Restoration of a grand Parisian apartment

This early 20th-century apartment had undergone a very heavy-handed renovation in the 1980s. Many of the “essentials” we hold dear had been damaged: fireplaces removed, parquet entirely covered over, dropped ceilings everywhere. The plaster cornices had suffered particularly badly, when they had not been destroyed altogether. A true work of restoration was therefore required!

We called on specialists who, each in their own field, restored these precious decorative elements to their former glory. The fireplace, found by the clients at the Saint-Ouen flea market, was reinstalled according to the rules of the art. It is now fully functional thanks to a relined flue. The parquet was restored and, where necessary, replaced using traditional techniques. Genuine plasterwork was also required to recreate the original atmosphere.

Dining nook opening onto the living room, Eiffel Tower seen through the window – apartment in Paris, by Cotrel Studio, interior designer

Haussmann living room with black marble fireplace, gilt mirror and moldings – apartment in Paris

Living room with crown molding, herringbone parquet, black glass partition and leather chair – apartment in Paris

Galley kitchen in light oak with charcoal backsplash beneath molded cornice – apartment in Paris

Of course, all this restoration work was undertaken after a thorough study of the various layout options. We moved the kitchen next to the living and dining rooms. It is separated by a partition fitted with two large bespoke sliding glass panels.

Kitchen with black island, black and brass pendants and herringbone parquet – apartment in Paris

Black steel-framed glass partition between living room and kitchen, navy armchair – apartment in Paris

Hallway with midnight blue walls and white wainscoting opening onto the kitchen – apartment in Paris

Living room detail: black hutch, narrow glass partition and white moldings – apartment in Paris

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The main living space is reached through a wide entrance gallery. The rhythm of the openings is accentuated by a small glass partition installed in the entrance hall. Made of steel, it echoes the graphic language used throughout the project. The living room, set against the kitchen, features generous seating that makes the room wonderfully comfortable.

The project had to include a proper study, as the clients regularly work from home. We designed a large bespoke desk at the junction of the living areas and the day spaces. A large mirror, echoing the codes of the living room, visually enlarges this new room.

Large living room with gray sofa, oval marble table and blue velvet chairs – apartment in Paris

Open kitchen with oak and charcoal cabinetry, center island and crown molding – apartment in Paris

Home office behind a glass partition, midnight blue walls, view through to the dining room – apartment in Paris

Living room with white moldings opening onto a dark room with an upright piano – apartment in Paris

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Music room with midnight blue walls, black piano and glass partition – apartment in Paris

Hallway with black walls, white wainscoting and a gallery of framed photographs – apartment in Paris

Dining room with black marble fireplace, gilt mirror and blue velvet chairs – apartment in Paris

A master suite has taken the place of the former kitchen. This entire zone was rethought, partially modifying a load-bearing wall. The result is a small hotel-style suite: a large bedroom, and a spacious bathroom with shower reached through a magnificent dressing room. We will let you judge for yourself!

Bedroom with gray tufted headboard and black pendant on exposed cord – apartment in Paris

Bathroom detail: white basin, black faucet and round mirror – apartment in Paris

Bathroom seen from the oak closet, freestanding tub and marble floor – apartment in Paris

Bathroom with black walls, freestanding tub and light wood vanity – apartment in Paris

The children’s area has not been forgotten. It takes a collective approach, with the creation of a beautiful living space just for them. Each bedroom has its own identity and character — just like the two girls who occupy them! To top it all off, the lucky pair have their own bathroom, finished in simple yet timeless, high-quality materials.

Kid's bedroom with rattan sideboard and view of a yellow bookcase – apartment in Paris