Vue d'Eiffel

“A comfortable space that is as elegant as its Parisian location requires,” says Rhoda.

The feature ceiling is a modern take on a ‘pressed ceiling’ to emphasise the play between old and new.
This fourth floor, three bedroom apartment is situated along the River Seine in the quiet 16th Arrondissement of Paris. The designers were challenged to balance the contemporary style with classic French flair. The view of the Eiffel Tower informed and inspired many of the interior design elements captured in the renovation.
The existing narrow passageways and high ceilings were challenges that led to the conceptualisation of creative alternatives that steered the overall design direction. The vision was to accentuate the high ceilings to allow as much of the view and light into the space. The result is a modern, clean and calm design that allows the views to take centerstage, with existing architecture adding charm and character.
ENTRANCE
Stepping out of the lobby, an open plan area incorporating the kitchen, breakfast/tea area and salon (lounge) spans the length of the apartment. Herringbone timber flooring complements the panelling that wraps the interior. A concealed door in the panelling behind the breakfast table leads to the master bedroom, cleverly hidden.
KITCHEN
The clean kitchen design balances old and new perfectly with various elements celebrating the existing architecture. The diamond pattern on the stained glass windows are repeated in the ceiling design and custom radiator covers - the latter also continuing the architectural lines of the existing frame. The windows overlook a typical European courtyard - in perfect contrast with the modern, monochromatic design of the kitchen.
“I really enjoyed contrasting simple geometric forms and monochromatic colours with the classical character of the building,” says Michele Rhoda, ARRCC Director and lead designer on this project.
BREAKFAST AREA
The timber wall panelling and custom designed feature ceiling, adapted from a classic Parisian design, stretches from the kitchen to the salon to create a continuous space - the timber adding a warm layer to the interior palette. Portions of mirror in the wall panelling reveal different perspectives of the apartment.
SALON
The salon encapsulates the magic that makes this apartment so exceptional. The larger than life Eiffel proudly towering outside is perfectly reflected in the floor to ceiling smoky mirrors that cover the side wall behind the sofa – making the tower visible from other areas in the apartment.
On the opposite side of the salon, the original fireplace was retained, with mirror cladding added around it to create the illusion of space. Panelling along the walls continue the architectural lines of the existing door frames. Contemporary, geometric, abstract paintings by South African artist Andrzej Urbanski (Everard Read CIRCA Gallery) add a playful inset to the panelled walls to either side of the fireplace.
BOOKSHELF
The made to fit bookshelf behind the sofa is an extension of the wall panelling that starts in the kitchen and wraps along the inside wall of the salon. Because of the high ceilings in the apartment, a ladder was added, creating a library feel. A clerestory window at the top of the book shelving allows natural light into the master en-suite which is positioned behind it.
MASTER BEDROOM
The master bedroom, which is accessed through the concealed door in the lounge wall panelling, features the same ceiling pattern found in the open plan living areas. Positioned in an oval shape, it complements the softer lines of the bedroom. High ceilings and windows ensure a feeling of spaciousness in the narrow room.
MASTER EN-SUITE BATHROOM
With black sanitary-ware creating a dramatic impression, the black and white colour palette of the master en-suite bathroom is softened with touches of bronze. For the vanity, ARRCC took inspiration from the arch with antique mirror shaped in a curve. Concealed storage behind the mirror addresses the challenge of space.

SECOND BATHROOM
The black colour palette of the master en-suite bathroom is repeated in the second bathroom, but here it is combined with grey marble for a warmer feel. The bathroom features designer Watermark taps and a custom designed basin.
GUEST BATHROOM
The guest bathroom interiors were kept fresh, white and light with the copper basin and taps bringing a pop of colour and element of surprise.

CREDITS:

Project Name: Vue d’Eiffel
Location: Paris, France
Interior Design: ARRCC
Project Team: Michele Rhoda, Mark Rielly, Vanessa Canon, Danie du Toit
Architect: Anne Molfessis
Artwork: Andrzej Urbanski, Everard Read CIRCA Gallery
Photographer: ©Aldo Paredes