For Sloft+ members only
Living in New York for most of the year, Todd and Benjamin dreamed of a Parisian pied-à-terre that was both welcoming and elegant. In 2018, they found this 53-square-meter Haussmann-style apartment in the Ledru-Rollin neighborhood. “We weren’t looking for the perfect apartment, but rather a place with potential,” they explain. “Although tired and badly laid out, with a narrow kitchen and an impractical bathroom, this property was full of promise.”
In the midst of the pandemic, the couple embarked on a complete renovation of the old two-room apartment, accompanied by architect Julien Doly and contractor Patrick Lentini. The apartment was redesigned from scratch to offer a more open, functional, and streamlined space. The enfilade layout of the rooms was retained, while adding connections between the spaces: “One of Julien’s key ideas was to move the kitchen into one of the bedrooms, creating a large kitchen-dining area centered around a table that can seat six to eight guests,” say Todd and Benjamin. “He also redesigned the old kitchen and bathroom areas to create a walk-in closet, a laundry room, and a larger bathroom.”
To design furniture that would blend perfectly with this new layout, Todd, Benjamin, and architect Julien Joly surrounded themselves with skilled craftsmen. “We are very happy with the result and cannot praise highly enough the professionals we worked with to transform this space. We would particularly like to highlight the incredible carpentry work carried out by Atelier Melba.” From the oak-veneered kitchen to the bathroom vanity unit, not to mention a desk tucked away in the old bedroom closet, the custom-made creations play a key role in shaping the identity of the space – all of this, of course, while respecting the historic character of the property: “We came up with a plan that focused on integrating sustainable materials and adding modern amenities, but also, and above all, on reusing and preserving existing elements.”
From the restoration of the moldings and three marble fireplaces to the refurbishment of the parquet floors, the apartment’s history can now be read in the smallest details. Todd and Benjamin’s decorative choices enhance its Haussmannian aesthetic: Danish influences, 1950s-1970s design, vintage pieces, and contemporary lighting intermingle to create a warm and balanced atmosphere: “Today, our apartment exudes openness, balance, and warmth.” The result is a Parisian refuge where Todd and Benjamin love to host large dinner parties but also simply enjoy spending time together.
