- Light and Legacy -
- Light and Legacy -
For the renovation of this 240 m² apartment in the heart of Paris’s 7th arrondissement, we brought together all of our finest resources. And rightly so — it takes dedication to elevate a space built on such beautiful foundations. When we first visited the apartment, we were deeply moved by the atmosphere. Back in Baron Haussmann’s day, everything was designed on a grand scale!
This project perfectly reflects the kind of historical charm and architectural ambition that also inspires our interior design New York team when reimagining spaces with a strong identity.
The apartment is organized around a large entrance gallery, which opens onto the living spaces on the street side, and the bedrooms on the quieter, private side. The kitchen was relocated to a room that originally served as the dining room. With its coffered ceilings and soft natural light pouring in through a full-height glass wall, the space has become both welcoming and majestic.
Choosing to place the kitchen here was the result of thoughtful discussions — and a few twists and turns — but it was absolutely worth it. As a final, unexpected gift: when our painters began work, they uncovered original ceiling paintings hidden beneath layers of plaster. Our clients were determined to restore them, and their persistence played a key role in the success of this remarkable room.
This balance of heritage and creative transformation is at the heart of our philosophy, whether in Paris or through our interior design New York practice.
The marble island is substantial, its scale perfectly balanced with the generous proportions of the room. The original wooden fireplace has been preserved, bringing a sense of warmth and character to the space.
We love kitchens that are meant to be lived in — neither sterile laboratories nor closed-off rooms, but places where work, gathering, and conversation blend naturally. Today’s kitchens are both functional and social, designed for sharing moments as much as preparing meals.
Just like our clients, whose worlds are rich in culture and inspiration — a sensibility that resonates deeply in our projects, whether in Paris or through our interior design New York studio.
The kitchen and living room echo each other across the gallery that separates them. In this space, the challenge was restraint. The architectural details were already there — our task was simply to let them shine. And simplicity, as we know, is often the hardest thing to achieve.
A carefully layered palette, understated lighting — often indirect — and above all, timeless furniture. Trends come and go, but lasting beauty is another story. For this part of the project, we were joined by our friends at 10surdix, who helped us curate the furnishings.
We'll let you be the judge — but this approach to quiet elegance is just as relevant in Paris as it is in our interior design New York projects.
Still on the street-facing side of the apartment, the layout concludes with the family room. At one point, this space was considered for the kitchen — but it ultimately became a home office, TV room, and reading nook all in one.
We designed a large custom-built bookcase, crafted by one of our most trusted partners. It features a mix of lacquered wood and walnut veneer niches, with integrated indirect lighting. Brass handholds highlight the transitions between materials and bring a refined contrast to the whole.
Flooded with natural light from two tall French windows, the room comfortably supports the use of darker tones — a choice that also allows the TV to remain discreet, though fully embraced. A workspace, a reading corner, a deep sofa for rest or movie nights — nothing is missing.
Let’s cross the gallery and head over to the parents’ side. Normally, you’d call it the master bedroom. But at the Véronique Cotrel agency, we call it “the parents’ space.” That’s just how we like it. Why? We’re not exactly sure — but we’re quite certain you’ll prefer it that way too.
This is another space whose layout was carefully "knit together" from every angle. Everyone got involved, and the result speaks for itself. It’s an intimate, self-contained area, set apart from the children’s zone, and near the living spaces while still offering privacy.
The bedroom is dressed in warm, restful tones. In the adjoining bathroom, a large custom oak vanity offers ample storage and a double sink. Integrated lighting in the shelves allows for a few decorative touches. The bathtub sits beneath a waterproof wallpaper with a dreamy, escape-worthy pattern.
Back in the bedroom, generous closets in quarter-sawn oak provide discreet storage. The wood grain was intentionally varied to break up the rhythm. As always, original features like plaster cornices and wall paneling were adapted to the new layout. Lighting and climate control were designed with comfort in mind — always present, never intrusive.
What can we say about the children’s bedrooms? Simply that we’re working with a very happy family! Each of the three children has their own bedroom and private shower room. In every space, we discreetly integrated a desk and smart storage solutions.
This is also where the line between architecture and decoration becomes clear. The two are closely linked, interdependent — yet fundamentally different. Integrating air conditioning beneath the cornices, for instance, requires a technical mindset. Choosing the right color palette calls for a poetic one. One is scientific, the other artistic. Left brain, right brain. And it’s in that balance that the most successful projects are born.
This dual sensitivity is what defines our approach — whether crafting family spaces in Paris or designing thoughtful homes through our interior design New York studio.
Let's bring your space to life.