Véronique lives with her husband and three young boys in a five-story 1978 brick house in the 15th arrondissement that's more New York than Paris, at least on the outside. "We lived for three years in New York, and we didn't want to leave," says Véronique. "This house, with all the bricks, isn't very Parisian!"
But it's a different story inside the 250m2 space, with its high ceilings, giant cut-out windows, and modern mix of old and new décor that Parisians do particularly well. Antiques from Véronique's family in Lyon or found at brocantes in Normandy or Brittany are juxtaposed with a trio of contemporary white ceramic stools by India Mahdavi and a white curved sofa from Italia B&B. A few of the living room walls are painted in a matte cranberry that shows off groupings of framed art and grounds the room. "What's interesting in this space is the volume," says Véronique. "We like the contrast of heavy color and lots of white so you can breathe."
The result is both sophisticated and child-friendly. On a Sunday morning a few weeks before Christmas, Véronique and her three-year-old son were painting a snow scene on the front windows, and her husband was cutting apples to make a tart. Véronique is a former journalist who now runs Balouga (see photo above), a gallery/boutique in the Marais that sells pint-sized vintage and reedited designer furniture from the 20th and 21st centuries for chic petits Parisiens, sourced from Europe and the rest of the world. Balouga also produces a collection of evolving desks for growing kids with designers Mahmoud Akram and Matali Crasset.
- Kristin Hohenadel blogging from rue Vieille du Temple, Paris, France. If you have an idea for a European house tour, please write to kristinh @ apartmenttherapy . com
Copyright © 2007 Apartment Therapy
Wow!
view mint julep's profile
the settee, ceramic stools and chandelier make my heart go pitter pat. heart attack gorgeous!
view celinai's profile
You know, I don't know how to say what's my feeling. The indoor decorations seems distinctive but a little strange. So
many accessories put into a same space. I would not hang chairs up like that. Overall it's very beautiful. LOL...
view ppollwith654's profile
oh! I love the hanging chairs. And the house itself is just gorgeous. I am so jealous - fabulous house with a view of the eiffel tower. And it looks so cozy. Oh And I love the striped love seat.
view homebody's profile
hubby making an apple tart! that's just too perfect!
view Sassy in SF's profile
Just to clarify: the photo with the hanging chairs is of Véronique in her boutique Balouga (www.balouga.com) in the Marais, not of her house!
view Kristin Hohenadel's profile
i really love the settee! and all things parisienne! the little chairs are adorable.
view SD913's profile
I just love this home... its complexity and depth, the quirky combinations of acquired and loved objects and furniture... Every time I see a French interior, I see a respect for skilled craftsmen and beauty; a willingly to embrace contradictions and engage in dialogue. The more I live in this part of the world, the more I fall in love with the French...
I simply don't get the sense that cost is one of the overriding factors in furnishing a home; they respect the work of the artist or craftsperson, and are willing to pay for beauty. So they balance the unique with the common, the expensive with the family piece or junk store find. And they are confident enough to combine the seemingly dissimilar.
view monika1's profile
What a beautiful cabinet. When it comes to elegance the French rule.
view monarda's profile
ugh, i'm SOOO jealous! :) what a beautiful place! so european. i just love that look.
view gleek's profile
Who makes the 3 white stools in the living room? Where can I find them?!
I love this home!!!
view schnauzer's profile
Schnauzer,
The stools are by Paris-based Iranian designer India Mahdavi:
http://www.india-mahdavi.com/
view Kristin Hohenadel's profile
Thanks, Kristin!
view schnauzer's profile