We regularly work with international clients investing in Paris, either to create an occasional pied-à-terre or to purchase a property for seasonal letting in popular visitor neighbourhoods. This project followed the latter approach: a 55 m² apartment in an elegant building in the 5th arrondissement, close to the Jardin du Luxembourg. Occupied by the same person for 45 years without significant maintenance or renovation, it presented an exciting architectural opportunity.
First, we set out to open up the entrance hall towards the double reception room by removing doors, a cupboard and a section of wall. Of the four fireplaces, two were retained and repositioned back to back: one in the entrance and the other replacing a faulty Prussian-style stove. A double-sided hearth opens the view towards the entrance. We also swapped the kitchen with the bathroom and WC, opening the kitchen onto the hall. In a compact home, the 7.31 m² entrance accounted for almost 15% of the floor area. Connecting it to the kitchen and living room allowed us to make it a living space in its own right.
The guiding theme throughout the apartment was geometric form: black and white half-hexagonal porcelain tiles in the kitchen echo wallpaper with trapezoidal motifs. Sculptural bedside tables by Drugeot Labo frame the bed, fitted with Sofitel MyBed bedding, beneath orange balloon lights by Brokis. While the kitchen explores black and white, glossy lacquer and satin-matt surfaces, the living areas feel warmer, with golden-yellow curtains by Maison Lelièvre, an Eero Saarinen table for Knoll and Costes chairs by Driade reupholstered in yellow leather. Touches of yellow Lacobel glass also appear in the predominantly matt-white bathroom by Ceramica di Sirone, creating a bright, cheerful whole.
