fine drawings by Virginie Jamin inspired by equestrian braiding, colored in tangy hues of lemon, mint, and petrol blue alongside natural leather shades. Fromental collaborated with Marta Sala Éditions for 'The New Guilded Age,' showcasing four distinctive wallcoverings—Haiku, Molten, Equus, and Kiku Garden—in curated rooms with Marta Sala Éditions furniture. #ParisDesignWeek #InteriorDesign #FurnitureDesign #TextileDesign #Wallpaper #HomeDecor #LuxuryInteriors #DesignExhibition #FrenchDesign

Paris Design Week 2025 showcased a diverse array of innovative and luxurious home decor and furniture designs from various international brands and designers. The event featured installations and new product launches across different venues, including Maison&Objet; and Déco Off, attracting interior design professionals and enthusiasts. Pierre Frey transformed the historic Hôtel de Guise into an immersive experience, presenting its first in-house furniture line, the sand-dune-inspired Déserts collection, and Chroma, a plush cotton velvet created in collaboration with India Mahdavi. The installation was enveloped in scenography by French artist Elizabeth Leriche, showcasing a rich array of patterns and textures. Design Rendezvous, a pop-up on Rue Guénard, featured collaborative works. Jiun Ho's Piedra chair was displayed with JG Switzer’s hand-felted upholstery, alongside Sarah Von Dreele’s metallic cork Ascend wallcovering, and Parete’s new collaboration with Scottish rug designer Wendy Morrison, highlighting unique textures and artistic expressions. Lala Curio's founder, Laura Cheung Wolf, unveiled the Feuillage collection at her private home. This couture-quality series of 10 intricately detailed wall panels, inspired by Japan's Yakushima Island, included designs like Fuki, Cabinet of Curiosities, and the namesake Feuillage, which incorporated wooden beadwork, raffia, and paillettes. Faye Toogood, named Maison&Objet;’s Designer of the Year 2025, presented “Womanifesto!”, a four-part retrospective. The exhibition featured archival furniture in surrealistic settings, such as drawing-room-inspired spaces with anthropometric lounge chairs and a forest-themed room adorned with tree-sized cardboard sunflowers and Toogood’s Woodlands wallcovering for Calico Wallpaper. Samuel & Sons collaborated with passementerie artist Elizabeth Ashdown for the vibrant Kaleidoscope collection. This line included 12 bold, multitonal woven designs, such as pom-pom fringes, scalloped braids, and tasseled borders, all crafted using centuries-old passementerie techniques. Tai Ping unveiled the Nakashima Edition, a collection of rugs that reimagines two original George Nakashima rug prototypes from 1959. The eight distinct designs included Migration I, Dark Moon II, and Bird Star II, paying homage to the late American architect and woodworker. De Gournay’s new introductions at Déco Off were inspired by avant-garde fashion designer Paul Poiret. The collections featured designs like the stippled, gilded silk Dunand and Pietra Dura, a colorful, vignette-style wallcovering accented with hand-painted blooms and birds, designed to evoke inlaid marble. Dedar showcased new textile designs, including the kid-mohair-covered Thank You for Sending Me an Angel velvet, the cloud-flecked Lilaz, and Queneau, a water-repellent wool satin available in over two dozen colorways. Aux Abris founder Karen Robert introduced the Alchemy collection, an old-world-style series printed on gleaming metal leaf grounds. Highlights included the Japanese mural-inspired Paradiso, the Italian Renaissance–driven Palazzo, the marbled Cosmo, and the olive-dotted Martini. The Pollack|Weitzner apartment featured playful patterns, with Pollack’s rhythmic Open Studio series and Spring 2025 additions to the Spring Street line. Lori Weitzner presented her Moorish architecture–inspired Alhambra as Muse collection, which included the polychromatic printed velvet, Intrigue. Zoffany’s previews attracted a notable crowd. The Indienne collection showcased block-print designs and collaborations with artists Charlie Calder-Potts and Melissa White. Upcoming launches included the historically informed Rare Textiles series and the pattern-rich Domino Velvets line. Féau Boiseries celebrated its 150th anniversary with a showcase from The Invisible Collection. The exhibition featured new Garcé & Dimofski–designed floorcoverings from Beni Rugs, sculptural pieces by Indian designer Ashiesh Shah, and newly acquired pieces from Mobilier National, such as Maison Leleu’s Panter chair. Fabricut presented Barry Dixon’s Elysium collection for Vervain, featuring designs like the marbleized ombre Pan Atlas, the pastoral Birds & Bittervine, and Cacao Nut, an enchanting trim with egg-shaped pom-poms. Schumacher’s showroom featured artisanal beauty, including a collection of fabric-sheathed light fixtures by French ceramist Elsa Foulon and a botanical fabric design, Flemish Tapestry, based on a 17th-century Belgian tapestry. Ralph Lauren Home released the Rue Bohème collection, a range of runway-ready textiles available through Designers Guild. The line, inspired by the fashion designer’s Spring 2024 fashion collection, included distressed cotton-linen florals, silk-blend ticking stripes, paint-splattered velvets, and botanical embroideries. CMO Paris introduced designs from its 2025 collection, including the braided Bamboo Petit Chevron wallcovering, the sheer, hand-spun Cashmere Degradé curtain fabric, and Wild Water Lily, a serene mural fashioned from all-natural aquatic fibers. Giobagnara showcased its latest designs, including Kelly Wearstler’s leather-accented Maris line, Glenn Sestig’s minimalist walnut Tanell bar table, and an Elie Saab monogram-stamped folding side table. The Vale London’s founder, Melinda Marquardt, unveiled the Maddox line, an homage to Bauhaus pioneers. The primary-color-drenched collection included 16 designs, such as the zigzagging Diana Stripe fabric, the Roman Holiday wallcovering, and the geometric Charlie upholstery. Belgian wallcoverings brand Omexco launched three collections: Light at Night, with 10 glimmering metallic designs like Stardust; Oase, featuring nine textural paper-weave patterns; and Pure, comprising a dozen soothing monochrome styles like Sensitive and Refined Earth. French furniture designer Franck Genser introduced the Morse series at his Parisian showroom apartment. The three-piece collection featured walrus-inspired designs, including a marble-topped coffee table with tusk-shaped legs and an iridescent neoprene-upholstered settee with a coordinating armchair. Arte’s Luster collection showcased four ultradimensional wall designs hand-inlaid with pearlescent capiz shells: Perula, Lucea, Abalone, and Cornice, available in multiple hues. Uchronia’s “What’s New? In Hospitality” installation, designed by Julien Sebban, featured a retro-fueled aesthetic with a hand-curated color palette by Tonester Paints. The display included a round, 1970s-style bed by Treca Paris and Diesel Living’s dinnerware for Seletti. L’Objet collaborated with South African artist Ruan Hoffmann for a highly collectible ceramic line. The 13 playful pieces, adorned with 24-karat gold finishes, included the three-dimensional Love You More plate and a three-wick candle with a mask-like lid. These debuts collectively demonstrated a trend towards luxurious materials, artisanal craftsmanship, historical inspirations, and bold artistic expressions, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the future of interior design. #ParisDesignWeek #MaisonObjet #DecoOff #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FurnitureDesign #TextileDesign #Wallcovering #LuxuryDesign

