Old-World Charm Meets Modern Finishes in These 6 Parisian Apartments
What could be more Parisian than a chic apartment or flat that combines original crown molding, contemporary furniture, and modern finishes?
When we imagine Parisian style, we immediately think of an impeccable but effortless mixture of historic architectural features with modern furniture, styling, and accessories. The classic Parisian mansard roofs give way to attic abodes with character-defining, wood-beamed ceilings—walls are covered with wood paneling, floors are lined with beautiful hardwood, and ceilings are edged with crown molding. Yet, these spaces feel anything but old and dreary, thanks to of-the-moment paint colors, modern lighting, clean lines, and tons of natural light. Take a look as we review some of our favorite appartements in Paris that have that certain je ne sais quois.
1) A Family's Retro Pied-à-Terre by Camille Hermand
The charm of original wood floors, wall paneling, and thick crown molding is brought into the 21st century with a coat of crisp white paint and soft gray walls. Minimalist furnishings and fixtures, like an undulating white pendant and a small white bedside table, keep it feeling modern.
Photo: Jennifer Sath
The mix of old and new continues into the living room, where custom steel-and-glass windows open up the apartment and add visibility and light between spaces. Muted blues and grays in pastel tones keep the space feeling soft, cool, and relaxed, while the Conran Pembury sofa, La Redoute tables, and Petite Friture pendants keep it feeling clean—and far from overcrowded.
Photo: Jennifer Sath
2) Joseph Dirand's Chic Abode
The Paris kitchen of architect Joseph Dirand features stylish chevron floors in oak and two-tone cabinetry—one paneled with traditional pulls, the other modern and hardware-free—in a light gray and a patinaed brown. An elegant, sculptural faucet and unusual, geometric pendants and ceiling-mounted light fixtures ensure that the space feels modern.
Photography by Simon Watson
The effortless elegance in Dirand's bedroom is mainly due to the combination of sandy gray walls, an upholstered headboard, and traditional paneled window shutters. When the shutters are open, natural light streams in and the bright white of the bed linens help reflect daylight into the space.
Photo: Pia Ulin
On the top floor of the Parisian department store Marie sixtine lies a flat for special guests of the store that's decked out in a cool-yet-homey way. Luxe textiles on the chair, rug, and carpet—as well as the artwork on the paneled chair rail—create a tactile feel.
Photo by Julie Ansiau, courtesy of Design Milk
The bed is encased in a birchwood cocoon that looks out to grand French doors that open up to the city beyond. One wall is covered with a floral textile that brings out the calming shades of blue and gray in the space, and the bed area can be partitioned off with floor-to-ceiling curtains.
Photo by Julie Ansiau, courtesy of Design Milk
4) Monochromatic Color Schemes by Septembre Architecture
In the 11th arrondissement, the elegance of wood chevron floors, delicate crown molding, and ceiling medallions is balanced by stark white walls and ceilings and a select few pieces of furniture, allowing the white French doors and views to the outside to take priority.
© David Foessel
The white walls, ceilings, and decorative crown moldings continue into the kitchen area, where light gray cabinets and a medium gray floor covering highlight the marble of the tabletop and backsplash.
© David Foessel
A blend of old and new marks the renovation of this apartment in Paris, where historic wood beams were painted white to emphasize their texture, and wood veneered cabinets were selected for the kitchen. Even the vintage Thonet dining chairs are paired with a more contemporary glass dining table.
Courtesy of Piret Johanson Studio and Design Milk
The subtle palette of white and wood is broken up by pops of color and pattern provided by the collection of the homeowner's artwork, which is strategically placed throughout the space for maximum impact.
Courtesy of Piret Johanson Studio and Design Milk
In the home of artistic director Jean-Christophe Aumas, the designer presents his collection of pieces as a mixture of vintage and contemporary classics, showcased in a traditional Parisian apartment. Pops of color on doors or paneling enliven the typical French architectural elements, while the rustic chevron floors keep it from feeling too fussy or over-the-top.
Photo: Christian Schaulin
Aumas created a series of vignettes throughout the apartment that are playful and unexpected, mixing fun elements with practical and historic details. Here, an original marble fireplace is paired with a disco ball, a stuffed fawn, and firewood that's selectively been painted in bright colors.
Photo: Christian Schaulin
Published
Last Updated