- The Art of Family Life -
Just a stone's throw from the Eiffel Tower, this duplex was designed as a gathering place for a family that lives primarily abroad. It was intended to offer comfort, functionality, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, while allowing each family member to maintain their independence. The goal was to create three bedrooms with en-suite shower rooms and walk-in closets, as well as a separate office, within a warm and inviting setting conducive to entertaining and family life.
The ground floor is organized around a spacious double living room, designed as a generous and flexible living space. A sofa running the length of the room helps define two distinct areas: a reception area centered around a renovated existing fireplace, and a more intimate space dedicated to the television, featuring a contemporary fireplace integrated into a custom-built bookcase. The use of aged mirrors enhances the depth and brightness of the entire space.
Three consecutive arches punctuate the space and mark the transitions between the entryway, the circulation area—which includes the dining room and bar—and the living room. This architectural design facilitates smooth movement while giving each space a distinct identity.
The semi-open kitchen flows seamlessly into the living room through visual openings. Crafted from high-quality materials (metallic lacquer, dark wood, and quartzite) it conceals all appliances for a clean, minimalist look. An aged mirror, finished with a trompe-l’œil effect, helps expand the space while concealing a restrictive load-bearing wall.
At the heart of the layout, a multifunctional circulation area incorporates storage, a bench seat, a large reception table, and a bar concealed within the woodwork. Designed to be hidden, the bar is revealed when opened, showcasing materials and objects through a play of reflections and light.
The master suite, accessible from the dining room, was designed as an intimate and seamless space. It features custom walk-in closets and an adjoining shower room, where every detail has been carefully considered to ensure everyday comfort: maximized natural light, subtle ambient lighting, and materials that harmonize with the rest of the project.
In the attic, the floor has been completely redesigned to unlock its potential and maximize natural light. The space, which was once partitioned off, now opens up around a central star-shaped circulation area, bathed in light thanks to large skylights offering a view of the Eiffel Tower.
A glass landing was created to provide access to an additional room, formed by combining it with a former guest room, which has been converted into a TV room and office. This design also allows light to flow down to the lower level.
A stained-glass window was designed to filter an otherwise uninspiring view, transforming a limitation into a decorative feature.
A private office, made transparent by a glass partition, allows for quiet work without sacrificing the ambient light.
Despite the constraints of the attic space, each of the children’s bedrooms features custom storage, workspaces, and en-suite bathrooms. The incorporation of mirrors and built-in fixtures under the sloping ceilings optimizes the use of space while enhancing the sense of openness.
The entire duplex is designed around a palette of natural materials and neutral tones, providing the perfect backdrop for a collection of colorful artwork. Dark-stained oak, the project’s central theme, complements light-colored stone and recurring rounded shapes. In this project, every detail has been carefully considered to harmonize aesthetics, functionality, and quality of life.
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