A 45sqm apartment with a classic, chic Parisian style

Located in a building from the late 1930s, this 45sqm apartment is decorated in a classic, chic Parisian style. The owner wanted a spectacular interior that remained true to the character of the space while being designed for modern comfort. Interior designer Ekaterina Kozlova drew inspiration from the interiors of grand French bourgeois mansions and the elegance of the Empire style. The high ceilings, generous proportions, and a certain sense of luxury guided every decision she made.

Its original floor plan already included two separate rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a separate half-bath. The interior designer made very few changes to the partitions, but each adjustment now alters the perception of the space. The bathroom has gained a few meters at the expense of the hallway. A glass partition replaces the solid wall between the bedroom and the bathroom. The entrance to the restroom has also been relocated to free up the entryway from an unnecessary door. Its decor then plays on black, white, emerald green, midnight blue, and gold.

The living room

Molding inspired by the building

The largest room combines the living room and dining room. It is here that classic elegance is expressed most powerfully. Polyurethane moldings have been installed to adorn the walls and ceiling. They replicate the proportions and style of the building’s original ornamentation. The wall frames create regular panels, while rocaille scrollwork adds interest to the corners.

A carved medallion adorns the ceiling above the table. The tall windows are draped with black velvet curtains and white sheers in a theatrical style. On the floor, a wood-look flooring laid in a herringbone pattern extends from one room to the next.

A decorative fireplace as the focal point

The heart of the living room is a decorative white marble fireplace carved in the Louis XV Baroque style. Above it, a classic gilded mirror with Baroque scrollwork reflects the black curtains. The emerald green velvet sofa faces the TV wall. The black TV stand fits beneath a large molded frame that surrounds the screen like a painting.

A dining room beneath the gilded chandelier

Behind the sofa, the dining area occupies the other half of the room. The rectangular table with a dark gray top is surrounded by chairs upholstered in houndstooth fabric. This iconic black-and-white pattern adds a very Parisian, very Coco Chanel couture touch.

A brass chandelier with cylindrical glass shades hangs from the ceiling rose. The lighting also combines two gold wall sconces and discreet track spotlights mounted on the ceiling. This layered lighting setup makes it easy to transition from dinner to a movie night in an instant. The painting on the wall pays homage to the “petits rats” of the Paris Opera, immortalized by Degas.

The kitchen

A simple and efficient L-shaped layout

The kitchen prioritizes minimalism and efficiency. The cabinetry, with matte anthracite-gray fronts complemented by a white veined marble-effect countertop, is arranged in an L-shape. Its backsplash features the same marble pattern in large slabs. The interior designer installed only two wall cabinets to give the space a lighter feel. Adjustable spotlights illuminate the countertop for optimal cooking conditions.

A dining nook by the window

Near the window, a small round table is perfect for quick meals. Its marble-effect top evokes the bistro tables of Parisian cafés, but with a contemporary twist. Two chairs upholstered in houndstooth fabric echo those in the dining room. Above, a small brass chandelier with glass shades ties the space in with the living room’s style.

The bedroom

A midnight blue velvet bed

The bedroom features a large midnight blue velvet bed. On the wall, scrollwork moldings frame the headboard like a trumeau. A gilded Baroque mirror hangs above the ensemble. On either side of the bed, very slender black pendant lights hang down to the nightstands. These light fixtures add a contemporary touch to this classic-chic setting.

A glass partition leading to the bathroom

The room owes its character to the glass partition that separates it from the bathroom. Its slender black mullions evoke painters’ studios. From the bed, you can see the bathtub, the floral decor, and the bathroom window. White sheers, tied with tiebacks, preserve privacy when needed. This bathroom could easily be part of a luxury hotel suite.

The bathroom

A claw-foot bathtub with gold legs

In the bathroom, the aesthetic is particularly refined. Its claw-foot bathtub with gold legs is the centerpiece. Its retro brass faucets accentuate the room’s classic, vintage feel. An oval mirror with a gold frame, adorned with a bow, hangs above the sink.

The walls feature a combination of two finishes. The lower section is covered in white tile, while the upper section features navy blue ceramic tile with a floral pattern that mimics wallpaper. On the floor, white marble-effect tile with black cabochons completes the decor. A large mirror with a gold border visually enlarges the space. Recessed spotlights illuminate the room.

A matching restroom

The separate restroom echoes the same decorative style. The midnight blue floral pattern covers the walls up to the crown molding. White baseboards and black cabochons on the floor ensure continuity with the bathroom. The matte black control panel and fixtures give this small room a modern touch. A white vanity completes the setup. Thus, even the smallest space in the apartment is decorated with special care.

The entryway

A black-and-white hallway

The entryway prioritizes simplicity and practicality. Its light walls, painted in a neutral shade, reflect the common theme found throughout the apartment. Built-in closets, featuring molded doors and long brass handles, provide storage for coats and shoes. They blend discreetly into the space. A green velvet ottoman echoes the living room sofa. The floor is covered with highly durable wood-look SPC flooring. A large wall mirror extends the perspective.

This apartment is cohesive and elegant. The interior designer has successfully blended two eras: a classic style from a bygone century and a more contemporary one. Moldings, gilded mirrors, and fireplace belong to the former. The black doors, graphic pendant lights, and glass partition bring a modern touch. Against a black-and-white backdrop, emerald green and midnight blue lift the apartment out of monochromatic monotony. The bathroom is spacious, and the wallpaper-style tile is a wise choice.

Smart choices for a small space

The very subtle layout changes, however, allow for excellent space optimization. The glass roof provides light and depth without sacrificing privacy, thanks to the sheer curtains. Relocating the bathroom door opens up the entryway and simplifies traffic flow.

The continuous herringbone floor visually enlarges the 45m². The repeated mirrors multiply the perspectives and light. Each room is designed for a specific purpose, while still belonging to the same family.

A Parisian style that’s easy to replicate

This decor draws directly from the Haussmann-style apartment and its design language. It features moldings, a marble fireplace, a herringbone floor, and gilded mirrors in the spandrels. The black cabochon tiles are also a classic feature of these apartments.

To recreate this style in your home, opt for polyurethane moldings, which are easy to install and paint. A vintage faux fireplace will instantly become a focal point. Add a gilded mirror, houndstooth fabric, and door frames painted black. You’ll achieve a chic Parisian-style interior, even in a small space.