Rehabilitation of an apartment in the heart of the Marais

This apartment, in a building typical of the Marais, one of Paris's most emblematic neighbourhoods, needed a thorough restructuring. Located on the first floor and enjoying an unobstructed view, its potential was magnificent, and it corresponded perfectly to the kind of project we love. Over the decades, however, it had undergone various renovations of varying success. One of the first steps was to sort the elements worth keeping from those that were not. Then, everything remained to be done: interior architecture, layout, renovation and decoration.

Haussmann dining room with paneling, antique mirror and green chrome chairs – apartment in Paris, by Cotrel Studio, interior designer

Custom sage green kitchen with marble countertop and Versailles parquet – apartment in Paris

The Marais district dates back to the late Middle Ages. Here, Baron Haussmann never had the chance to intervene. The exercise was therefore to rehabilitate the few elements we wished to preserve and to marry the eras, creating a coherent common thread. The choice of a Versailles-pattern parquet floor was made with the idea of modernising it. It was treated with an extra-matt varnish, giving it a luminous, light and rather contemporary tone. The kitchen was fully opened onto the living room and integrated into it.

Living room with cream paneling, black marble fireplace and blush sofa – apartment in Paris

Bright living room with tall paneling, pink sofa and antique marble fireplace – apartment in Paris

Living room opening onto the sage kitchen, wooden chair and velvet lounge chair – apartment in Paris

Dining room with wooden table, green chrome chairs and mirror under stucco – apartment in Paris

Dining room at an angle, carved paneling, chandelier and Versailles parquet – apartment in Paris

Sage green kitchen with full-height cabinet, marble counter and wooden boards – apartment in Paris

Kitchen detail: green built-in hood, marble backsplash and stainless oven – apartment in Paris

Living room with marble fireplace opening onto the sage kitchen and pendants – apartment in Paris

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Sitting corner with sculptural wooden armchair, marble fireplace and paneling – apartment in Paris

Detail of a bentwood armchair against paneling and a framed artwork – apartment in Paris

Detail of black marble mantel with red candlesticks and rattan lamps – apartment in Paris

Detail of molded paneling, antique mirror and scalloped green side table – apartment in Paris

Detail of carved stucco, floral garland and medallion above a doorway – apartment in Paris

Detail of black marble mantelpiece with glass vases and flowers – apartment in Paris

Side view of a patinated marble fireplace with candlesticks and glass vase – apartment in Paris

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The apartment now comprises a living and dining room with an open kitchen deliberately highlighted by a bold yet very gentle colour, a bedroom, a bathroom and a study that doubles as a guest room. In the latter, the wooden walls were preserved and restored to showcase its authentic style. This space becomes a place steeped in history, where tradition and modernity intertwine.

Bedroom with burgundy paneling, floral wallpaper and adjoining bathroom – apartment in Paris

Burgundy bedroom with red velvet curtain and view into the bathroom – apartment in Paris

Detail of a white porcelain sconce on burgundy paneling – apartment in Paris

Bathroom detail: glass tube sconce, mirror and beige zellige tile – apartment in Paris

Detail of custom burgundy closet doors with brass knobs – apartment in Paris

Detail of white basin, brushed nickel faucet and travertine accessories – apartment in Paris

Detail of checkerboard floor in beige and brown marbled tiles – apartment in Paris

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Living room with patinated oak paneling, marble fireplace and white sofa – apartment in Paris

Detail of patinated oak doors with brass knobs and dried flowers – apartment in Paris

Detail of oak paneling meeting a carved stucco cornice – apartment in Paris

Detail of textured glass sconce on oak paneling beside a mirror – apartment in Paris

Detail of oak paneling with antique medallion and dried flower bouquet – apartment in Paris

Detail of molded oak paneling beneath a white stucco cornice – apartment in Paris

Oak-paneled living room corner with marble fireplace, portrait and wooden chair – apartment in Paris

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