House Tour: An entrepreneur and family's Haussmann style apartment in Le Marais, Paris
Inside a Parisian apartment inspired by French Haussmann architecture style
By Lynn Tan -
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Located in the Parisian neighbourhood of Marais in the third arrondissement is an apartment belonging to a design entrepreneur and his family.
Paris 17th Century Building
Housed in a 17th century building, the project involved the combination of two apartments on the first and second storeys into one, with the first storey housing the reception and entertainment spaces and the bedrooms located on the second storey for greater privacy.
A Le Corbusier recliner creates an inviting corner by the tall windows.
Humbert & Poyet
Undertaken by the Monaco-and Paris-based interior design firm, Humbert & Poyet, co-founders Emil Humbert and Christophe Poyet wanted to create a timeless and elegant family home with a convivial ambience that is ideal for both family life and for entertaining guests.
For Humbert
& Poyet co-
founders, Emil
Humbert and
Christophe Poyet,
it is all about
creating spaces
that are
elegant and bold.
“For a family of design entrepreneurs, we also wanted it to be a place where art and design are part of the lifestyle,” say the interior designers.
The interior is a blend of Modernist, Art Deco and Memphis movements, paired with classicism.
Haussmann Paris Architecture
The existing, identical apartments on both levels were gutted and entirely renovated, but Emil and Christophe were mindful about respecting the history of the building and being sensitive to the original style and period.
They were also inspired by elements from the Haussmann style that is synonymous with the French capital. Named after Georges-Eugéne Haussmann, who was tasked by Napoléon Bonaparte to re-envision the city, Haussmann proposed a network of boulevards lined with modern apartment buildings that had uniform stone facades and exteriors which conformed to strict guidelines on height and proportion.
Draconian as it seemed, the charm of the city today, in all its grandeur and elegance can be attributed in part to Haussmann’s vision.
The dining table has a simple rectangular form and structure, but makes a statement with its reflective brass finish.
Classic Parisian Style
The original windows and mouldings were re-created to restore the apartment to its classic Parisian glory, while injecting the design with the duo’s modern interpretation.
A terrazzo and brass combination make for a grand entrance.
The sofa is a fitting centrepiece within the living room with its curved form and rich blue colour.
Art pieces inject a pop of colour into the spaces.
The wooden flooring in the living area and bedrooms infuse the interior with a sense of warmth. Laid in a chevron pattern, it also adds a retro vibe.
Elements from different style periods are juxtaposed to achieve just the right balance.
Arbescato marble lends a regal air to the bathroom.
The selective
incorporation of
colour to certain
spaces creates
visual interest.
Mid-Century Furniture
The furniture is mainly mid-century and contemporary, and together with the incorporation of modern artworks, give the home a modern look that is in harmony with the classical architecture.
A wall sconce by Serge Mouille is a piece of art in itself. A Pierre Paulin chair and art by Paul Stanley complete the ensemble in one corner of the bedroom.
The timber flooring laid in a chevron pattern gives the home a sense of warmth.
1 Year Renovation
The project took one year to complete and it reflects the internationally renowned architecture and interior design firm’s philosophy of conceiving spaces that are elegant and bold.
A brass door anchors the bedroom space with its height and finish.
“We enjoy creating compositions in the same way a playwright sets the stage, and marrying different periods together to achieve just the right balance. We are particularly inspired by the Modernist, Art Deco and Memphis movements, paired with classicism. These are reflected in the choice of forms, colours and finishes in our work, as well as in this apartment,” they point out.
A painting by
Aaron Young
makes for the
perfect backdrop
behind the bed
complemented
by a bespoke
bedside table
designed by
Humbert & Poyet.
The result is a home made up of a series of rooms and spaces that are statements in themselves, strong yet refined.