This article explores a New York home designed by Ania Dunlop, founder of Home for Zen, which draws significant inspiration from modern Parisian aesthetics. The renovation aimed to blend Parisian chic with a Mediterranean setting, resulting in a vibrant, modern, and sophisticated family home. The residence, located near NYC, underwent a complete gut renovation to harmonize clean lines, luxurious textures, and a soft color palette while preserving its original grandeur and architectural elements. The design emphasizes a unique fusion of styles, celebrating both traditional elegance and contemporary flair. One of the key lessons highlighted is the enhanced Parisian flair achieved through the strategic incorporation of art. Ania Dunlop prioritized modern art and murals to inject a sense of 'happiness and youthful energy' into the space, creating a balanced and inviting ambiance. The collection includes pieces from local galleries, with a notable mention of "Eternal Kate Moss" by Patrick Rubinstein, an interactive three-dimensional artwork that offers dynamic perspectives as viewers move around it. Murals are also utilized as an alternative to traditional wallpaper or paint, serving to transform the mood of each space. For instance, a tropical green wallpaper in the sunroom brings nature indoors, while a monochromatic black-and-white willow mural in the studio adds elegance and tranquility without overstimulation. The second lesson focuses on layered decor for pops of color and curated furnishings. Ania meticulously collected furniture and artworks over time, aiming to fill her home with heirlooms rather than mass-produced items. This approach ensures that every piece tells a compelling story of passions and experiences, making the home feel personal and exquisitely curated. The designer advocates for buying fewer, higher-quality items with a focus on workmanship and sustainability, a philosophy she extends to her clients by introducing them to artisans and handmade pieces. This thoughtful layering of decor contributes to the Parisian flair by creating a sense of timelessness and individuality. Luxe materials form the third essential element of the design. Ania is drawn to modern organic aesthetics that incorporate materials such as marble, ash, rift oak, shearling, mohair, bouclé, and handmade ceramics. These materials are used to create layered and edited interiors that are warm, serene, and authentic. Marble, in particular, is highlighted for its timeless elegance, natural beauty, and reflective qualities that enhance natural light, making spaces feel brighter and more open. The combination of marble with wooden elements, like a walnut floor lamp and an oak side table, adds richness and balance. Textiles such as plush rugs, throw pillows, and upholstery in complementary colors and textures introduce warmth and comfort, providing a contrast to hard surfaces and making the rooms more inviting, as seen with shearling ottomans and textured leather lounge chairs in the living room. The fourth lesson involves a calming color palette. While many Parisian homes feature bright white walls to maximize natural light, this home uses Decorator’s White from Benjamin Moore, a sleek, near-grey shade that brightens the space without strong undertones. The decor then punctuates these white walls with color. The muted color palette is intentionally applied to the ground floor's open-concept layout to create a seamless flow between rooms while still allowing each space to have its unique personality. The design emphasizes simplicity, the incorporation of nature, and the use of textures, soft colors, and modern bright artwork, all contributing to a harmonious feel throughout the home. Finally, the article discusses the preservation and enhancement of architectural elements. The home's traditional ornate crown molding was retained to maintain a grand scale reminiscent of Parisian design. Architectural features like the grand double staircases were streamlined but preserved, and windows were altered to a floor-to-ceiling style to welcome in abundant natural light. This thoughtful integration of existing architectural grandeur with modern design principles breathes new life into the space, marrying timeless elegance with a contemporary flair and creating a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic. #HomeDesign #ParisianStyle #InteriorDesign #LuxuryMaterials #ArtIntegration #ColorPalette #ArchitecturalElements #ModernHome #NewYorkDesign

