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Between family heirlooms and bold colors, the transformation of this Parisian pied-à-terre cemented the friendship between Virginie, a globetrotter living in London, and Margot, a newly launched architect working on her first project in the capital.
On the second floor of a former print shop, the apartment Virginie inherited from her parents still had its original carpeting, paneling, and exotic wood flooring brought back from Africa—a memento the family cherished deeply : “However, I wanted a different look, while still respecting the history of the place,” says the new owner, who was born in Madagascar. Her first challenge was to work with her parents, who were still very much involved and more concerned with insulation than aesthetics.
Focused on finding solutions, architect Margot Aurensan began by re-insulating the envelope, installing a ventilation system, and boosting the energy rating from G to C. That left the dark parquet flooring: with Virginie’s help, she replaced it to allow the rooms to breathe and provide a neutral backdrop for the family’s furniture. In the new color scheme, a sunny yellow brightens up the industrial staircase—now the centerpiece—while neutral tones give the other spaces a more relaxed feel, designed for occasional rentals as well as the owner’s stays in Paris.
Today, the spacious living room welcomes guests with open arms.
“It’s pleasant enough for a small family and very easy to entertain in,” smiles Virginie. The family history continues, simply illuminated by a new lease on life.
