"Côté Maison - Living in Paris: The Story of a Reinvented Duplex for a Brazilian Family"

Formerly composed of modest partitioned service rooms, the duplex was originally designed to accommodate a large family. Located on the 7th and 8th floors of a Parisian building dating back to 1929, it presented significant architectural constraints including sloping volumes and structural elements that couldn't be altered. The Brazilian clients, enamored with the City of Light, dreamed of an open, minimalist space rich in natural materials for their Parisian pied-à-terre. It was up to interior architects Raphaëlle Levet and Bénédicte Pierens, the creative duo behind BR Design Intérieur, to bring the family's dream to life in this rather unconventional setting.

At the heart of the duplex, the Brazilian family found their ideal retreat, blending Parisian elegance with their aspirations. The couple and their two children specifically sought out the 15th arrondissement to realize their real estate dream when they were captivated by the apartment's unique atmosphere and exceptional views over Paris rooftops. The rooftop terrace offering a panorama of the Eiffel Tower was a decisive factor in their acquisition. Their attraction to the property's unique charm is now highlighted by their desire for a "quite Parisian" interior. They expressed their preference for authenticity and originality, characteristics that the apartment renovated by the BR Design Intérieur agency successfully emphasizes. The focus is on minimalism and natural materials in a quest for harmony. This approach suits the complex volumes of the apartment. Beyond the decorative project, it is above all an architectural project: the importance given to optimizing space is palpable. The desire to make the most of the surface area and create a sense of openness underscores consideration for the family's needs, fostering harmonious cohabitation.

>> Renovation Project in Brief >> Location: Paris 15th. Area: 130 m2. Duration of work: 8 months. Concept: Restructure and optimize a duplex apartment with terrace to create a comfortable pied-à-terre with a sober and warm Parisian style.

The family lounge...
- Among these constraints, we can mention the old chimney flue that divides the living room volume in two, offering on one side, a family lounge area with a large corner sofa, and beyond, a more intimate lounge space. Raphaëlle Levet and Bénédicte Pierens also made good use of the "cap" located at the entrance level, which they couldn't remove, turning it into a structuring element. Painted in color, it delineates this introductory room of the duplex to the best advantage.
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In the photo:
Natural linen corner sofa in honey color, Home Spirit; cushions from Maison de Vacances and Elitis; Caravane coffee table; Detjer cane armchair; artworks from Amélie Maison d'Art; photography by FabianoAlmakul; alinea rug by Yann Deret.