Stunning duplex apartment in the heart of the Marais district

Nestled under the rooftops of Paris, this apartment is located in the heart of the Marais district. When its owners entrusted us with its renovation, the stakes were high. The first challenge was to optimize the main floor by incorporating a master suite and a “day” area. There were two existing mezzanines. After considering whether to keep them, we decided to modify their access and convert them into guest bedrooms. Once this layout was established, it was time to get into the details. Or rather, THE details !

A sober apartment that showcases materials and light

We immediately saw eye to eye with the clients on the aesthetic. Not only was our project approved, but our working relationship with the owners allowed us to improve it throughout the design process without compromise. Our initial sketch proposed a strong presence of walnut and natural stone. Paneling forming a “shell” covers the walls from the entrance to the kitchen. This vertically striated paneling conceals full-height doors. In line with this, the niches created by the dormer windows were fitted out. A bench seat occupies the first window, and a desk the second. 

The two-level apartments are complex: the location of the staircase and the floor levels require fairly precise cross-section and elevation work. The difficulty here was compounded by the sloping configuration of the space. The lighting could not be worked out on a plan. We had to use 3D to work out the details of the locations of spotlights and light sources.

What's more, the fundamentals were lacking here, unlike Haussmann-style apartments, which often have attractive features such as parquet flooring, moldings, and fireplaces. Here, the floor was tiled. The partitions were poor quality and the staircase was impractical. We had to install air conditioning, redo the floors, and, of course, completely rewire the electrical system. We designed a light aged oak parquet floor with thin, fairly long planks. This choice energized the floors while highlighting the walnut and the furniture. A very light bookcase was designed. Its transparency brings in beautiful light while structuring the space and playing with constraints. The rounded bookcase in the kitchen echoes this design.

The large living room, the centerpiece of the apartment

This apartment has numerous windows. They are integrated into the hipped roof, leaving fairly imposing side walls. We decided to cover these walls with mirrors to widen the view and increase the brightness. The living room incorporates the staircase leading to one of the two mezzanines. The stone base at the foot of the staircase is also made of “serpeggiante grey.” It lightens the staircase while adding charisma. It extends into a walnut platform that functions as a bench. The grooved paneling is sliding and conceals the TV.

A kitchen that blends perfectly into the decor

Next, the kitchen makes its appearance. We designed this kitchen, which was built by an interior designer we often work with. For a project like this, it's important to have a reliable, skilled team with whom communication is good. We have been working with this designer since 2010, and our collaboration has only grown stronger over the years. He was able to showcase all his talent on this project! Designing the kitchen ourselves was interesting because it allowed us to maintain continuity with the other features of the apartment. Walnut and varnish are used throughout the project. For the kitchen fronts, the veneer is treated differently. The consistency makes the space very relaxing. The design work for this project was quite intense.

The kitchen countertop was made of “Serpeggiante Grey” marble. We love the color, texture, and veining of this stone, which pairs perfectly with the walnut. The fairly high splashback incorporates a shelf made from the same material. The absence of handles highlights the fronts without detracting from the ergonomics. The kitchen blends into the decor: it is integrated like a piece of furniture. The dining room is connected to the kitchen.

And continuing on, the bedrooms and bathrooms

The master bedroom is accessed directly from the living room. The door has been concealed behind a curtain. The headboard has been designed as an alcove and upholstered with padded wall covering. A custom-made double sliding door in walnut provides the transition to the bathroom area of this suite. The same lighting and materials have been used. The two mezzanines are located on either side of the living room. This gives the dining room and kitchen higher ceilings, and the mezzanines a view of the living room. The separation between these two spaces has been achieved using fluted glass panels, which allow light to pass through without compromising privacy. This glass matches the vertical lines of the paneling. Reserved for guests, these two spaces each have a bedroom and a shower room. One of them has a very practical office for when the owners need to work in private.