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

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

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

This blog post showcases a meticulously redesigned Paris apartment, measuring 895 square feet (83 square meters), which exemplifies sophisticated small-space planning. The article details how interior designer Lichelle Silvestry transformed the compact 1909 building into a luxurious and elegant pied-à-terre without compromising on style. The redesign process began with a client's favorite painting, purchased at the Marché aux Puces, which subsequently dictated the apartment's warm color palette. This palette includes sienna, terracotta, plum, rose, and ivory, accented with black for contrast and depth. The living room, despite its modest size, has been cleverly configured to accommodate two distinct seating areas. One area features a bespoke sienna-colored curved sofa, oriented for television viewing, complemented by a unique dark bronze light sculpture designed by Philippe Antonioz, which serves as a central art piece. The other side of the living room adopts a more intimate, boudoir-like ambiance with a custom pink tête-à-tête sofa and two white armchairs arranged around a fireplace. A whimsical touch is added by a white taxidermy peacock named Psyche. The importance of texture is highlighted, with materials like bronze, silk, mohair, linen, velvet, heavy-veined marble, sisal, and jute used to create an illusion of spaciousness and luxury. Custom-made wool and jute rugs by Manufacture Pinton and Dedar fabrics further enhance the tactile experience. Innovative space-saving solutions are evident throughout the apartment. A discreet home office area is integrated into a corner of the living room, demonstrating that functional workspaces can blend seamlessly with the decor. The dining and kitchen areas are separated by a smart paneled and glazed partition wall, reminiscent of a traditional butler's pantry. This partition allows the kitchen to be visually distinct yet harmonious with the adjacent dining space. The dining nook itself features a striking terracotta corner banquette, a contemporary round dining table, and a mirrored backsplash, which amplifies the sense of space. The kitchen is designed with ivory cabinetry to maintain a cohesive aesthetic with the living areas. Despite its small footprint, it includes luxurious elements such as a Lacanche stove and calacatta viola countertops and backsplash. The guest bedroom provides a calm, sophisticated retreat with a neutral palette of ivory and black, while the gilt-framed painting subtly nods to its Parisian setting. The primary bedroom offers a more personalized design, inspired by the client's preference for vintage kimonos and birds. It features De Gournay wallpaper, an Ochre chandelier with Limoges porcelain tiers, and custom-made headboards, bedding, and decorative pillows in Rubelli and Dedar fabrics, with curtains and trimmings by Pierre Frey. The en-suite bathroom combines contemporary black tiles and a freestanding tub with the building's original period window and wrought-iron balcony, creating a balanced blend of old and new. The design choices collectively contribute to an impression of spaciousness and understated French sophistication, successfully addressing the challenges of limited space with thoughtful design and luxurious materials. #ParisApartment #SmallSpaceDesign #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #HomeTour #LichelleSilvestry #SpacePlanning #FrenchStyle #ElegantInteriors

