A Designer’s Small but Sumptuous Apartment Lists for €410K in Paris

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

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

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

This article explores three Parisian design lessons from interior designer Marianne Evennou, focusing on how to effectively design small apartment spaces. The core principles emphasized are considering the layout, prioritizing storage, and designing according to individual needs. The article begins by highlighting the author's realization that even tiny apartments can be transformed into authentic and livable homes by applying these valuable teachings. The first lesson, "Consider your layout," stresses the importance of acknowledging the architectural context of a building and designing around it authentically. Evennou's project, 'Chez Bambi,' a less than 400 sq ft apartment in Rue de la Paix, exemplifies this. By opening up the kitchen to the living area and utilizing windows to enhance light, she created a cohesive vision where rooms felt connected and larger. The design aimed to avoid a fragmented feel, making the kitchen appear as a natural extension of the living space. The article further elaborates on how open-plan layouts can encourage unity and create an illusion of more space. Evennou employs interior windows, glass roofs, and various openings to create perspectives that lead the eye through the apartment, fostering a sense of an "inner journey" rather than confinement. Architectural elements are used to define distinct zones within the open space, for example, window panes separating the bedroom from the living room while allowing light to penetrate. This strategic placement helps create unique characters for each area without physical divisions. In 'Chez Bambi,' the bedroom was intentionally placed at the rear of the apartment to mitigate street noise, featuring glass windows that allow for enjoyment of the entire apartment's volume. The bedroom's design as a wooden-paneled cabin reflects a playful yet sophisticated approach to small-space living in a prime Parisian location. The second lesson, "Prioritize storage," is presented as crucial for small apartment design. Effective storage solutions are integral to accommodating furniture and decor while maintaining an uncluttered aesthetic. The 'Chez Rose' project in the Marais, a mere two hundred square feet, showcases Evennou's innovative storage strategies. For a client who purchased the apartment sight unseen during the pandemic, Evennou integrated the small kitchen seamlessly into the living space, making it both discreet and elegant. She utilized custom kitchen cabinets treated as art, featuring a bas-relief by her husband, Franck Evennou. A bespoke daybed served multiple functions, transforming from a bench during the day to a bed at night, with hidden storage behind curtains. Evennou emphasizes maximizing every square centimeter, including under-stairs and under-bed storage, niches for books, and multifunctional furniture like staircases that double as bookcases or desks. This approach ensures that the apartment caters to the client's needs for both a temporary Parisian residence and a functional workspace. The third lesson, "Design according to your needs," is illustrated by the 'Chez Anne' studio apartment, also in the Marais, measuring less than one hundred square feet. This project was designed for a university teacher who regularly visits Paris. Evennou prioritized the client's specific lifestyle, incorporating a trundle bed and sliding doors for the bathroom and dressing area to create a classic yet cozy atmosphere for weekend stays with her husband. Evennou's pragmatic approach involves organizing the space around fundamental activities such as sleeping, eating, washing, tidying, working, and relaxing, ensuring a specific area for each function. She intentionally avoids knocking down all walls and using a single color, which is often recommended for micro-apartments. Instead, she divides and splits the space, creating different worlds marked by distinct colors or materials, demonstrating that a small space can be functional and aesthetically rich. The article concludes with Evennou's final advice to treat small spaces with respect, choosing quality materials and decorating with elegance, charm, and poetry to transform them into intriguing and personality-packed homes. #SmallApartmentDesign #ParisianInterior #MarianneEvennou #SpaceOptimization #MultifunctionalFurniture #InteriorDesignTips #StorageSolutions #LayoutPlanning #FrenchDesign #StudioApartment

