In the heart of Paris’s Left Bank, a historic apartment has undergone a remarkable transformation. Marthe Simon and Paul Peller, the creative duo behind Marthe Architecturehave breathed new life into the space, blending the timeless charm of the Napoleonic Second Empire with modern luxury. Their approach was guided by an instinctive collaboration and an abundance of time, allowing them to craft a space that is both functional and aesthetically striking.
The project began with the fusion of two separate apartments, each spanning approximately 1,100 square feet. Simon and Peller reimagined the layout, creating a more fluid floor plan that respects the building’s historic origins while introducing contemporary elements. The result is a harmonious blend of old and new, where expansive openingsminimalist frameworksand imposing double doors coexist with modern design touches.
The Art of Collaboration
Simon and Peller’s collaboration was not just about merging spaces but also about integrating art and design. The living room, for instance, features a pair of 1960s armchairs by Joaquim Tenreiro, which stand in front of a patinated-brass fireplace. The room is adorned with two bronze walnuts by Clotilde Ancarani and a Spiralé vase by Jacques and Dani Ruelland, all perched on metal coffee tables designed by Karim Chaya and Kamal Aoun of Spockdesign.
The bedroom is equally impressive, with standout pieces like a pair of Platon bronze lamps by Garouste & Bonetti and a solid walnut Sepia bench by Maërl. The attention to detail extends to the smallest elements, such as the Saba ceramic and wrought-iron vase by Léa Zeroil, which sits atop a bronze Comtesse pedestal table by Garouste & Bonetti.
A Jewel Box of Shiny Surfaces
The apartment is a jewel box of shiny surfaces, with metallic elements adorning every room. The entryway features a metallic floral wallpaper applied by a Milanese studio, while the living room’s walls are covered in patinated bronze and gold leaf. The wicker-patterned brass fireplace is a lustrous standout in the living room.
The dining room is wrapped in a quilt-like custom wallpaper, inspired by the late artist Gabriella Crespi’s rattan-forward home. The wall covering features three bands of friezes and a trompe l’oeil bamboo trellis, adding a maximalist touch to the space. In the primary bathroom, Italian art students hand-painted the mirrors with metallic hues, complementing the brass basins hammered by a Lebanese artist.
Lighting and Textures
Simon and Peller were meticulous about lighting, deliberately placing light sources at low heights to create an intimate atmosphere. The overhead lights that made the cut are sculptural, such as a black wrought-iron pendant light crafted in a London workshop. The kitchen features a Chinese pendant light that matches the gold leaf, red Iranian travertine, and antique-finished terra-cotta tiles.
The materials were chosen to suit each room, with a focus on creating a cohesive yet dynamic aesthetic. The apartment’s textures—lacquer, wood grain, tortoiseshell, and an all-over patina—come to life with a gilded sheen when the lights are turned on. This meticulous attention to detail and material selection is evident throughout the space, making it a true masterpiece of modern design.
