Home tour: Belle Époque apartment renovation transforms Paris pied-à-terre with Eiffel Tower views

When the Francophile couple from Ojai, California acquired the apartment, it had been stripped of its original charm—only the panoramic vistas remained.

“What drew us to the project was not only the location—with views of the Eiffel Tower—but the opportunity to bring this Belle Époque space back to life with a bespoke approach,” said Mark Howorth, founder of Callender Howorth.

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The renovation was comprehensive, taking the apartment “back to its bare bones”, as Howorth puts it. The layout was reconfigured to create a large entrance hallway leading to a dining room, living room, dedicated bar and wine room, three bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, and a state-of-the-art kitchen.

Today, the apartment bears little resemblance to its former state. Period-appropriate architectural elements were restored, paired with modern amenities for contemporary living.

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“The overarching inspiration was the idea of a “jewel box”—a collection of immersive, luxurious environments,” Howorth explains. “We wanted to reflect the clients’ romantic connection to France while incorporating elements of their Californian roots.”

This philosophy guided the design of every room. Working with mouldings specialist Stevensons of Norwich, the team developed bespoke details, from elegant panelling to intricate ceiling motifs. In the drawing room, custom ceiling features incorporate butterflies—a nod to one of the client’s favourite symbols.

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The material selection was key to the home’s atmosphere. “We used a refined palette of patinated marble, intricate mouldings, bold wallcoverings and luxe velvets,” says Howorth. The result is a textural dialogue across spaces, balancing richness with restraint.

The bar room epitomises this marriage of form and function. “It was a real highlight for the client, a passionate wine lover,” says Howorth. Designed for entertaining, it features a custom onyx bar and fluted doors—a sophisticated take on storage. Equally impactful is the pink onyx powder room, which Howorth describes as delivering “incredible impact in a small space”.

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Various artworks selected with Californian gallery Lost Art Salon anchors the apartment in personal meaning. Many pieces hail from Ojai, creating a visual link between California and Paris. A mid-century gallery wall in the dining room offers glimpses of the owners’ aesthetic journey.

The furnishings reflect Callender Howorth’s aim of “layered, lived-in elegance”, mixing vintage finds with contemporary pieces from French and international makers. This eclecticism avoids pastiche, creating a home that feels both historical and vibrant.

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The renovation was not without challenges. Overlapping with the Paris Olympics, the project posed logistical challenges. “Our contractor found creative solutions and kept things on track,” Howorth says. For the owners, whose children attend the American School of Paris, the apartment is a true European sanctuary. It celebrates their connection to the city while offering all the comforts of home.

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“The clients are absolutely delighted,” Howorth says. “They now split their time between California and this apartment, which has become a much-loved second home.” The collaboration has extended to their West Coast residence. In Paris, Callender Howorth proves how design can transcend borders, bridging architectural heritage with modern living. For clients who span continents, La Vue Parisienne is more than
a mere home—it is cultural continuity.

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