Overlooking the North Bank of the River Seine, Paris, this three-bedroom apartment is situated on the fourth floor and boasts majestic views of the Eiffel Tower which is located just across the river. The designers were challenged to balance bespoke contemporary style with classic French flair. The vision was to accentuate the high ceilings to capture views and draw light into the space. The result is a clean, calm and memorable modern space.
‘I really enjoyed contrasting simple geometric forms and monochromatic colours with the classic character of the building,’ says Michele Rhoda, ARRCC Director and lead designer on this project.
Entrance
The open plan area incorporating the kitchen, breakfast area and salon (lounge) spans the full depth of the apartment. Herringbone timber flooring complements panelling that wraps the interior.
Kitchen
Various elements in the kitchen design celebrate the setting, resulting in a clean space which carefully balances old with new. The diamond pattern on the stained-glass windows, repeated in the ceiling design, seems to reflect the structure of the Eiffel Tower, whilst custom radiator covers – set within the architectural lines of the existing frame – are patterned to reflect the new herringbone floor
Breakfast Area
The timber wall panelling and custom designed feature ceiling create a seamless space while portions of mirror set into the wall panelling frame different perspectives of the apartment.
Salon
The salon encapsulates the magic that makes this apartment so exceptional. The Eiffel towers outside is perfectly reflected in floor to ceiling smoky mirrors. On the opposite side of the salon, the original fireplace was restored, with mirror cladding added around it to create a grand illusion of space. Abstract, geometric paintings by contemporary South African artist Andrzej Urbanski add a playful inset to the panelled walls on either side of the fireplace.
Bookshelf
The bookshelf was custom made to fit behind the sofa as an extension of the wall panelling that starts in the kitchen and wraps along the inside wall of the salon.
Master Bedroom
The master bedroom, accessed through the concealed door in the lounge wall panelling, features a ceiling rose made up of the same distinctive pattern found in the open plan living areas. High ceilings and windows ensure a feeling of spaciousness in the narrow room.
Master-en-suite Bathroom
Smart black sanitary-ware and a black and white colour material palette lend an air of drama to the master en-suite bathroom which is softened with touches of bronze.
Second Bathroom
The black colour palette of the master en-suite bathroom is brought through to the second bathroom but is combined here with grey marble for a warmer feel.
Guest Bathroom
The guest bathroom interiors were kept fresh, white and light with the copper basin and taps bringing a playful dash of colour and surprise.
Photography: Aldo Paredes