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

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

Carmen Haid, a former PR guru known for her work with fashion icons like Yves Saint Laurent, Alber Elbaz, Hedi Slimane, and Tom Ford, now splits her time between London, her interior design studio and home in Marrakesh, and a penthouse apartment in Paris. Located in the 7th arrondissement near Le Bon Marché, her Parisian residence reflects her passion for vintage curation and design. Haid identifies herself as a “vintage curator,” adept at discovering exceptional pieces in Parisian markets, particularly silverware, as she notes France's appreciation for "the art of the table." She finds continuous inspiration in Paris's fashion, art, and design scene. Haid's current endeavor involves operating as a "design detective," meticulously sourcing vintage items and crafting original designs for her Atelier Mayer label. Initially launched in 2008 as an online platform for haute vintage fashion, Atelier Mayer was re-established in 2022 as an interiors brand specializing in rare vintage objects. This venture operates from her Marrakesh studio, Kasbah Tameslohte, which serves as a private retreat, showroom, and creative hub. In Marrakesh, Haid collaborates with local artisans, recently transforming a warehouse at the Mandarin Oriental hotel into an art and design space with the help of artist/architect Idriss Karnachi, art dealer Martin Summers, and designer Romeo Gigli. The Paris penthouse showcases numerous Atelier Mayer products, including home fragrances, hand soaps, scented candles in jewel-toned ceramics, and hand-woven cushions. Haid's journey into vintage furniture began out of necessity during a period of frequent relocation, including a stint in New York after Brexit. This personal experience evolved into a professional passion, as she now furnishes entire rooms for clients exclusively with vintage pieces. The apartment's decor is a personal narrative, featuring signed cards from Anna Wintour and photographs with esteemed designers. Haid collects graphics from the Wiener Werkstätte and the late-19th-century Vienna Secession movement. A significant collection of Yves Saint Laurent's original "Love" posters, sent to friends each Christmas between 1970 and 2007, adorns her walls, symbolizing her belief that a home should be filled with love. Beyond fashion history, Haid's interests include esoteric art, exemplified by the _Pole Star_ copper, eye-shaped artworks by Balland-Galante in her dining area. These contemporary pieces, while reminiscent of surrealist 1930s Schiaparelli, are regarded by Haid as "holistic art" that enhances emotional energy, leveraging copper's perceived therapeutic properties. Haid faced a challenge arranging her irregularly shaped bedroom, which has five differently edged walls, making feng shui difficult. To address this, she commissioned French artist Christina Maximoff to create a large gold-leaf mural, transforming the space into a peaceful and surreal sanctuary. Her apartment, situated near St Germain des Prés, also features bedrooms accessible via a spiral staircase, often hosting family and friends. Haid enjoys entertaining, creating elaborate soirées where guests can help themselves from numerous dishes and enjoy cocktails on the balcony with views of the Eiffel Tower. She draws inspiration from figures like Robin Birley, appreciating his combination of old-world dining etiquette with fun and chic. For Haid, true luxury in entertaining lies in meticulous attention to detail, transforming an event into a distinct experience. The master bedroom features a mural by Christina Maximoff and Hollywood Regency gilt palm lamps, while the guest bathroom is adorned with L’Échappée Belle wallpaper by French artist Delphine Cauly. The balcony furniture, made in Marrakesh, consists of bespoke zellige-tiled pieces and terracotta pots from Atelier Mayer. #CarmenHaid #ParisPenthouse #VintageDesign #AtelierMayer #InteriorDesign #FashionHistory #MarrakeshStudio #DesignCurator #LuxuryInteriors

