Shannon and Alexis’ First Apartment in Paris
Name: Shannon and Alexis
Location: 13th arrondissement, Paris, France
Size: 35 square meters (377 square feet)
Shannon, an American expat who has made Paris her permanent home, writes a blog about what it’s like to live in the city. I met her during my sojurn in Paris last year, and she graciously agreed to give me a tour of her lovely home, a diminutive 35 m2 apartment on one of Paris’ most charming streets.
From Shannon:
I met Alexis in Italy back in 2006 during business school. One thing led to another and we both moved back to Alexis’ hometown of Paris, France and purchased our first apartment in 2008. When we finally found the place that would be our home for the next six years, it was in the 13th arrondissement of Paris on the Rue de la Butte aux Cailles.
The Butte aux Cailles district is a village-like oasis in Paris’ otherwise ultra-contemporary 13th arrondissement, and is just minutes away from Luxembourg gardens, Sorbonne University, and the Latin Quarter. The area is peaceful while still having a lively night scene. It was the ideal location for a young couple making the transition from students to young professionals.
The style of our flat very much represents that transition with an eclectic mix of IKEA and vintage furniture placed into a sweet, chic modern flat. The flat is functional for our many dinner gatherings, with pieces that can fold, stack or be hidden away for more space. The color palette is natural with pops of color. We love our eggplant purple ‘faining’ couch, which allows us to open the windows to the max so we can perch outside on our demi-terrace.
The artworks on the walls are photos or paintings done by friends or family, and pieces we’ve picked up during our many travels.
The space reminds me of our first couple of years together, and the days prior to married life. It’s a space we love to call our first ‘Parisian-nest’.
Thanks, Shannon!
Planning a trip to Paris? Want to read more about life in the city? Check out Shannon’s blog, How to Live in Paris.