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

French design firm Le Berre Vevaud, comprising Raphaël Le Berre and Thomas Vevaud, undertook the transformation of a three-floor hôtel particulier in Paris’s 16th arrondissement into a functional and luxurious family home. The project aimed to integrate the art of living with comfort for an art-collecting couple and their two children. The initial impression of the property revealed grand volumes and abundant natural light, necessitating extensive redesign. The designers focused on the first-floor living area, dining room, and kitchen, creating an open-plan layout to maximize natural light. To address the six-meter-high ceilings, a mezzanine level was constructed. This elevated platform now serves as an office overlooking the dining room and offers a view of an olive tree. This intervention cleverly utilized vertical space while maintaining the flow and original decadent character of the property. Adjacent walls were opened to create a larger lateral room, framing views between the living and dining areas. The dining room features a cloudy gold leaf canvas by Anne Féat Gaiss, a black round-legged Olbia cabinet from Le Berre Vevaud’s own furniture collection, minimal Sophie S’Assoit chairs from Maison Dada, and a custom marble table beneath a vintage 1950s eight-arm chandelier. The living room showcases mural artwork by Martin Berger, black wood sculptures by Charles Kalpakian, Ignazio Gardella armchairs, and a cantilevered bronze coffee table by Yann Dessauvage. A carved screen in cut-out brushed oak veneer was added to partition the sitting area from the entranceway elevator, which connects to street level. The design draws inspiration from a combination of materials and textures, spanning the Art Deco period to the bold colors and forms of the Memphis movement. Le Berre Vevaud's expertise extended beyond architectural ingenuity to interpreting the couple's extensive art collection within a domestic context. In the entranceway, a 17th-century portrait by Hans Hansen Rasch is casually displayed above a custom Belize bronze console. A bedroom features a Sophie Calle photograph and a pink and gold patterned de Gournay screen by David/Nicolas, alongside a custom-designed bed, presented in an unassuming manner. The home not only provides a backdrop for a diverse art collection—including modern and contemporary sculptures, photographs, paintings, and classical pieces—but also incorporates a 1,000-square-foot spa. Le Berre and Vevaud repurposed part of the ground floor courtyard for this zen-like space. The staircase leading to the spa features dark materials and waxed concrete to create a subdued atmosphere and mimic natural stone textures. Under a gridded skylight, a raised platform houses a circular Jacuzzi. Opposite, a shower room and hammam sauna are adorned with minuscule mosaic tiles designed in collaboration with Beton Blanché, aiming to transport the owners into a tranquil environment within their home. #ParisianHome #HôtelParticulier #LeBerreVevaud #LuxuryDesign #ArtCollectorsHome #SpaDesign #InteriorArchitecture #FrenchDesign #Mezzanine #ArtIntegration

The Cabanon is a fully equipped, 75-square-foot apartment located on the top floor of a 1950s residential building in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Designed by architects Beatriz Ramo and Bernd Upmeyer of STAR Strategies + Architecture and BOARD, who also own and inhabit the space, the apartment is notable for its compact size and luxurious amenities, including two infrared saunas and a whirlpool bath. The architects describe it as potentially the world’s smallest apartment with a spa. The design concept for the Cabanon originated from the owners' desire for a voluntary reduction in living space without sacrificing luxury, coining the term 'epicurean reduction.' The apartment is organized into four distinct spaces, each varying in material and height to create a unique experience within the limited footprint. These spaces include a 10-foot-high living room, a 4-foot-high bedroom with integrated storage, a toilet with a rain-shower, and the dedicated spa area. The spa is conceptualized as a 'room within a room,' emphasizing its enclosed and private nature. The project involved converting an existing attic space, previously used for storage, into this functional living area. The Cabanon draws inspiration from Le Corbusier’s famous cabin on the Côte d'Azur, sharing the characteristic of being designed and used by its architects. However, the Rotterdam Cabanon is half the size of Le Corbusier’s unit and is designed to be fully autonomous and suitable for a couple. The design prioritizes the specific needs and preferences of its owners, such as a small bed for closeness, a window-side bench, and the possibility of cooking despite a preference for dining out. The inclusion of a rain-shower, two infrared saunas, and a whirlpool bath highlights the emphasis on luxury and personal well-being within the minimal space. A key aspect of the Cabanon's design philosophy is its adaptation to standard and affordable products rather than relying on custom-made items. Dimensions for various spaces, such as the bedroom, spa, and kitchen, were determined by the owners' height and width, as well as the sizes of readily available items like mattresses, bathtubs, and mini-fridges. This approach demonstrates a practical method for optimizing housing and reducing costs. The architects clarify that while the Cabanon offers insights into efficient living, it is not intended to advocate for surface reduction as the sole strategy for affordable housing or to be presented as the definitive 'house of the future.' The project stands as a unique experiment in micro-living that balances extreme compactness with luxurious functionality. #MicroApartment #SmallSpaceLiving #RotterdamArchitecture #InfraredSauna #LuxuryDesign #ArchitectOwned #CompactLiving #InnovativeDesign #ResidentialRenovation

