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A Parisian Loft Transformation: Harmonizing History and Modern Design
The previous owners of a Parisian apartment had a unique vision. They aimed to merge eight individual spaces originally designated for household staff into a single, expansive loft. Located on the sixth floor near the scenic Canal Saint-Martin, this 1,076-square-foot unit boasts high ceilings, generous room sizes, original flooring, and captivating attic space. Despite its potential, the apartment lacked a sense of unity and flow, a challenge that its current owner faced upon purchase. According to Aliénor Louédin, the founder of Inaugure, a Parisian architecture studio, the project’s goal was to maintain historical elements while creating a cohesive living space. “The differences in parquet flooring, remnants of fireplaces, and various terracotta tiles tell a story, but they also contributed to an overly fragmented environment,” Louédin explains.
After uniting the eight former rooms, the layout included a large, open-plan living area of nearly 650 square feet, plus two bedrooms, two sleeping nooks, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Louédin remarked, “The kitchen was disorganized, and the overall layout presented difficulties. Some areas, like the bathroom, were inadequately sized. We focused on reconfiguring each section to achieve a harmonized and tailored floor plan, fostering a uniform aesthetic throughout the loft.”
Original terracotta flooring remains a central feature, while the zellige tiles in the kitchen beautifully reflect light, enhancing the apartment’s brightness.
Instead of obliterating all traces of the previous arrangement, Louédin chose to accentuate certain distinctions found in the flooring. “The charm of this apartment lies in its history and the ability to envision how people once lived here,” she notes. Some terracotta tiles were replaced with waxed concrete to establish a more coherent visual narrative. To unify the various elements, the architect used three primary materials: light oak, waxed concrete, and zellige tiles. “A common thread was essential to link the differing features within the apartment, so we emphasized design elements to create a seamless look,” she adds. The design includes repeated geometrical handles on the furniture, particularly noticeable in the kitchen.
The bathroom reflects a Moroccan influence with zellige tiles and waxed concrete finishes.
Strategic perch points have been integrated throughout the living space to maximize sunlight exposure for the owner.
Curved lines have been utilized to foster fluidity in the design, especially in the bathroom, where a new shower has taken the place of an old fireplace. “Every aspect of this apartment has bends; it was initially a collection of smaller rooms,” Louédin explains. The transition to rounded shapes matched the owner’s desire for a soothing atmosphere reminiscent of a vacation retreat. “The apartment basks in sunlight, so we incorporated Moroccan-inspired elements, including zellige tiles, waxed concrete surfaces, cushioned banquettes under the windows, and alcoves, allowing my client to enjoy the sunlight throughout the day,” Louédin shares. “As someone who works from home, he shifts his locations to follow the sun.”
Much like other areas, the kitchen features impressive double-height cathedral ceilings.
A custom cabinet with striking neon accents has been introduced at an angled design, serving as a partition that preserves the natural light from the windows.
The zellige tiles not only amplify the daylight within the loft but also vividly illuminate both the kitchen and the shower spaces. A uniquely designed unit in the living room, complete with mirrored and neon features, acts as a partition that creates a dedicated bedroom suite (including a bath and shower), while also offering storage and a secret hiding spot for the owner’s cats, accessible through a discreet opening. Additionally, there are two lofted sleeping areas equipped with Velux windows, providing enchanting views of the sky. The new owner opted to add three more windows to enhance natural light. A Moroccan-inspired palette runs throughout—sandy waxed concrete, brick-red zellige tiles, and vibrant yellow accents like kitchen outlet covers. Soft pastels are incorporated in elements such as a large Persian rug and ceramic vases, complemented by succulent plants and a mandarin orange tree by the window. Louédin encapsulates the essence of the transformed space, stating, “This is a sunny, serene loft that invites relaxation.”
The bathroom is equipped with both a spacious shower and bathtub, enhancing its functionality.
In the bedroom, high ceilings reflect the apartment’s airy nature and design ambition.
This apartment tour was originally published by AD France. It was translated by John Newton.
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www.architecturaldigest.com