A historic Haussmann apartment in Paris has been given new life through a stunning renovation that masterfully blends Parisian elegance with contemporary design. The transformation, completed by Katz Studio, turned a former doctor's office into a sophisticated family home for a successful businesswoman and her two children. The project showcases how classic French architecture can be reimagined while preserving its authentic character.
For many years, this Haussmann apartment served as a medical practice, leaving behind worn surfaces and damaged moldings that stripped away any residential warmth. The space lacked both proper layout and the inviting atmosphere of a true home, prompting the client to commission Katz Studio for a complete redesign. The design brief was precise: create a functional and welcoming home that reflects authentic Parisian chic while providing a dedicated workspace for the busy entrepreneur.
"She is a strong businesswoman, but she wanted a retreat in softer tones," explains Katz Studio, led by sisters Esther and Leah Katz. The creative duo successfully achieved a calm and relaxing atmosphere that met the client's vision. The renovation requirements emphasized maintaining the apartment's Parisian identity while incorporating modern functionality that would serve the family's daily needs.
The design team made a deliberate decision to preserve the original moldings and fireplaces, recognizing their historical significance. "It's always a shame to alienate a place. We wanted people to still know which city they're in when they enter the apartment," the designers explain. This commitment to maintaining Parisian authenticity was balanced with modern influences inspired by the French-American background of the Katz Studio sisters.
The living room demonstrates the studio's approach through its selection of statement furniture pieces. Two sofas from Popus Éditions anchor the space, joined by a Tacchini daybed, Reversível armchairs also from Tacchini, two stools from Atelier Ashiesh Shah through Invisible Collection, and coffee tables by Pierre Augustin Rose. The room features artwork by Catherine Danou and Amelia Rasi, sourced through Amélie Maison d'Art, creating a dialogue between art and furniture.
Italian design takes center stage in the furniture selection, with Katz Studio emphasizing sculptural forms and innovative materials. The living room combines a Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini with a floor lamp by Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano, sourced through Pulp Galerie. "For us, each piece is an accessible sculpture, an art object that you can sit on without hesitation," the interior designers explain. The approach draws inspiration from renowned artists and designers like James Turrell and Ron Arad, reflecting the studio's preference for dramatic effects and sculptural forms.
The home office represents a separate, more intimate space featuring a Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini, a chair by Moustache, and an amorphously shaped carpet by Pierre Paulin. Custom-made travertine bookshelves create a strong accent in the workspace, complemented by a Michele De Lucchi floor lamp for Memphis Milano. The office lighting includes pieces by Lisa Allegra and a desk lamp by Pierre Chareau, while a work by Jean Duruisseau adorns the wall.
Katz Studio collaborated with Galerie Amélie Maison d'Art, directed by Amélie Du Chalard, to curate the apartment's art collection. "Nothing was chosen thoughtlessly," emphasizes the design studio. "Each work has meaning." Throughout the renovation process, Esther and Leah Katz worked to achieve a balanced interplay between art and design. In the dining room, a painting with broad black brushstrokes reflects the graphic accents that are particularly important to Katz Studio's aesthetic.
The dining area features chairs by Youth Editions surrounding a large dark wood table, topped by a chandelier from Gino Sarfatti. A sculptural vase from Théorème Édition adds artistic flair to the space. The kitchen represents a masterful mix of different textured materials, where abundant wood meets Cippolino Rosso stone and fabrics from Dedar. Comfortable chairs by Bruno Rey, in a reissue by Hay, surround an oval table displaying a bowl by Alissa Volchkova through Galerie Scène Ouverte.
The kitchen design prioritized functionality as a place for family gathering and daily life. The client requested a space inspired by Parisian style elements, embodied through a Lacanche range cooker and opulent marbled stone for both the countertop and backsplash. "The goal was to create a place where you feel good after a demanding day, something that has a family feel. A place to relax," explains Katz Studio.
The color palette emphasizes tranquility through a range of beige tones with black accents, punctuated by strategic bursts of vibrant color. In the living room, a daybed by Studiopepe for Tacchini introduces a color that oscillates between burgundy and rose. The master bedroom, serving as the apartment's most intimate retreat, features a petrol-colored Pumpkin chair by Pierre Paulin that adds a lively note to the otherwise muted color scheme.
The main bedroom showcases the studio's commitment to creating a serene environment with soft tones and light wood finishes. The original fireplace was preserved and combined with artwork by Myung Urso and wall lights from Diletto Studio, fulfilling the owner's desire for "an atmosphere like being in a small cloud." A bench by Project 213A sits at the foot of the bed, while a pendant light by Gubi provides ambient illumination.
The children's spaces reflect thoughtful design tailored to young inhabitants. One bedroom features soft pastel colors with curved and graphic forms, while the other mixes wood elements with bold blue tones. A dedicated children's bathroom includes playful elements such as two round washbasins in candy pink and a mirror with a wave-shaped frame, creating an engaging space for the family's younger members.
The main bathroom demonstrates elegant sophistication through its combination of Cipollino Verde marble, Ébur wall lights, and clean, functional forms. Connected directly to the bedroom, the bathroom harmoniously continues the master suite's aesthetic philosophy. This attention to material consistency and design flow exemplifies Katz Studio's comprehensive approach to residential design.
The renovation successfully balances preservation of historic Haussmann features with contemporary living requirements, creating a space that honors its Parisian heritage while serving modern family life. Through careful material selection, strategic color placement, and thoughtful furniture curation, the apartment now provides the sophisticated yet comfortable environment the client envisioned for her family's daily life and professional needs.