Jean-Christophe Aumas, an art director based in Paris, embraces an instinctive and fluid approach to interior design, viewing his apartment as an evolving laboratory rather than a static space. He frequently rearranges furniture, repaints walls, and groups objects in new configurations, emphasizing that "Nothing is permanent." His Parisian apartment is situated on the ground floor of an 18th-century hôtel particulier in Pigalle, a property that immediately captivated him with its cathedral-like ceilings, intricate plaster moldings, and original herringbone parquet floors during his initial visit in 2016. The stained-glass windows and a small courtyard were particular draws, and these glass mosaics significantly influenced the apartment's vibrant color palette, featuring vivid blues, burnt reds, and punchy lilacs. Aumas notes that this unique characteristic creates the feeling of living in a small garden, a rarity in Paris. Addressing a lack of natural light, Aumas incorporated a skylight in the living room and installed floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto the garden. This intentional design choice aimed to blend the indoor and outdoor spaces, fostering a "little jungle" atmosphere where greenery seamlessly extends indoors from the purposefully overgrown outdoor area and an extensive houseplant collection. The interior design subsequently evolved organically, leveraging Aumas’s expertise in creating memorable visual experiences, a skill honed through his work on window displays and set designs for prominent brands like Cartier and Louis Vuitton. For instance, after designing a cobalt-tinted mirror for the fireplace, he extended this hue by painting a vertical block of French blue from the mantel to the ceiling. The kitchen reflects a fusion of Brutalism and Mediterranean influences, inspired by Aumas's trips to Procida, Italy, and his upbringing near Aix-en-Provence. Concrete countertops, reminiscent of London's Barbican building, are juxtaposed with a lavender wall color, evoking Mediterranean summers. To further enhance this contrast, wood salvaged from the renovation was repurposed into kitchen cabinets, left raw and treated only with a matte varnish to highlight its texture. The bathroom maintains this coastal European aesthetic with terracotta tiles from Siracusa, Sicily, laid in graphic stripes. Aumas created a distinct "shower capsule" by painting the upper half of the shower wall in a dusty pink and replacing a traditional glass door with a decorative, cinder block-esque partition. Despite the apartment's vibrant use of color, Aumas considers it minimalist compared to his previous loft, which was entirely painted in bright hues. His current approach focuses on using "just a touch of color in each room." Examples include a cobalt archway and radiator in the library complementing a Moroccan rug, and a sky-blue built-in bookcase in the bedroom against white walls. The dining room, notably, is an exception to the geometric paint treatments. With its high ceilings and plaster moldings, it is bathed in a pale, almost white blue, creating a serene and expansive feel, with only a crimson Moroccan rug anchoring the dining table. The apartment is also deeply personalized through furnishings and art collected from around the world, such as Carlo Scarpa chairs, vintage 1950s ceramics, and a painting by Lara Feldman. Aumas particularly cherishes his Vincenzo de Cotiis sofa, from which he can survey nearly his entire home, underscoring the cohesive and curated nature of his living space. #HomeTour #ParisApartment #InteriorDesign #CreativeDirector #Renovation #ColorPalette #SustainableDesign #BrutalistInfluence #MediterraneanVibe

