A hybrid space that favors reflection.
42 m²
Paris, France
55 000 €
Contemporary classic
One-bedroom
Arnaud De Matteis
For Sloft+ members only
"Originally, this was a faded two-room apartment on the 3rd floor of an old building in Rue de Rennes. Its new owners, who are tech entrepreneurs straddling two continents, decided to entrust its renovation to Arnaud de Matteis, founder of the
agency that bears his name. The brief was to turn it into a mixed-use space where several people could work together, but where two people could also enjoy an intimate stay together.
"The apartment had been abandoned by its previous owners" explains the interior designer, who finds this apartment undeniably charming despite a few wrinkles of time.
To minimize costs and keep the soul of the place, Arnaud and his clients decided minimize their alterations. A few cleverly pushed-up walls and rethought spaces optimized volumes and the initially incoherent layout.
"A narrow, dark entrance made the apartment inhospitable from the outset. The bedroom at the back of the apartment, adjoining a small bathroom, was 7 m², whereas the Carrez law requires a minimum of 9 m². We combined the two to make it comfortable and spacious, but also compliant with current standards in the event of resale."
The kitchen has been relocated to the living area, while a cosy, compact bathroom no longer encroaches on the living room. The bonus of this configuration: each room now benefits from an opening to the outside, and therefore from natural lighting and ventilation. Arnaud also chose to turn some of the apartment's major shortcomings into real opportunities:
"I like to play with constraints, such as the concrete platform in the former bathroom, the real "bête noire" of the project." At 20 cm high, it cannot be removed without fear of discovering a network of inextricable plumbing that would have to be removed at great expense...
" So we decided to keep it and turn it into an asset". Covered with a luxurious carpet, it will become a platform, masterpiece of the bedroom where a comfortable bed is enthroned.
The notion of footprint is the other thread running through this witty renovation, as the apartment is also distinguished by the richness of its materials. A textured journey that awakens the senses (particularly touch), the sensuality of textiles meet the coldness of computers, the "artsy" touch meets flat screens. All in all, a unique place, a subtle blend of renewal and emotional elements.
"Big or small, it doesn't mean anything to me," concludes Arnaud de Matteis. "Above all, I like projects that tell a story."
