19th-Century Charm Meets Modern Parisian Living
Tucked away on the lively and iconic Rue de Lappe, this beautifully restored apartment is a perfect example of what draws international buyers to Paris: history, atmosphere, and a lifestyle that simply cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Our client was looking for a property with traditional charm that maximized the size, and number of bedrooms, within her budget. Emma Skoble found a number of interesting prospects: one property, near the canals, had a highly desirable terrace, but two apartments had been combined in the past, without the proper authorization, and the potential bureaucratic snarl had us looking for other options. In the end, the client fell in love with a large and charming apartment that needed little renovation. The trade-off was that the property was on the second floor with no elevator, and on a busy pedestrian street with a lot of restaurants and bars. Our client loved the street, and was reassured that double paned windows and a main bedroom facing onto a courtyard would allow her to enjoy the property the way she wanted.
Next, the property was transformed by interior designer Anna Duval, this 67-square-meter pied-à-terre has evolved into a richly layered home that blends 19th-century romance with modern comfort.
The Allure of Paris’ 11th arrondissement
Located in one of Paris’s most vibrant pedestrian streets, Rue de Lappe is known for its cafés, wine bars, and unmistakable energy—especially in the evenings. It’s the kind of neighborhood where life spills out onto the street, embodying the quintessential Parisian lifestyle.
Yet this apartment offers the best of both worlds. While the main living spaces immerse you in the buzz of the city, a courtyard-facing bedroom provides rare tranquility—an essential feature for full-time living in central Paris.
From Historic Bones to a Timeless Interior
Set within a classic Parisian building, the apartment already possessed extraordinary character:
- Original wooden ceiling beams
- Antique tomette terracotta tile floors
- A traditional fireplace anchoring the living room
- Beautifully aged walls and ceilings full of patina
Rather than erase these elements, the design embraced them—creating a cohesive vision inspired by a late 19th-century boudoir.
A British Client’s Vision: Bold, Elegant, and Personal
The owner, originally from England, initially envisioned the apartment as a pied-à-terre—but like many of our clients, fell in love with Paris and spends more time in France than expected.
Here is a look at the apartment before the reimagining:
Her brief was refreshingly distinctive:
- Deep, rich color palettes (a rarity in Paris, where white dominates)
- A romantic, historic ambiance
- A home designed equally for living and entertaining
The result is an interior that feels intimate, dramatic, and entirely personal.
Designed for Entertaining—and Living Well
This is not just a beautiful apartment—it’s a functional Paris home designed for real life.
Key features include:
- A spacious living and dining area with an extendable table seating up to 10 guests
- Two bedrooms and two bathrooms, including one designed for indulgent evenings (champagne chilling in the bathtub is encouraged)
- A flexible second bedroom serving as a home office, dressing room, and guest space
- Custom storage solutions, including a bespoke wardrobe—essential in Paris apartments
Even the electrical system was completely redesigned to accommodate modern needs, with ample lighting and outlets thoughtfully integrated throughout.
The Art of Sourcing: Antiques with a Story
One of the defining aspects of this project was the emphasis on authentic, storied pieces.
Much of the furniture and décor was sourced from:
- Paris flea markets and antique fairs
- Auctions and specialty dealers
- Vintage collections across France and beyond
Highlights include:
- A working antique gramophone
- A rare 19th-century artist’s easel
- Antique chinoiserie tables and marble-topped side tables
- Original and inherited pieces seamlessly integrated into the design
This approach gives the apartment something increasingly rare: soul.
A Layered Color Story
Color plays a central role in shaping the mood of the apartment:
- Deep reds in the bedrooms evoke intimacy and warmth
- Rich greens in the kitchen add depth and contrast
- Bold tones in the living room create a dramatic, inviting space
As Anna Duval notes, the mood, style, and color scheme are inseparable—each reinforcing the apartment’s transportive, almost cinematic atmosphere.
A Six-Month Transformation
The project unfolded in two phases:
- 3 months of design development and concept refinement
- 6 months of renovation, sourcing, and installation
Despite the challenges—working with an older building, sourcing antiques during pandemic restrictions, and executing a highly detailed vision—the result is a seamless and highly personal home.
A Paris Apartment with Style
What sets this property apart is not just its location or design, but the feeling it evokes.
It is a space that:
- Transports you to another era
- Reflects the personality of its owner
- Celebrates the craftsmanship and heritage of Paris
As Anna Duval describes it, this is an interior that “creates a romantic, mysterious world where time stands still.”
Photographer’s name: Romain Ricard
More photos at https://www.annaduval.com/
Thinking About Buying in Paris?
This project is a perfect example of what’s possible when you combine the right property with the right vision.
At Metropolitan Properties Paris, we help international buyers:
- Find exceptional apartments across Paris
- Navigate the buying process with confidence
- Connect with trusted designers, architects, and artisans
Whether you’re searching for a pied-à-terre or planning a full relocation, Paris offers endless opportunities to create a home that is uniquely yours.
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