This blog post explores a meticulously designed 968-square-foot duplex apartment in Milan, conceived by the architectural and interior design firm 23bassi. The apartment, situated on the penthouse level of a new building, demonstrates how innovative design solutions can transform a compact space into a highly functional and aesthetically rich home. The primary focus of the design revolves around maximizing space and integrating diverse aesthetic influences, ranging from 1980s elements to classic modern design pieces. The apartment's layout is unusual, characterized by its narrow and long structure, but benefits from abundant natural light provided by large windows. Central to the apartment's ingenious design is a disappearing round bed by Lago, a discontinued model, which serves as the focal point of the sleeping area. This bed appears to float, anchored only by a beam of light, and can be concealed behind an accordion-like metal fabric folding door by Dooor, a company famously associated with designer Gio Ponti. This design choice creates a futuristic and versatile sleeping nook that can be completely screened off and boasts its own ventilation system when closed. The sleeping area also incorporates Artemide’s Alphabet of Light lamp and practical shelving, all contributing to an 80s-inspired ambiance within this corner of the apartment. Complementing this modern feature is a Mezzachimera floor lamp by Vico Magistretti for Artemide, showcasing a blend of eras and styles. The apartment's entrance leads to a hallway equipped with custom-designed closets for practical storage, including a coat rack. An arched doorway opens into the living area, where custom cabinetry continues to seamlessly integrate essential kitchen appliances like the refrigerator and a dish drying rack. The walls in this section are adorned with a vibrant Osborne & Little wallpaper, creating a cohesive and lively aesthetic. The living space is furnished with iconic pieces from renowned designers, such as the Camaleonda sofa by Mario Bellini for B&B Italia, Superleggera chairs by Gio Ponti for Cassina, and the Vidun glass-topped table by Vico Magistretti for De Padova. Lighting fixtures throughout the apartment are also notable, featuring works from Davide Groppi, Paolo Ulian for Dilmos, and Flos. A recurring design motif across the apartment is the use of black iron frames, which delineate doors, arches, and skirting boards, adding a graphic and dramatic touch. This element is particularly striking in the bathroom area, where a series of iron and ribbed glass doors create an intricate geometric composition, enhancing the visual appeal and functionality of the service spaces. The European oak parquet flooring is accentuated with a circular white marble inlay, further highlighting these areas. The bathroom itself combines contemporary elements, such as tiles by Konstantin Grcic for Mutina, with an antique cabinet from Antichità Moglia, reflecting the homeowner’s passion for antiques. The apartment extends vertically to a terrace level, accessed via a custom white-painted iron spiral staircase. This upper level comprises an additional 484 square feet of outdoor living space. A glass-floored and walled enclosure allows natural light to filter into the living area below and serves as a small vestibule to the outdoor space. The terrace offers city views and features a small infinity pool. It is furnished with pieces from leading contemporary designers like Le Corbusier, Charlotte Perriand, Patricia Urquiola, and Francesco Rota. An orange outdoor kitchen adds a vibrant contrast to the sleek design. The pergola-covered terrace, with its warm colors and generously sized furniture, provides a tranquil retreat amidst the urban environment. #MilanApartment #SmallSpaceDesign #DisappearingBed #CustomFurniture #ModernDesignClassics #InnovativeLiving #DuplexApartment #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorInnovation

