If This Paris Apartment's Retro Style Doesn't Win You Over, its Punchy Wallpaper Will
Tasked with transforming this typical two-bedroom in the center of Paris into a comfortable weekend pied-à-terre for a family of four, architect Camille Hermand had to get creative. Opening the space with interior steel-and-glass windows in the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, she turned the quiet, dark apartment into one that maximized light and visibility.
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The apartment's energy comes from a clever juxtaposition of old and new, in which contemporary lighting pieces and furniture complement a mix of vintage-inspired items and pastel hues. Hermand left intact the original floors, ceiling moldings, and fireplaces in an attempt to retain the apartment’s charm. The cool color palette complements the existing architectural details, while the addition of custom patterned wallpaper adds a contemporary edge. The result is a playful space, at once retro and au courant, perfect for a Parisian pied-à-terre.
In the bedroom, a BH2 Spinning light by Benjamin Hubert adds elegance to the cozy, nest-like space.
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The window partition motif is repeated in the kitchen, allowing for communication between kitchen and living area. Gray cabinetry and white Silestone counters fit in alongside vibrant yellow pendants by MUUTO and a retro, light-blue Smeg refrigerator.
Distinctly modern fixtures in bright hues—such as this exquisite Le Deun pendant—hang in every room, providing what architect Camille Hermand calls “A contemporary edge to the traditional architecture of the apartment," adding that, “They dress the neutral and muted tones of the walls."
The second bedroom, shared by two young children, offers a private space away from the rest of the home. The owners and architect alike made sure to maintain the apartment’s original features, including the ceiling moldings.
A simple work space features an Angelpoise lamp and a desk from La Redoute Interieurs.
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