An apartment with a beautiful family history

This apartment, steeped in history, had been magnificently redecorated in the early twentieth century by the family of the current owners. Our mission was to preserve the spirit of that renovation while bringing modernity, style and a fresh start to this deeply emotional place.

The first challenge of this project was to bring the kitchen back into the heart of the living space. As is often the case, it was located near the service staircase, far from the sitting room. After exploring several layout options, it found its natural place in the former dining room, bathed in light. This room was filled with striking decorative elements, such as its wooden fireplace. We wanted to keep it, showcase it, and integrate it into a modern, functional kitchen. Blue thus became a founding element of the project, running through the spaces like a connecting thread.

Kitchen with blue-painted neo-Gothic fireplace and brass chandelier – apartment in Paris, by Cotrel Studio, interior designer

Entryway with large molded mirror, wooden chest and crystal chandelier – apartment in Paris

The kitchen was designed by Cotrel Studio in collaboration with Boffi. The materials are warm and light, of great quality, worthy of the setting. The glazed storage cabinets were preserved and restored, their panes replaced with so-called “Mousseline” glass by Christian Fournié, master glass artisan.

The chandelier was preserved and restored. The interplay between the modernity of the space and these rather baroque decorative elements is reassuring, warm, and a real pleasure to live with… promising many happy moments with family and friends!

Kitchen, brass chandelier and blue fireplace seen from the white island – apartment in Paris

Kitchen with white center island, beamed ceiling and black steel window – apartment in Paris

Detail of a white neo-Gothic glass cabinet filled with crystal glassware – apartment in Paris

Built-in cabinet with white Gothic arches displaying glassware – apartment in Paris

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Open kitchen with white island, stools, steel window and vintage parquet – apartment in Paris

The glazed roof over the courtyard was made of rather dark stained glass in a very deep colour. It was fully restored and insulated, and the stained glass was replaced with clear glazing, providing pleasant, natural daylight.

The kitchen was opened wide onto the sitting room, into which a dining area was integrated. We designed a bespoke bookcase, flanked by two period mirrors. The wall panelling was preserved, or recreated where necessary. This work made the space entirely homogeneous and visually consistent with the whole project. Here, the blue appears in a softer register, on the wall panelling.

Living room with blue velvet sofa, custom bookcase and exposed beams – apartment in Paris

Dining room with round table, wooden chairs and arc floor lamp – apartment in Paris

Living room, white wall bookcase and blue armchairs on parquet floor – apartment in Paris

Living room with white moldings, blue sofa and bookcase with TV – apartment in Paris

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The bathroom is another fine example of the dialogue between the history of the place and its contemporary interpretation. The washbasin was preserved and restored, fitted with its original taps, carefully adapted. The floor is laid with chevron tiling, in the tradition of Haussmann parquet. The walls, meanwhile, are finished in a “Tessile” resin, in a luminous, energising colour! A fish, drawn from a design provided by the clients, was reproduced in this material. The bathroom thus houses a large shower and a very generous old-style bathtub, in an airy, light-filled space that is a delight to use.

The bedrooms were treated with softness, rich in wall coverings, fabrics and vintage finds. Colours unfold from room to room, making this apartment a family home with a new lease of life!

Turquoise bathroom with freestanding tub and wire pendant light – apartment in Paris

Bathroom, retro double sink on legs and red marble fireplace – apartment in Paris

Turquoise bathroom with freestanding tub and white chevron floor – apartment in Paris

Bedroom with lilac floral walls, white paneling and chevron parquet – apartment in Paris