In the heart of Paris, just steps away from the Esplanade des Invalides and Rue de l'Université, an elegant apartment has been transformed into a harmonious sanctuary of light oak, Arabescato marble, linen fabrics, and warm copper. Interior designer Valérie Lazard drew inspiration from the famous French dancer Cléo de Mérode of the Opéra de Paris, a celebrated figure of the Belle Époque era, to create this sophisticated refuge combining warm wood and cool iron.
The renovation began with a complete reimagining of the floor plan. When Lazard first visited the apartment, it consisted of three small bedrooms, a long hallway, and two living spaces. She decided to remove everything to create a less fragmented, more open space while ensuring the bed remained hidden from immediate view and the sleeping area maintained its intimate character. The entrance area, designed with lava stone flooring, features what appears to be a wall sculpture - actually a specially designed door handle made from cast bronze that Lazard wanted to create like a painting carved from the material.
The entry leads into a small, wood-paneled anteroom with lava stone flooring that includes a wardrobe, a small seating niche, a large mirror, and storage for shoes, suitcases, bags, and umbrellas. From the entrance, visitors immediately see the sculptural bronze door handle, crafted by the same artisan who created the matching cast bronze fireplace. Above the fireplace, four panels conceal a flat-screen TV and sound system that provides audio throughout the entire apartment.
Nearly all the furniture in the project was custom-made, including seating pieces: chairs, benches, stools, and a coffee table, all featuring wrought iron elements that recall the stems and buds of narcissus flowers. These pieces were crafted by Atelier de Missolz, Paris's last blacksmith workshop. Lazard combined these iron elements with a series of light oak pieces, from storage solutions to kitchen and bathroom elements, including interior shutters.
The small kitchen was designed to be as functional as possible while maintaining the apartment's minimalist aesthetic. For an even cleaner look, the kitchen can be completely hidden behind two wooden double doors. Behind the six cabinet fronts of the compact kitchen are a refrigerator, drawer dishwasher, microwave, two mini cooktops, and a range hood. The countertop and kitchen backsplash are made from Arabescato marble, complemented by a Sjostrand coffee machine and Villeroy & Boch dishware.
To complete the material palette, the interior designer supplemented the oak built-ins with delicately veined Arabescato marble, used for the kitchen countertop and backsplash. In front of the kitchen, she arranged a small dining area with a round wooden table and two chairs. Next to this sits a custom-made sofa with removable cushions that can transform into an additional bed when needed.
The open sleeping area behind the dining space is dramatically staged with a curtain held by hooks and chains that surrounds the bed and nightstands. This spectacular curtain, unlike a traditional canopy, doesn't confine the bed but creates a theatrical, almost dreamlike backdrop. The bedroom curtain harmonizes visually with the large window curtains, which Lazard supplemented with interior shutters. "There are exterior shutters, curtains, and these interior shutters, and all of this contributes to more intimacy and depth in the space," explains the interior designer.
The sleeping area features custom-designed plaster bedside lamps that complement the hanging light in the living room, creating a cohesive design language throughout the space. The gentle draping of fabric around the bed headboard subtly creates a sensual atmosphere, with linen curtains hanging from ceiling hooks that billow around the bed in homage to Cléo de Mérode's flowing draped garments.
Between the fireplace and the cabinet with the sculptural cast bronze handle, a small work corner has been arranged featuring a Daphine lamp by Lumina on the desktop. A stool with wrought iron legs by Atelier de Missolz maintains the same form as the other table legs throughout the space. The hallway leading to the bathroom and toilet is completely lined with mirrors on the left side, behind which large wardrobes are hidden, while separate toilets and a bathroom are located on the right side.
The spacious bathroom features Arabescato marble flooring that also covers the double vanity and extends up the walls to the ceiling. The room includes both a bathtub by Bette and a separate shower for maximum comfort. Beige-wrapped walls create a warm ambiance, while fixtures by Lefroy Brooks give the space a classic, elegant accent. The separate toilet features a freestanding washbasin by Villeroy & Boch with a mirror by Devon & Devon.
"It's precisely these seemingly insignificant details that allow me to create an elegant framework of noble materials that reflect discreet opulence and a refined lifestyle for me," explains Lazard, whose work is characterized by a neutral color palette, natural materials, and a special focus on quality and craftsmanship. The designer has succeeded in creating a functional and fully equipped interior that appears both chic and minimalist.
The apartment represents a masterful interplay of wood, stone, metal, and light colors that creates an inviting, comfortable atmosphere. Through the combination of hidden storage and natural fabrics in cream tones, along with custom plaster hanging lights and wrought iron details reminiscent of delicate narcissus stems, the space achieves what Lazard calls "discrete opulence." This Parisian apartment is available for rent from one week or for longer periods, offering visitors the chance to experience this sophisticated cocoon in the heart of Paris.