Daniel Fletcher, a renowned fashion designer, showcases his unique four-storey flat in a converted warehouse in Southwark, London. His home, a former hops factory from the late 19th century, was originally two separate flats that were combined when the top floor owners acquired the lower unit, integrating the communal staircase into their living space. The residence boasts two kitchens, three bedrooms, and three bathrooms, providing ample space for Fletcher, who meticulously curates his surroundings. Fletcher, known for his wearable yet subtly subversive fashion aesthetic, launched his label after graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2015, quickly gaining recognition with Harry Styles as his first customer. He was nominated for the LVMH prize in 2017 and was a finalist on Netflix's 'Next in Fashion.' More recently, he was appointed Royal Ascot's inaugural creative director, overseeing their annual Lookbook and Millinery Collective. His design philosophy, which he applies to both fashion collections and his home, starts with a neutral base of cream, black, or navy, accented with pops of color. Despite the industrial nature of the warehouse, characterized by exposed brick, Fletcher has successfully created a "minimalist cosy" atmosphere. He incorporates soft textures like bouclé and traditional tailoring fabrics such as canvas and calico to soften the raw elements. Key furniture pieces include a fuzzy cream sofa, a low-slung, mid-century-style chair from Bali, a walnut dining table from Habitat, and a three-legged marble table from Soho Home. These blend seamlessly with reclaimed wood featuring rusted nails, repurposed by architects for beams and drawer fronts. Fletcher's creative endeavors extend beyond fashion and interior design. His kitchen shelves display ceramics he crafted during a six-week course in Hackney, demonstrating his versatility and hands-on approach. Large canvases, painted after intense work periods, adorn his living space, reflecting his artistic heritage inherited from his art teacher grandmother, whose works also grace his walls. These include a line drawing of a cow and a landscape of Arizona painted in 1990, given to him on his 21st birthday. The home is filled with items of significant sentimental value. A giant photograph of an iceberg by Andrew Irwin commemorates Fletcher's trip to Antarctica. In his bedroom, a framed LP sleeve of the Rolling Stones’ 'Goat’s Head Soup' serves as a tribute to his late father and inspired his autumn/winter 2022 collection. Pieces from the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition further personalize the space. The flat also functions as a relaxed setting for client fittings, offering a more personal experience away from the bustling studio, attended by notable figures like Nick Grimshaw, Douglas Booth, James McAvoy, and Marcelino Sambé. Fletcher's home is a testament to his comprehensive design vision, blending industrial architecture with personal touches, art, and sentimental objects to create a harmonious and inviting living environment that reflects his creative journey and personal history. #DanielFletcher #FashionDesigner #WarehouseConversion #MinimalistCosy #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SouthwarkFlat #ArtisticHome #ReclaimedMaterials

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 "Inside Her Home" series offers a glimpse into the residences of everyday women, detailing their renting or homeownership experiences. This installment features Lauren Li, a 45-year-old interior designer residing in Ivanhoe East, Melbourne. She lives with her husband and three children in a three-bedroom, two-storey home with an additional granny flat, which they rent for $3,910 per month. Lauren describes her home as a mid-century modern dwelling, built in 1961, retaining much of its original architecture. She emphasizes a deep connection to the house, feeling it "chose her" and that she and her family are deeply content living there. Lauren’s home is situated approximately 10km north-east of Melbourne's Central Business District. She highlights the fair price for the rental and expresses a strong belief that renters invest significant care and effort into making their houses feel like home. She and her family have occupied the property for three years, and her appreciation for the space has only grown. The house holds historical significance, having been the former residence of Victoria's first female Supreme Court judge, the Honourable Rosemary Balmford, who lived there since 1963. Lauren attributes the home's positive atmosphere and abundant built-in bookshelves to its previous owner, noting Balmford’s pioneering role as the first female lecturer in the University of Melbourne’s law faculty. The layout of the home is particularly appealing to Lauren, featuring a spacious living room with a fireplace, which provides ample room for the family while maintaining a sense of togetherness. The property also offers lovely views of trees, a beneficial feature for Lauren and her husband, who both work from home. The kitchen retains its original 1960s charm, which Lauren appreciates. The house includes an elevated deck that has been the setting for numerous family gatherings and summer dinners, contributing to its cherished feel. Their 12-year-old daughter enjoys a room with an impressive view of the Yarra River, while her 11-year-old sister and three-year-old brother share the other bedroom. Lauren explains that their move to this particular house was almost serendipitous. When their previous apartment was put up for sale, they needed to find new accommodation swiftly. A friend connected them with a real estate agent, and upon seeing the Ivanhoe East property, Lauren immediately felt a strong desire to live there. Her attachment to the house is so profound that she declares she is "never going to leave," underscoring her long-term commitment to the home. The article concludes with an invitation for other individuals to submit their homes for inclusion in the "Inside Her Home" series, encouraging [email protected] to be contacted for submissions. #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #MidCenturyModern #RentalProperty #MelbourneHomes #FamilyLiving #RealLifeStories #HomeTour

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

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

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

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