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

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

Designer Wesley Moon's Park Avenue apartment, shared with fashion executive Salvatore Malleo, is a testament to blending classical grandeur with modern sensibilities. The two-bedroom prewar apartment, initially a 'plain white box,' underwent a studs-out renovation to infuse it with a rich sense of history and luxurious detail. Moon drew inspiration from the Vatican's grand architecture and diverse stone work, aiming to create a contemporary interpretation of classical aesthetics. This approach manifests in the lavish use of geological materials throughout the 1,750-square-foot space, such as Byzantine pink onyx doors in the primary bedroom and book-matched opera d’arte marble in the powder room. The apartment’s ‘Carrie Bradshaw moment’ refers to the meticulously designed dressing room, further emphasizing the blend of style and personal expression. The kitchen, once a stark 1977 renovation by I.M. Pei featuring white Formica, has been reimagined with Patagonia granite countertops and coffee-hued cerused oak walls, offering a warm and sophisticated atmosphere for Moon, an espresso martini enthusiast, and Malleo, who enjoys cooking. Despite having lived in the apartment for only a year since its renovation during the pandemic, the space exudes a high degree of collectedness. This is achieved through a profusion of art and objects spanning different styles and eras, all unified by Moon’s personal aesthetic philosophy: buying what he loves and believing that diverse pieces will coalesce harmoniously, a principle inherited from his upbringing on a Georgia farm. The dining room features a custom de Gournay wallpaper, painted on gold leaf with matte pigments, depicting the palatial Palermo church Maria Santissima del Carmelo, significant to Malleo’s family. Illuminated by an Eve Kaplan gilded ceramic chandelier, the scene achieves a remarkable three-dimensional quality. In contrast, the adjacent living area showcases a large-scale watercolor by Kelly Falzone Inouye, depicting a scene from the film '9 to 5,' celebrating Moon's idol, Dolly Parton, whose black-and-white Lego portrait also adorns the library. Moon's design expertise lies in his ability to navigate the subtle boundary between maximalism and almost-maximalism, characterized by unique customizations. He demonstrates this by showcasing the fringy backside of a Holland & Sherry drapery textile instead of its embroidered face. The marble fireplace mantel is transformed into an architectural showpiece with Art Deco-inspired molding embossed in python scales and finished in turquoise, a collaboration with Benjamin Wiener. A replica of a Dutch master’s portrait of Elizabeth I above the hearth is uniquely fragmented by artist Michael Mapes, incorporating an image of Moon's grandmother (also named Elizabeth), symbolizing the designer's distinctive approach to classical disruption. Other notable design elements include gilded wall panels in the living room inspired by Paris’s Restaurant Le Gabriel, ombré drapes by Rosemary Hallgarten in the primary bedroom, and a golden ceiling mural by MJ Atelier in the library. The gallery space features fluted, burnished plaster walls, providing a textured yet neutral backdrop for art, complemented by velvet knot stools by Neta Tesler and a Robert Polidori photograph. The powder room, despite its small size, is a lavish display of geological gems, including book-matched opera d’arte marble and a custom solid-onyx basin. The primary bedroom is upholstered in luxurious textiles from Fortuny, Toyine Sellers, and Jim Thompson, with an 18th-century tapestry headboard embellished with gold paint by Jane Henry. The guest bathroom also boasts a thoughtful mix of materials, such as Ondulare Rosso marble and black Kyoto wall tiles by Artistic Tile, alongside a 1950s Osvaldo Borsani mirror, demonstrating Moon's comprehensive attention to detail and ability to create a harmonious, yet richly layered, living environment. #InteriorDesign #LuxuryApartment #ParkAvenue #WesleyMoon #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomDesign #NewYorkCity

