By mixing old and new, classical and modern throughout this Parisian apartment, the designers have created an interior that not only reflects their signature style, but is also a contextual response to time, place and its occupants.
Who Lives Here A young couple
Home A pied-a-terre in the heart of Paris
Interior Designer Champeau & Wilde Paris
Located along the Quai Voltaire on the Seine, just across the Louvre in the seventh arrondissement, this pied-a-terre is the work of French interior design and decoration studio, Champeau & Wilde.
Interior Designer: Champeau & Wilde Paris
Helmed by Laurent Champeau and Kelli Wilde, the practice applies the intangible rules of sophistication à la française to their work by using the subtle alliance of contemporary and classical references, while carefully listening to their clients’ wishes in order to create harmonious and liveable interiors.
Interior designers Laurent Champeau (left) and Kelli Wilde.
The classical tile flooring lends an effortless grace to the charming home
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th arr Paris
For this apartment in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, the clients wanted to recreate an interior that captured the essence of what the space would look like in the 19th Century. They also stressed the importance of making it their own, while reflecting the romance of the Parisian city.
The original three bedrooms of the 1,500 sq ft apartment have been converted into two bedrooms with an adjoining walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom.
Quintessential French Interior Design
Its interior is quintessentially French, with traditionally French elements such as crown mouldings and overdoors. “We gave it a modern twist, adding modern art works such as abstract collages by French painter, Francis Montanier, and contemporary furniture such as the zebra- print bench,” says Laurent.
This interlacing of bold patterns, textures and forms with more traditional veins represents Champeau & Wilde’s signature style. Their forte lies in combining timeless pieces in creative ways, juxtaposed with classical design references.
Balancing Textures & Colours
“We love to mix bespoke and vintage furnishings to create true individuality in our projects,” shares Kelli.
In fact, mixing textures and colours is such an important facet of the duo’s design style that Laurent comments: “When a scheme is too match-matchy, we lose interest.”
However, when working with such a diverse palette, balance is key, accentuating the space without overwhelming.
“One of the ways we can do it is to have splashes of bold colours against a neutral and soft background,” Kelli explains. In this case, dramatic elements such as the leopard rug and blue sofa in the living room are set against neutral, off-white walls.
French Master Bathroom
Just as they excel in blending contrasting elements, the partnership between Laurent and Kelli thrives as a result of their different respective strengths.
Designed for functionality, the counter in the master bathroom features a his and hers sink layout with plenty of storage space underneath.
Laurent’s style is a bit more rigorous and classically French, while Kelli’s is a bit freer and more playful. They believe that: “In a partnership each person has his or her own skills, interests and specialties. In this case, interior design for Laurent and decoration for Kelli.
This combination allows Champeau & Wilde to offer fully-designed projects that express our clients’ desires with our style.”