Renovation of an apartment featuring period moldings, cornices, and woodwork

At the agency, we don't really like showing “Before/After” photos. We always prefer to show the final result, which corresponds to the project we have thought out and planned. But here, we will make an exception. It's impossible not to share with you the emotions we felt when we first entered this majestic apartment steeped in history. To see the apartment “before,” check out our news section! 

We were impressed by the legacy left by the previous owners. This apartment had been occupied by the same person since the first half of the 20th century. Wall decorations, woodwork, carpets... Where to start? What to keep, what to compromise on? How did we want to breathe new life into this apartment ?

A real journey through time

We asked these initial questions to the future occupants, of course. We knew them because we had already renovated their previous apartment. An architectural project is always an adventure. So knowing that you are teaming up with people you respect helps! The following decisions were then made: restore the original parquet flooring, protected by decades of carpet. We decided to highlight the sublime work that had been done on the stucco, cornices, and “So Paris” columns. The wall decorations, however, were too damaged. They hid real structural problems and were falling apart. So we decided to remove them. It is unusual to start a project with what might be considered details.

We salvaged all the handles, doors, parquet floors, cornices, and window bolts. Everything that was beautiful was restored and replaced. How lucky we are to still be able to enjoy it today !

Interior architecture of the space

 But it was only once these decisions had been made that we were able to focus on the interior design, our passion! Ergonomics, optimization of natural light, aesthetics. These are three fairly simple criteria that allow us to set a course. We therefore decided to create a living space that was as open as possible. Delimited by the decor, passageways, and ceilings, it offers a panoramic view of the sky and rooftops of Paris. It includes a kitchen, a dining room, a living room, and an office. Given the large size of the spaces, several secondary layouts were created. They offer varied perspectives, like “paintings.”

White as a color in its own right

We always enjoy working with shades of white. Never pure white, of course. It's the shade that makes all the difference ! The contrast between different tones, ceilings, decorations, and walls must be anticipated so that each element is highlighted. Then, it's the lighting and decoration that allow us to create a more precise style. Buildings constructed during the Haussmann era benefited from very large budgets. The common areas, facades, roofs, and interior decorations were thus luxuriously crafted. The best craftsmen worked on these real estate projects that were springing up all over Paris. We are fortunate to still be able to enjoy this luxury of detail today !

A discreet but functional kitchen

The basis of our work as interior designers, especially in Paris, is to optimize space and circulation. Among our best ideas: the old kitchen was repurposed to create two spaces. First, a utility room. Adjacent to the main kitchen, it provides storage for equipment, groceries, and bulky or unsightly appliances. The second part of this space was transformed into a gym, complete with a steam room!

The kitchen was installed in the former dining room. Let's skip over the technical details of water supply, mandatory waterproofing, and plumbing: it's this niche with antique mirrors that we want to focus on. It was already there, with a few cracks, but the beauty of the tile layout had to be highlighted. The choice was therefore to create a dark niche with character, contrasting strongly with the room. The kitchen cabinets blend in seamlessly, to the point of being forgotten. This layout does not detract from the comfort of use, with an imposing island that is very practical for everyday use. The adjoining dining room, featuring a large monolithic wooden table, is a perfect match.

The sleeping area

The master bedroom is accessed via a hallway that leads to a magnificent bathroom. The existing stained glass windows have been preserved. To illuminate the hallway, the partition wall has been made of fluted glass. Light and discretion. The materials are noble, the style both classic and contemporary. From this hallway, you can see the headboard, against which a desk is placed. This second workspace is minimalist and blends perfectly into the bedroom. It creates a continuity of material with the walk-in closets behind it. The apartment also has three children's bedrooms.