A neglected 80-square-meter apartment in a 19th-century Haussmann building behind Montmartre has undergone a remarkable transformation by Parisian architect Hélène Lacombe, creating a luminous sanctuary for its young professional owners. The renovation project addressed the common challenges of historic Parisian apartments, including cramped layouts and dark interior spaces, while preserving the building's elegant architectural character. Lacombe's design philosophy centered on opening up the floor plan to maximize natural light and create fluid transitions between living areas. The result is a contemporary residence that balances Parisian sophistication with modern functionality through carefully selected materials and custom-made furnishings.
The most significant structural change involved removing a load-bearing wall between the kitchen and living room, which Lacombe replaced with a generous opening framed by Taj Mahal quartzite. This stone element serves as both a visual anchor and a subtle room divider, allowing the spaces to flow together while maintaining distinct identities. The kitchen features a sophisticated finish of polished concrete plaster known as Beton Ciré, a material choice that creates continuity with the living area's aesthetic. A central island crafted from natural stone with undulating veining doubles as a preparation area and casual dining spot, equipped with sleek bar stools that tuck neatly underneath when not in use.
Custom millwork defines the living space, where Lacombe designed a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf from Okoumé wood to accommodate the owner's extensive vinyl record collection. The architect reinforced each drawer to support at least fifty records, integrating discreet handles that maintain the wood's clean lines. A decorative fireplace crafted from the same Taj Mahal quartzite serves as the room's focal point, though it remains non-functional due to building regulations. Opposite the shelving unit, Lacombe concealed a video projector system with a ceiling-mounted retractable screen, transforming the living room into a home theater without compromising the minimalist aesthetic. Creamy tones throughout the space enhance the warm, inviting atmosphere.
The sleeping quarters received equal attention to detail and light optimization. Lacombe removed the hallway's right wall and installed a large sliding window to break the corridor effect and introduce direct sunlight into the master bedroom. The couple requested a dedicated workspace and a second bedroom for guests, which Lacombe combined into a flexible room featuring a built-in desk and a custom bed with an Okoumé headboard. The main bedroom maintains a soft color palette of linen, wood, and milky tones that echo throughout the apartment, while the walk-in closet features fabric-upholstered doors that follow gentle curved forms. Newly installed, understated moldings harmonize with the bespoke furniture pieces.
Both bathrooms showcase the project's playful yet refined approach. The main bathroom continues the material vocabulary of Beton Ciré and Okoumé, though the wood appears darker to create stronger contrast. Its rounded edges and compact layout evoke the feeling of a ship's cabin, offering a serene, cocoon-like atmosphere. The powder room provided an opportunity for whimsical expression, where Lacombe's team created a constellation of zodiac signs on the ceiling using white mosaic tiles against an otherwise black interior. The signs represent the clients, craftsmen, and architects involved in the renovation, serving as a hidden tribute to the collaborative effort. This unexpected design element demonstrates how bathrooms can become spaces for creative risk-taking within an otherwise restrained interior.
Throughout the apartment, Lacombe's material choices of Okoumé wood, natural stone, and Beton Ciré create a cohesive narrative that honors both Parisian heritage and contemporary living. The renovation successfully transforms what was once a compartmentalized, dark apartment into a light-filled, functional home that reflects the young couple's lifestyle. Custom solutions, from the record storage to the integrated projector, demonstrate how modern interventions can enhance rather than compromise historic architecture. The project exemplifies a growing trend in Parisian renovations that prioritize openness, natural materials, and personalized details while respecting the city's architectural legacy.
