A Marais Apartment Channels Modern Parisian Design

It's hard to think of any Parisian home being riddled with problems (it is, after all, Paris — what could be so bad?). But when architect Camille Hermand was asked to renovate an apartment in the fashionable Marais district, she found several challenges. While the apartment had a rich architectural history, having been built on the former wetlands north of the Seine, it had issues — namely uneven ceilings and a long, thin layout that made for an awkward and impersonal living space.

Hermand, determined to respect the apartment's original details, managed to optimize the layout and add modern touches (bold colors, room dividers) while still paying homage to traditional Parisian design.

1. Entrance Hall

Atelier-style windows create a flexible transition between the a new entrance hall and the living area. Built-in bookcases help separate the spaces and add storage.

2. Living Room

Hervé Goluza

The long living room has space for a dining area, and the long window seat offers plenty of sunny spots to curl up with a book. Hermand added the custom oak bookshelves, which were painted in Farrow & Ball's Vardo.

3. Living Room

Hervé Goluza

It was important to Hermand and the client to preserve the home's original floors. "We started with the idea of conserving the original tomette flooring, inspiring an authentic countryside atmosphere, with a contemporary twist," Hermand said.

4. Kitchen

Hervé Goluza

The tomette floors give the sunny kitchen a rustic feel. The Ikea cabinets are topped with Zimbabwe black granite to add a contemporary contrast.

5. Office

Hervé Goluza

The charming office/second bedroom, located just off the living area, has a wall lined in Farrow & Ball's Arcade wallpaper and a custom wardrobe painted in Setting Plaster, also by Farrow & Ball.

6. Master Bedroom

Hervé Goluza

The master bedroom's eye-catching light fixture is by Constance Guisset for Petite Friture. Hermand lined the wall behind the bed with Noblis' Brazilia wallpaper and added colorful Dynamo sconces by Super Living.

7. Master Bedroom

Hervé Goluza

The master bedroom's custom wardrobe is painted in a deep teal. Interior windows let extra light into the bathroom.

8. Master Bath

Hervé Goluza

The bathroom's ocean blue vanity matches the bedroom's wardrobe. The hexagonal tiles that line the tub and walls give a nod to the home's original floors.