- Stairway to heaven -
- Stairway to heaven -
Tucked under the rooftops of Paris, this apartment is located in the very heart of the Marais district. When the owners entrusted us with its renovation, the stakes were high. The main challenge was to optimize the primary floor by integrating both a master suite and the main living spaces. Two mezzanines already existed. After considering whether to keep them, we decided to rework their access and convert them into guest rooms. Once the overall layout was set, it was time to dive into the details—or rather, the many details.
From the beginning, we had a strong aesthetic connection with the clients. Not only was our initial design approved, but the collaborative relationship allowed us to continuously refine it throughout the design process. Our first creative direction was to bring in rich walnut wood and natural stone. We designed a paneling that wraps the space like a "shell," extending from the entry to the kitchen. These vertically grooved panels conceal full-height doors leading to the guest powder room and laundry. The niches created by the dormer windows were fully optimized—one houses a built-in bench, the other a compact desk.
Next comes the kitchen.
We custom-designed it and had it built by a trusted cabinetmaker we've been working with since 2010. For a project of this complexity, having a reliable, skilled, and communicative team is essential. This collaboration allowed for a seamless continuity of materials throughout the apartment. Walnut wood and soft lacquers reappear in every space. In the kitchen, the walnut veneer was treated slightly differently for the fronts, creating visual consistency while offering contrast and depth. The result is a calm, cohesive space.
This project demanded intense design work. Duplex apartments are always complex—staircase placement, floor levels, and vertical constraints require precise sectional and elevation planning. In this case, the sloping ceilings added another layer of complexity. Lighting couldn’t be planned in a traditional layout—it had to be designed in 3D to perfectly position the spotlights and other light sources.
Unlike typical Haussmann apartments with historic bones—parquet, moldings, fireplaces—this space had none. The flooring was tiled, the partitions were low quality, and the staircase was poorly designed. We integrated air conditioning, replaced the flooring, and completely rewired the electrical systems. The new floors are made of aged light oak, with long, narrow planks that bring rhythm to the space while enhancing the walnut cabinetry and furniture.
The Kitchen countertop is made of "Serpeggiante Grey" marble—a material we love for its color, texture, and veining, which pairs beautifully with walnut. The high backsplash includes a shelf in the same stone. Handle-free fronts enhance the cabinetry’s clean lines without sacrificing functionality. The kitchen blends into the decor—it feels like a piece of furniture in its own right.
The dining area is directly connected to the kitchen. A structural column and chimney flue had to be integrated into the design, so we created a lightweight custom bookshelf to frame the space. Its open design filters light and helps define the layout, while echoing the rounded shelving of the kitchen.
The apartment has many windows, all set into the dormers, which creates deep angled reveals. We clad these reveals in mirrors to widen the view and amplify the light. The staircase to one of the mezzanines rises from the living space. Its stone base, also in "Serpeggiante Grey," gives it both lightness and character. This base extends into a walnut platform that doubles as a bench. The striated walnut paneling continues here, with a sliding section that hides the television.
The master bedroom is accessed directly from the living room. The door was upholstered to blend into the wall. The headboard was built into a recessed alcove and upholstered in a soft, tufted fabric. A custom double sliding door in walnut separates the bedroom from the en-suite bathroom. The same materials and lighting approach continue throughout the suite.
The two mezzanines are located on either side of the living space. This design choice gave the kitchen and dining area extra ceiling height, while allowing the mezzanine rooms to overlook the main space. The separation between levels was created using flute glass partitions, which allow light to pass through while preserving privacy. This glass echoes the vertical rhythm of the grooved paneling.
Both mezzanine suites include a bedroom and a private shower room. One of them features a small office—a quiet space for the owners to work when needed.
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