Retailer Merry Vose, known for her three clothing boutiques Cabana, Canary, and Clover, frequently travels to Paris for work, often accompanied by her close friend, interior designer Julie Hayes. While Vose focuses on fashion, Hayes explores flea markets and antique stores for design inspiration. Their shared experiences in Parisian Fashion Week, particularly the extraordinary apartments rented by designers, with their high ceilings, intricate moldings, and herringbone floors, significantly influenced Hayes. She envisioned creating a "Paris apartment in Dallas" for Vose. The friendship and professional collaboration between Vose and Hayes span two decades. Hayes initially designed Vose's home, and later, the interiors for her boutiques and vacation homes. In 2019, when Merry and Chad Vose purchased a new house in Preston Hollow, Hayes immediately recognized its potential. Despite being a contemporary one-story residence, the house featured fine millwork, well-proportioned rooms, and high ceilings, echoing the spaciousness and luxury (le luxe) that Hayes admired in Parisian architecture. The house, built in 2004 by architect Lewis Graeber III, is situated on two secluded acres. The interiors were envisioned as spaces for entertaining, given the couple's three grown sons. Architect Weldon Turner and builder Rusty Goff were engaged to undertake renovations, notably transforming the kitchen into a light and airy space reminiscent of a French patisserie. This involved raising and vaulting the ceiling, painting wood beams white, and installing parquet wood floors inspired by Parisian designs. A custom plaster range hood, crafted by Casci Ornamental Plaster, was designed to resemble a cupola from Printemps Haussmann, a famous Parisian department store. The gallery, a sunlit hallway connecting the entry to the main living areas, establishes the home's aesthetic. It features potted palm trees and vintage Louis XVI-style settees sourced from Casa Gusto in Palm Beach, drawing inspiration from a gallery at Le Bristol Paris. This elongated space also functions as an entertaining area, with tables set up for dining. Hayes notes a growing trend in home design to integrate dining spaces into various rooms, including living rooms and hallways, due to the absence of a dedicated dining room in many modern homes. The large living room, adorned with atmospheric Gracie wallpaper, boasts high ceilings and multiple seating arrangements, creating a glamorous ambiance. An intimate seating area is defined by a 1950s Italian rosewood banquette in its original white bouclé, discovered by Hayes at the Paul Bert Serpette antiques market in Paris. Vintage metal grotto chairs from Ceylon et Cie complement a mid-century brass table by Philip and Kelvin LaVerne, perfect for both dining and games. A tiger velvet sofa with blue pillows and Venetian glass lamps reflects the style of French designer Madeleine Castaing. On the opposite side, a formal dining setup features a sculptural table with a green marble top from Balsamo in New York City, paired with blue leather chairs, potentially by Maison Jansen. A custom rug, designed by Interior Resources, draws inspiration from Yves Saint Laurent’s home in Tangiers, adding to the decorative yet comfortable atmosphere. The design incorporates vibrant colors and patterns, reflecting Merry Vose's preferences, evident in her boutiques. The interiors feature sea-inspired blues and watery greens. Pink, a favored color, is prominently used in the main bedroom, with grasscloth walls, draperies, and a rug in varying shades, highlighting the Jim Thompson palm fabric on the bed. The library showcases a combination of green-lacquered walls and lavender accents. A set of 1950s Italian rosewood chairs, previously owned by Vose, with their original lavender leather upholstery, fit perfectly into this space. For Vose, the home serves as a sanctuary that evokes the feeling of a vacation, transporting her without requiring travel. Visitors have also noted this sense of being transported, especially when experiencing the living room with its Gracie wallpaper and lush greenery outside the windows. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DallasHomes #LuxuryInteriors #ParisianInfluence #Antiques #GracieWallpaper #CustomFurniture #DesignerCollaboration

