Contact
The pink lady, Paris – Cotrel Studio, interior designer in Paris and New York

The pink lady

Paris

Our projects
lieu :
paris
date :
2025
type :
apartment

Interior design of a Left Bank apartment in Paris

This apartment of over 100 m² is located in one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Paris, on the Left Bank, on Rue de l'Université. The structure predates Haussmann, so the floors and walls are made of wood. These apartments are well known to Parisian architects for hiding many surprises... And we were not disappointed, as a significant part of the floors and the façade had to be rebuilt.

We worked hand in hand with the building's own architect to oversee this large-scale structural work, which gave the building a new lease of life. Alongside these technical stages, our focus was of course on the interior architecture of the place. The apartment was in very poor condition; a complete restructuring was essential, from floor to ceiling. Together with the clients, we chose to create a home rooted both in its neighbourhood and in its time. The result brings together the classic Parisian codes, updated with a modern, vivid and colourful decoration.

Haussmann living room with marble fireplace, gilt mirror and cream armchairs – apartment in Paris, by Cotrel Studio, interior designer
Walnut kitchen with veined marble backsplash and brass faucet – apartment in Paris

The entrance sets the tone!

Let us begin with the entrance, which was entirely rethought. To its left, it leads to the main living space. Upon entering, a bench seat sits beneath a stained-glass window that hints at the dining area just behind. The entrance gives access to this space and also houses a large storage area. Last but not least, a small desk, concealed behind a curtain, allows for occasional working from home. The main living space runs from front to back and is filled with light.

Terracotta study with crown molding and herringbone parquet – apartment in Paris
Terracotta desk nook with round table, velvet chair and white pendant – apartment in Paris
Dusty pink study with velvet sofa, curtains and chevron parquet – apartment in Paris
Detail of leaded glass with amber studs above a velvet sofa – apartment in Paris
Leaded glass panel detail against pink and terracotta walls – apartment in Paris
Pink powder room with tinted concrete basin, brass tap and sconce – apartment in Paris

0106

On the street side, the living and dining rooms

The plaster ceiling cornices were created entirely to measure, as were the wall decors. Carefully designed lighting enhances the space while remaining discreet. The living room is bathed in light. The new, full-height windows overlook a low-rise hôtel particulier, opening up a beautiful view of the sky. The mirrors, the light colours — everything was designed to make this a restful place. The living room fireplace, also new, is flanked by two alcoves, one fitted as a bookcase and the other leading to the night area.

Dining room with crown molding, marble table, arched niches and walnut kitchen – apartment in Paris
Terracotta entryway with pink velvet settee and leaded glass, view to the salon – apartment in Paris
Living room with molding, white marble fireplace, gilt mirror and bouclé chairs – apartment in Paris
Dining room with archway to the walnut kitchen, molding and amber pendants – apartment in Paris
Dining room seen through the archway, marble table and white fireplace – apartment in Paris

0104

On the courtyard side, the bespoke kitchen

The kitchen was designed to measure in warm-toned walnut. The worktops are in “Patagonia” quartzite — a particularly resistant material with the look of veined marble that fears neither stains nor heat. An antiqued mirror splashback adds depth and enhances the light. A dining nook accompanies the kitchen, for everyday meals or simply to enjoy a different view!

This kitchen remains highly practical on a daily basis, as an adjoining utility area houses the less attractive appliances. A majestic wine cabinet was also created between the kitchen and the living room. It forms a connecting thread between the two zones while providing extra storage and a spot to unwind. Visually, it ties the whole together and reinforces the sense of harmony.

Terracotta dining nook with floral banquette, black table and chevron parquet – apartment in Paris
Terracotta dining nook, floral jacquard banquette below a leaded glass panel – apartment in Paris
Detail of the floral banquette on a walnut base, wood chair and leaded glass – apartment in Paris
Detail of terracotta and white walls, floral banquette and framed print – apartment in Paris
View through the arch to the dining room, walnut island and chevron parquet – apartment in Paris
Walnut kitchen seen through the arch, marble island and antiqued mirror – apartment in Paris
Walnut kitchen detail with marble counter, brass faucet and antiqued mirror – apartment in Paris
Walnut kitchen with marble island under ornate cornice and chevron parquet – apartment in Paris
Veined marble backsplash detail, shelf and brass faucet against antiqued mirror – apartment in Paris

0109

In visual continuity with the kitchen, the master suite

The master bedroom was created with particular care. All the decors were designed especially for the project. Working from home was considered with a twofold objective: first, to be invisible once the working day is over — made possible by a piece of furniture that looks like a dressing table when closed; second, to provide an elegant backdrop when the clients are on video calls. The bathroom is accessed directly from the bedroom. It is wonderfully bright thanks to its large south-facing window, in front of which the bathtub was installed. It includes a shower area, followed by a washbasin area bathed in natural light.

Beige bedroom with arched walnut vanity, mauve wainscoting and wall hanging – apartment in Paris
Bedroom with woven headboard, brass nightstand, molding and view to the bathroom – apartment in Paris
Bedroom with fluted walnut vanity in an arched niche and velvet chair – apartment in Paris
Bedroom with walnut desk in an arched alcove, monitors and blush curtains – apartment in Paris
Detail of a beaded wood shelf, brass pendant and framed print – apartment in Paris
Beige plaster bathroom with tub, double vanity and marble floor – apartment in Paris
Bathroom double vanity on walnut cabinet with oval mirrors and brass fixtures – apartment in Paris
Brass tub fixtures detail against a white tub and plaster wall – apartment in Paris
Walnut vanity detail with round white basin and brass fixtures behind – apartment in Paris
Beige plaster shower with brass rain head and hand shower – apartment in Paris

0109

And finally, the children's bedrooms

On the other side of the apartment are the two children's bedrooms. The guiding thread continues, with alcoves, niches and mouldings. Everything invites the children to rest and to play. While the colours are more childlike, they will accompany the children beautifully as they grow. As for the niches, they were of course designed to accommodate a single bed placed the other way round. The children's area also includes a small bathroom in colours that remain vivid yet soft. Despite its modest size, it was designed to hold a bathtub and a small round washbasin.

Kids' room with olive green ceiling, wall shelves and desk under the eaves – apartment in Paris
Nursery with crib in a sage green arched alcove and wall shelves – apartment in Paris
Sage green arched alcove with crib and floral upholstered bench – apartment in Paris
Nursery with ochre yellow arched alcove, shelf niche and wood dresser – apartment in Paris
Ochre alcove detail with walnut discs and printed upholstered bench – apartment in Paris
Bathroom with terracotta ceiling, burgundy basin, walnut vanity and tile floor – apartment in Paris

0106