E
legant yet extremely effortless, the new home of our young family of five brings together modern aesthetics with that distinctive Parisian flair; this is the perfect example of nonchalant-chic. On the hunt for a larger home, Rémy, Elisa and kids found this fifth floor apartment in a traditional period building, located in the exclusive 16th arrondissement, West Paris between the Eiffel Tower and the Bois de Boulogne.
Steel coffee tables by Charlotte Vauvillier for Caravane (Kira collection). The two sofas are some of the only pieces which come from the owners’ previous home. The large photograph on the left is by Gilles Ouaki, it depicts one of the padlocks of the Pont des Arts, the famous bridge with “love locks”.
With a floor space of 160 sqm, the new home was clearly big enough. However, it had a poky kitchen with staff entrance and an extremely long corridor, so a total refurb was deemed necessary. The overall project was overseen by architect Charlotte Vauvillier, recommended by the estate agent who managed the sale. Happily, architect and clients bonded extremely well, striking up a warm and friendly relationship, just like Charlotte explains. Rémi and Elisa were clear in what they wanted and prompt in their response. However, they were also prepared to make concessions to their classic taste, to venture some colour and to think outside the box.
The main specification was a new kitchen. Charlotte moved it to the top of the corridor, also resolving the issue of its length. So, you now have to pass through the large dining room if you want to reach the kids’ rooms on the other side of the apartment. The dining room has effectively become the real heart of this home.
A large window which looks over the internal courtyard and full-length mirror with its original cabochons makes this space open and light. In the centre, one of Charlotte’s favourite pieces: Magnum table by Pierre Favresse for La Chance. Legs in Carrara marble, fixed with a metal grid to the wooden top. With its incredible mix of 50s chairs by Eames and geometric carpet; this is the most sophisticated corner of the home.
There’s a spacious entrance between living room and dining room. Where the top of the corridor once was, cleverly joined together in a sort of jigsaw, we have the ensuite bathroom of the master bedroom, storage closet and kitchen. Each of the three kids, aged between 6 and 15, have their own bedroom in the right-wing. To construct three rooms of the same size, thus avoiding sibling squabbles, Charlotte replaced the partition wall with a floor-to-ceiling multipurpose cupboard, which frees up floor space in the smallest of the rooms. Plus, a technical detail simplified the entire project: there are no radiators, for the designer’s delight, as here the heating comes from small nozzles in the skirting board.
Entrance decorated with a few key pieces chosen with gallerist Jean-Baptiste Bouvier: a golden console table, a lithography by Victor Vasarely and the iconic Sputnik pendant lamp, inspired by the first shuttle launched in ’57 by the Russians.
Without a doubt, Charlotte Vauvillard knows her stuff when it comes to the historic buildings of Paris. She has especially enjoyed working on this one with its magnificent period details, from plasterwork, to mirrors and fireplaces. With sensitivity and fearlessness, Charlotte has enhanced this apartment with an intriguing mix of pieces, which go from Mid-century Modern to contemporary furniture. Furthermore, Charlotte’s talent coupled with Rémy and Elisa’s enthusiasm has given life to a sophisticated and welcoming home with true Parisian charm.
Design project
Renovation of a period apartment
Location: 16. arrondissement, Paris
Floors: 1
Size 160 sqm
Time frame: 4 months
Interior design project and furniture sourcing:
Charlotte Vauvillier
Architecte d’intérieur – Paris
Tel: 0033 (0) 6 64 76 51 38
E-mail: charlottevauvillier@gmail.com
Photos:
Courtesy Charlotte Vauvillier