This article details the transformation of a raw, 4,300-square-foot apartment in Philadelphia into a tranquil sanctuary from the bustling city, envisioned by its owner, a media executive. Interior designer Alexii Friedman of Studio Friedman collaborated with Mark Sanderson and Harris Ford of the architectural firm DIGSAU to achieve this vision. The apartment, initially a blank canvas with only stud walls, offered a unique opportunity for a design deeply rooted in craftsmanship and local artisan collaboration. The design process began with a significant piece the owner had already acquired: a custom walnut dining table by George Nakashima Woodworkers, which celebrates the natural beauty of wood. This selection set the tone for the entire project, emphasizing quality materials and the work of skilled makers. The owner's request for a peaceful retreat from the vibrant urban environment, despite the building housing a busy restaurant on its ground floor, guided every design choice. Key to the apartment's aesthetic is the extensive use of local craftsmanship. Renowned blacksmith Warren Holzman was commissioned by the architects to create several custom elements, including blackened steel doors and exquisite bronze louvered shutters. These shutters not only add a touch of sophistication but also provide privacy for the nine-foot-high windows, which face the city. Holzman also fabricated the home bar in the living area and metal shelves in the entryway, contributing to the apartment's refined, art-gallery-like atmosphere. Travertine plinths display sculptures, further enhancing this curated feel. To address the apartment's limited natural light, with windows on only two facades, a wall of reeded glass was incorporated behind the entryway shelves. This design solution effectively draws natural light deeper into the home's core. The walls throughout the apartment are finished with textured lime plaster, a testament to exceptional local artistry. Mark Sanderson explains that these walls were treated not merely as surfaces for art, but as artful elements themselves, complementing the owner's Impressionist and contemporary art collection. The striking fireplace, designed to blur the line between sculpture and structure, also features this unique plaster finish, anchoring the public spaces. The kitchen, a central element of the home, was meticulously designed after consulting with a New York chef. Its innovative layout includes a change in floor height, allowing the monolithic quartzite island to serve as both a standard work surface and a dining-height table. Adjacent to the kitchen is the apartment's most distinctive feature: a loggia. This space is equipped with custom retractable windows that can be fully opened, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living and creating a seamless connection with the leafy square below. The design intentionally echoes the park's natural elements through choices like the grass-seated dining chairs and a branching chandelier in the dining room. The owner's existing art collection was reframed and integrated with new contemporary pieces sourced by Alexii, ensuring a harmonious dialogue between all artworks. The project's success is attributed to the strong collaborative spirit among the homeowner, designer, and architects, highlighting a meticulous attention to detail, even down to the decision to forego doorknobs in some areas. This collaborative approach resulted in a cohesive and personalized living space that perfectly embodies the owner's desire for a calm and reflective home within an urban setting. #InteriorDesign #LuxuryApartment #PhiladelphiaHomes #CustomCraftsmanship #ArtisanCollaboration #UrbanSanctuary #ModernLiving #ArchitecturalDesign

Samantha Hauvette and Lucas Madani, a Parisian interior design duo, have transformed a 1,720-square-foot duplex apartment in Paris's 16th arrondissement for a young family. The apartment, located on the top two floors of a 1980s building, was originally decorated in an Art Deco style and featured extensive oak paneling. The designers, known for their affinity for wood, particularly stained and varnished maple, embraced the existing oak, which had been bleached by the sun over nearly 40 years. They salvaged all the panels, sanding and staining them a dark chestnut hue, reflecting their preference for unconventional wood tones and their philosophy of creating interiors that "sing" without relying heavily on colors or patterns. The apartment's lower level comprises public spaces, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms, while the upper level includes a reading space on a mezzanine and a parental suite with a 215-square-foot terrace. Due to the decision to preserve the original paneling, significant structural alterations were limited. The designers' primary modification involved removing a sliding partition between the dining room and kitchen. Most architectural elements, such as the brass staircase banister, the marble-and-brick fireplace, and the building’s elevator shaft integrated into the mezzanine, were retained. Notable changes included the addition of a trumeau mirror in the sitting room and a complete overhaul of the primary bathroom, which now features a 1930s-style oak vanity. Hauvette and Madani draw inspiration from various sources, including Art Deco maestro Jean-Michel Frank, the film "High Society," and the spirit of the 1970s, which they interpret as a lifestyle approach rather than a literal use of period plastics. They were particularly keen to incorporate the work of Pierre Paulin, whose curved furniture provides a counterpoint to the apartment's more rigid shell. The duo's design philosophy centers on achieving "équilibre" or equilibrium, often through the harmonious combination of furniture from different eras, fostering intriguing dialogues between pieces that might not stand out individually. In the sitting room, a vintage painted-wood console by André Sornay is paired with Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec’s angular Facett sofa, and a parchment-clad 1970s cocktail table by Aldo Tura rests on a traditional Mauritanian rug. A prominent feature is the large Isamu Noguchi paper pendant light suspended over the dining room table, chosen for its size and lightness to avoid overwhelming the existing wood paneling. Pale tones are used throughout to lighten the atmosphere, with a cool blue in the main bedroom and a moodier blue in the small kitchen. The kitchen walls were custom-painted by Austin Redfield Tondini and Violette Bonis Dattner, known for their patinated finishes that give the impression of age and permanence, aligning with the designers' aversion to overly new-looking interiors. The goal is for their projects to feel as if the design has always been there, seamlessly integrated into the space. #HauvetteMadani #ParisApartment #EclecticAccents #InteriorDesign #WoodPaneling #ArtDeco #VintageFurniture #PierrePaulin #DesignPhilosophy #ArchitecturalPreservation