Complete renovation of a 300m² apartment by Les Invalides

Here was a place that truly deserved attention. When we took on this project, the apartment had not been renovated in many decades. Every fitting was fit for the skip: tiling, sanitaryware, heating system — nothing could be kept. Yet the fundamentals — the parquet floors, mouldings, fireplaces and, above all, that splendid glass roof — immediately caught the owners’ eye… and they wasted no time showing us around and entrusting us with the renovation. We were flattered to be handed such a challenge!

Open kitchen with taupe island, coffered ceiling and large steel-framed window – apartment in Paris, by Cotrel Studio, interior designer

The apartment’s layout was the subject of a fairly in-depth study, leading to a final design that answered every point of the brief. The kitchen, naturally placed beneath the glass roof, becomes a living space bathed in calm and light — the true emblem of the apartment. A hushed, comfortable atmosphere reigns there, thanks to a large bespoke banquette. All the most modern equipment has been integrated, and in places concealed. The adjoining dining room is no afterthought. Served directly by the kitchen, it offers an intimacy made for long dinners with friends.

Dining nook under a steel-framed window, bench, oval table and dark green wall – apartment in Paris

Kitchen with black countertop, molded ceiling and steel window on the courtyard – apartment in Paris

Dining room with jungle wallpaper, navy niche and rattan pendant light – apartment in Paris

Detail of the black dining table under a woven rattan pendant – apartment in Paris

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The reception rooms were treated in a spirit of authenticity and warmth, in harmony with the quintessentially Parisian style of Haussmannian apartments. The wall panelling was preserved and restored — and in places recreated. The separation between the two salons was handled with two lateral panels, which house bookcases on the study side. Antique furniture and stripped doors thus converse with far more contemporary, design-led pieces. The colours — warm, light and soothing — are occasionally offset by stronger accents, creating revealing contrasts.

Haussmann-style living room with moldings, camel leather sofa and striped rug – apartment in Paris

Living room with marble fireplace, gilt mirror, cornices and leather sofa – apartment in Paris

Detail of the veined marble fireplace, gilt mirror and colorful mobile – apartment in Paris

Enfilade from the navy study to the living room, black leather lounge chair – apartment in Paris

Study with navy paneling, fireplace, oak doors and leather lounge chair – apartment in Paris

The study leads through to the parents’ quarters. This area comprises a large bedroom, separated from the dressing room by a bespoke joinery partition in rift-cut oak veneer. A brass niche breaks the rhythm, adding a beautifully soft touch. The headboard features a reissued antique engraving. Here the lighting is indirect and subdued, the mood restful. The dressing room, finished in the same veneer, is entirely functional and offers substantial storage. Its gallery-like layout stages the approach to the large shower room.

Oak walk-in closet with blue armchair, two-tone curtains and geometric rug – apartment in Paris

Bedroom with grisaille jungle panoramic wallpaper and oak storage – apartment in Paris

Oak walk-in closet opening onto a marble bathroom with double vanity – apartment in Paris

Oak walk-in closet with window, two-tone curtains and stool on parquet – apartment in Paris

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The bathrooms and the children’s bedrooms were designed with a consistent thread running through the entire project. Soft colours, wall coverings that bring texture and a sense of escape, furniture sometimes sourced from antique dealers, sometimes made to measure. The apartment marries aesthetics and comfort, tradition and modernity — and of the result, we will let you be the judge!

Kids' bedroom with bird wallpaper, copper cage pendant and white closets – apartment in Paris

Kids' bedroom with grisaille forest wallpaper, wooden bed and wainscoting – apartment in Paris

Kids' bedroom with blush bird wall, rattan bed and white dresser – apartment in Paris

Kids' bedroom detail, pink wall, cloud fairy lights and sunburst mirror – apartment in Paris

Navy powder room with round mirror, basin and geometric cement tiles – apartment in Paris

Teal bathroom with double vanity, oak cabinet and wall niches – apartment in Paris

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