French design firm Studio Asaï has transformed a luxurious 320-square-meter apartment overlooking Paris's Bois de Boulogne, creating a unique interior that marries French classical elegance with the vibrant, eccentric spirit of 1960s London nightlife. The residence was designed for a young family relocating from London and features two living spaces, a library, four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a kitchen, and a separate dining area.
The design concept drew inspiration from London's most exclusive private member's clubs, particularly the renowned Annabel's in Mayfair, which opened during the swinging sixties. Studio Asaï founder Antoine Simonin explained the approach: "The design plays with contrasts: refined yet bold, historical yet playful. Like in a private club, each room has its own mood and story, but all are connected by color and rhythm."
The studio experimented with an innovative mixture of matte and glossy finishes to add rich texture throughout the space. Traditional materials such as oak, marble, and lacquer were skillfully blended with contemporary materials, including Foresso, a sustainable wood terrazzo made from recycled trees. This material choice reflected the project's eco-conscious philosophy, with the studio incorporating environmentally sustainable methods and materials throughout the design process.
Located on the sixth floor, the apartment boasts spectacular views of Paris's most iconic cultural landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Frank Gehry-designed Fondation Louis Vuitton. The parkside residence takes full advantage of these panoramic vistas through large floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light and connect the living spaces to the city's grandeur.
Studio Asaï's approach focused heavily on preserving the apartment's original architectural craftsmanship while layering it with bold contemporary elements. The team carefully restored key traditional features including the wooden paneling, classic Versailles parquet flooring, and ornate molded doors. "We preserved the apartment's noble framework and layered it with bold colors, unexpected materials, and playful design pieces that bring a sense of movement and freedom," Simonin explained.
The interior design features a rich, vibrant color palette combined with an eclectic selection of furnishings that span multiple design eras and aesthetics. Bright colors, intricate patterned wallpapers, and playful furniture pieces were incorporated throughout the space, creating the atmosphere of an exclusive private club. Tartan-patterned window treatments and wall coverings were specifically introduced as a nod to quintessential British design elements.
The furniture selection represents a carefully curated blend of vintage and contemporary pieces sourced from prestigious galleries including Galerie Meubles et Lumières, Remix Gallery, Lemon Furniture, and Morentz. The studio also collaborated with Lemon Papier to create bespoke wallpapers that complement the overall design scheme. "The furniture is a curated blend of vintage and contemporary pieces," Simonin noted, emphasizing the thoughtful selection process.
Iconic furniture pieces from celebrated designers form the centerpiece of the interior, including coveted chairs by renowned names such as Ettore Sottsass, Gaetano Pesce, Pierre Paulin, and Philippe Starck. "The chairs are treated almost like characters in a play. Each one has a personality and history – their mix reinforces the project's spirit: cultured, a bit mischievous and always in dialogue between eras and aesthetics," Simonin described.
The overall design philosophy centered on creating a meaningful conversation between Paris and London, merging the grandeur and sophistication of a traditional French bourgeois apartment with the relaxed, witty spirit characteristic of British interior design. "The concept was to create a conversation between Paris and London – merging the grandeur of a French bourgeois apartment with the relaxed, witty spirit of British interiors," said Simonin.
Studio Asaï's innovative approach emphasized revealing rather than recreating, adding contemporary gestures like lacquered finishes, new lighting installations, and rich wallpapers that celebrate the existing architecture instead of competing with it. This philosophy resulted in a harmonious blend of historical preservation and contemporary innovation.
The project has garnered significant recognition in the design community, with Studio Asaï being shortlisted in the large residential interior category of this year's Dezeen Awards. The studio faces competition from other notable projects, including the transformation of a gallerist's live-work space in the Hudson Valley and the refurbishment of an original dwelling house located in Singapore's central region. The stunning photography documenting the completed project was captured by Alice Mesguich, showcasing the successful marriage of French classicism with British eccentricity.
