Real Life Stories Renovating An Apartment In Paris

Date Published:

16/06/2008

By essentially removing the roof, the curvaceous line of the walls on two sides was extended so that they eventually meet each other to form a dome. 'Although the dome is on the north side of the building, which never gets any direct sunlight, we decided to break it up with a long, narrow glass window,' says Eric. 'The light that does filter through is of the crispest, clearest blue, and this has the effect of flooding the mezzanine below with an unusual hue.'

Credit: Stephen Clement/Photozest

The clean decor continues in the kitchen, where a blue worktop, Bombo stools (available at Purves & Purves) and the red Elephant chair, a classic 1960s piece by Bernard Rancillac, make quite a statement.

Eric has relied heavily on his talents with symmetry to draw the apartment together, with the fireplace forming the axis around which all the other features, and even the furniture, are reflected. 'The fireplace is an essential part of the continuity of the apartment,' he emphasises. 'It creates a visual link between the two levels.'

The staircase, too, forms a link between the upper and lower floors, its sleek construction forming a sculptural centrepiece. 'It was important to integrate the stairs to avoid using up the space we created with the extension,' says Eric. 'They give this top-floor apartment the feeling of a small house, as well as sitting in harmony with the rest of the décor.'

Credit: Stephen Clement/Photozest

Located on the ground floor, away from the kids' rooms, the master bedroom is dominated by wood, with a beautiful oak floor, minimal dark-wood furnishings and a curvy sycamore bed, designed by Eric.

Much of the double-height area of the apartment is taken up with an impressive library, sparingly furnished. Having carefully selected each piece of furniture for its simplicity of form, texture and colour, the last thing Eric wants his children to do is clutter the clean lines with the bits and bobs of everyday life. 'I do try and encourage them to be tidy,' he admits.

Another such example of this is the sleek Philippe Stark glass and steel table, with its obvious lack of seating. 'We always leave things on the chairs, and that makes them messy. I prefer not to spoil the pure lines and simplicity of the table,' he confesses. Consequently, dinner guests sit on folding chairs, which are brought out for the occasion and stacked neatly out of sight directly afterwards.

Credit: Stephen Clement/Photozest

The classic style of this typical Parisian attic apartment has been enhanced rather than compromised, and its geometric interior design and eclectic choice of furnishings comes as something of an unexpected pleasure. 'I feel we have taken this quite severe style and turned it to its best advantage,' concludes Eric. 'Thanks to a medley of materials and colours, we have managed to inject a touch of artistic fantasy, too.'

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