A Family-Friendly Parisian Apartment Balances Color With Class
Paris's 7th arrondissement is sleepy and classy with large blocks of those old, historic, typically Parisian residential buildings. The neighborhood's exteriors may be traditional; but that doesn't the interiors have to be stodgy. So when architect Camille Hermand was hired by a couple with two small children to add some life to their apartment in a Haussmannian building, she erred on the lighthearted side. "The owners have a traditional, yet quirky and original style which was fun to work with," she says.
Hermand retained the original features — like parquet flooring, moldings, fireplaces — and brought in an up-to-date color palette with bold hues. "We worked on a mood board with the client to explore different colors and atmospheres," says Hermand. "We wanted something warm and light, with punctuated contrasts to add a subtle contemporary edge to the design." The end result is the perfect balance of old and new, making this family home both fashionable and fun.
1. Living Room
The living room's ornate moldings and fireplace are softened with a wicker pendant light from HKliving and plush seating from Caravane.
2. Reading Room
Hervé Goluza
The reading room's custom bookcase was painted in Farrow & Ball's Oval Room Blue.
3. Kitchen
Hervé Goluza
Hans J. Wegner's Wishbone chairs are pulled up to a Sentou table in the kitchen's dining area. The custom kitchen was painted in Farrow & Ball's Off Black to contrast with the Cornforth White walls.
4. Hallway
Hervé Goluza
Even the hallway received a dose of color. Hermand paired Farrow & Ball's Inchyra Blue halfway up the walls with Strong White for the upper parts.
5. Master Bedroom
Hervé Goluza
The master bedroom's headboard was designed to include built-in shelving and is topped with Pierre Frey's Pampa wallpaper. Gubi pendant lights complement the ruby red curtains.
6. Bathroom
Hervé Goluza
Hexagonal tiles by Mosaic del Sur line the wall and floor of the master bathroom.
7. Kid's Room
Hervé Goluza
In the son's room, a vibrant yellow bookcase looks stunning next to wallpaper by Bien Fait.
8. Kid's Room
Hervé Goluza
Little Cabari wallaper and fabric was used in the daughter's room. The bookcase was painted in Carmine by Little Green.