A Small Parisian Penthouse Works an Open Plan Like No One's Business

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For architectural firm 05 AM, an apartment renovation of a historic flat in Paris meant a complete overhaul of its original layout. Reconfiguring the penthouse was a huge lift, literally: The team decided to move the focus of the bilevel home from the lower floor to the upper. The new setup breathes new life into the previously underutilized terrace space, transforming it into a place for entertaining or relaxing. The attic area — once used as a storage room — was removed to create more square footage.

Although the structure of the apartment was completely redefined, it was important to the firm to keep historic details, including the existing wooden ceiling. The firm mirrored this detail in an impressive centerpiece — a staircase that features a vertical woodwork motif.

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Living Room

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In order to keep the expansive feel of the newly arranged apartment, the designers used light-colored furnishings, like a rug purchased from the French website Secret Berbere. By adding a skylight, the living room receives even more natural light.

Image Credit: David Foessel

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Living Room

The apartment mixes vintage furnishings with the client's art collection.

Image Credit: David Foessel

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Kitchen

While open-plan, the upper level is divided into distinct areas: living room, library, kitchen, dining room.

Image Credit: David Foessel

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Kitchen

The kitchen features oak cabinetry and quartz countertops.

Image Credit: David Foessel

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Dining Room

In the dining area, the team chose once again to play with shapes, opting for a circular table to contrast with the straightness of the space.

Image Credit: David Foessel

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Bedroom

Wallpaper from Au fil des Couleurs creates a playful, mural-like effect. The bed is outfitted in pillows from Merci and a quilt from Lovely Linen.

Image Credit: David Foessel

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Master Bedroom

With the bedrooms relocated to the bottom floor with lower ceilings, the team chose floor-to-ceiling curtains to emphasize height, as well as create divisions.

Image Credit: David Foessel

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Bathroom

The serene bathroom is a study in neutral tones; black stools from La Redoute stand out as spotlight pieces against the white background.

Image Credit: David Foessel