Houzz Tours
Paris Houzz: A Fresh Take on Classic Parisian Design
Timeless elegance, autumnal tones and a clever wall bed make a beautiful Parisian apartment for a woman and her nephew
The owner of this property in Paris’ 18th arrondissement, who splits her time between Bordeaux and Dubai, searched for a pied-à-terre where she could make the most of the French capital and host her nephew, a young man in his early twenties. She bought this 60-square-metre apartment, located in the heart of Montmartre, and called on interior designer Jean-Christophe Peyrieux to renovate it after discovering his work on Houzz France.
This highly compartmentalised apartment, tucked away on the first floor of a Haussmannian building (designed by Baron Georges Eugène Haussmann in the 19th century), had not been renovated since the 1960s. “A bathroom and storage cabinet on either side reduced the size of the space. These were removed, as with most of the non-load-bearing partitions, glazed doors, corner fireplaces and finishes,” says Peyrieux.
They only kept the load-bearing wall, which was already partially open. The living room is to the right, while the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom are on the other side. Peyrieux redesigned all of the spaces in such a way as to optimise every square metre.
Inspired to renovate your own home? Browse projects by interior designers near you on Houzz and read reviews from their previous clients
Inspired to renovate your own home? Browse projects by interior designers near you on Houzz and read reviews from their previous clients
Furniture and decorative pieces now set the tone in this sleek and sober living room, which is elevated with immaculate decor. The owner went for new timber parquet flooring in light tones to create a cosier feel and revisit the building’s distinctive Haussmannian style in a more contemporary way.
“We knocked down most of the partitions. The original trim mouldings no longer matched the new composition of the flat,” says the interior designer.
They added timber panelling, trim moulding and plaster cornices to recreate the timeless feel of the property.
The sophisticated mirror above the fireplace is the only original decor feature they kept. A storage cupboard serving as a bar replaced the old display cabinet. It discreetly blends into the decor while maintaining the symmetry of the walls on both sides.
Fine materials, custom designs and a light palette underpin the elegant look.
To make the most of the double living room and dining room area, the owner invested in one separate bedroom, and asked for a comfortable hidden sleeping area to be integrated into the living room.
A large bookcase made of walnut veneer and lacquered matt MDF houses an electric foldaway Murphy bed along with a bathroom fixtures, including a basin, concealed behind one of the cupboard doors.
Peyrieux designed this joinery unit and had it made in a workshop in Portugal. LED lighting was positioned at the top or bottom of each alcove for a subdued atmosphere.
Peyrieux designed this joinery unit and had it made in a workshop in Portugal. LED lighting was positioned at the top or bottom of each alcove for a subdued atmosphere.
This Parisian pied-à-terre did not need a large dining room, so the homeowner opted for a round table that seats four. The black table, accompanied by a set of rust-hued velvet chairs, adds colour to the gunmetal-grey and dark wood decor.
Entirely made-to-measure, the understated and elegant new kitchen is framed by a steel room divider completed with a glass window. To the left, the shelf space, which houses the refrigerator and numerous storage compartments, gradually expands to adapt to the existing curve of the rounded wall.
The brushed-oak plywood surfaces blend perfectly with the wooden parquet flooring. “We wanted to conceal as many of the kitchen features as possible by integrating a black sink and black hotplate on a tonal work surface,” says the designer.
This is topped with a mirrored splashback that brings in maximum light while making this ultra-functional kitchenette look larger than it is.
This is topped with a mirrored splashback that brings in maximum light while making this ultra-functional kitchenette look larger than it is.
Spectacular wallpaper sets the mood in this cosy and snug bedroom. This botanical scenery is in harmony with the custom-built quilted leather and walnut veneer headboard.
A large white lacquered MDF and walnut-veneer wardrobe extending to the ceiling fits seamlessly into the space. In the middle, a hidden sliding door with a mirror leads to the ensuite bathroom.
The pink walls were the last remnants of the original bathroom. It has stayed in the same place, but while it had previously opened out into the hallway, it is now directly accessible from the bedroom.
The owner invested in elegant tiling with an all-over charcoal-grey marble effect in the new smaller ensuite.
“We designed a trompe l’oeil rooflight [traditionally, an artistic technique that produces an optical illusion] by adding a daylight-effect LED tile under a false ceiling,” says Peyrieux.
A custom walnut-veneer vanity unit blends in with the tiling for a contemporary and sophisticated feel.
Not only did the renovation make the apartment more functional and suited to the homeowner’s needs, but Peyrieux also installed heated flooring and air conditioning for added comfort.
Your turn
What do you love most about this renovated apartment? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the renovation conversation.
More
Missed last week’s Houzz Tour? Do a spot of armchair travel and check out this France Houzz: From Bare and Bland to a Bold Minimalist Beauty
Your turn
What do you love most about this renovated apartment? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, save the images for inspiration, and join the renovation conversation.
More
Missed last week’s Houzz Tour? Do a spot of armchair travel and check out this France Houzz: From Bare and Bland to a Bold Minimalist Beauty
House at a Glance
Who lives here: A woman and her nephew
Location: Paris, France
Size: 60 square metres
Project duration: Six months
Interior designer: Jean-Christophe Peyrieux
“The owner had taken a shine to my previous renovation projects, which combined simplicity with timeless elegance. She gave me carte blanche to upgrade this outdated flat by showcasing soft colours and well-made materials,” says Peyrieux.