Neutral shades and monochromatic tones for a calm and restrained space
Cover Neutral shades and monochromatic tones for a calm and restrained space
Neutral shades and monochromatic tones for a calm and restrained space

Moscow-based DBA-Group demonstrates refined restraint in this minimalist apartment space filled with curated art pieces

In the heart of the prestigious 16th arrondissement, amidst the blend of Haussmannian, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco structures, a historic Parisian building with an inner courtyard garden enjoys all that this charming and quiet neighbourhood has to offer. 

More than that, the apartment units within are afforded ample natural light that moves throughout the day, beautifully illuminating both the spacious living areas and master bedrooms.

Read more: Step inside these 5 renovated Parisian homes with stunning interiors

One of the unit’s homeowners, a private client with a sophisticated and structured lifestyle, decided to capitalise on these inherent strengths and commissioned Moscow-based architectural and design bureau DBA-Group for “a calm and restrained space, one that would not feel overwhelming.”

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The entrance hall exudes understated luxury
Above The entrance hall exudes understated luxury
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Bespoke abstract paintings by Alex Kuznetsov
Above Bespoke abstract paintings by Alex Kuznetsov
The entrance hall exudes understated luxury
Bespoke abstract paintings by Alex Kuznetsov

“The request was for neutral shades, monochromatic tones, a cool colour palette, and refined, minimalist forms to create a comfortable and ergonomic environment,” elaborates interior designer Alexandra Viner, who approached the project alongside architect and bureau founder Vladislav Andreev. 

See also: Home tour: A Parisian apartment blending 18th-century grandeur with curated antiques

Spanning approximately 1,388 sq ft, the designers envisioned this full-time residence to be equally striking in both daylight and evening lighting. As such, the first order of business was to dress the floor-to-ceiling windows in sheer curtains, allowing light to permeate the space during the day whilst also enhancing breathtaking sunset views in the evening.

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Neutral shades and monochromatic tones for a calm and restrained space
Above A cool and neutral colour palette dominates the three distinct zones in the spacious living area
Neutral shades and monochromatic tones for a calm and restrained space

In the living area, which occupies a significant portion of the apartment, a cool and neutral colour palette dominates the three distinct zones–a fireplace lounge, a sofa area, and a small workspace.

Further enriched with various shades of grey and wall panelling in soft hues, these design elements come together to create a serene and harmonious atmosphere that does not distract from the carefully selected pieces, perfect for relaxation and various activities.

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“We aimed to emphasise the airy volume of the central space and avoid overwhelming it with bold colours, which is why the walls are finished in neutral background shades,” Viner explains.

The monochromatic theme persists in the separate kitchen and dining area, where a refined interplay of natural materials—such as brass, steel, stone, marble, and oak—enhances the sense of understated luxury.

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The reflective sculpture by John Franzen suspended above the fireplace
Above The reflective sculpture by John Franzen suspended above the fireplace
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Mathieu Lehanneur’s biomorphic mirror reflects the surrounding space
Above Mathieu Lehanneur’s biomorphic mirror reflects the surrounding space
The reflective sculpture by John Franzen suspended above the fireplace
Mathieu Lehanneur’s biomorphic mirror reflects the surrounding space

Whilst still adhering to the overarching design narrative, the three private bedrooms are rendered in warmer tones that exude a sense of comfort and intimacy for each family member. 

The master bedroom is imbued with beige and cream tones, whilst the children’s rooms feature soft shades of powder pink and olive. Thus, creating a clear distinction between the cool, sophisticated public areas and the warm, nurturing private spaces.

Read more: Home tour: An 18th-century Hôtel Particulier apartment in Paris gets a contemporary makeover

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The designated workspace with a Dinant work desk by Bruno Moinard
Above The designated workspace with a Dinant work desk by Bruno Moinard
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A Sand Breton artwork above a LOB by Collection Particulière console table
Above A Sand Breton artwork above a LOB by Collection Particulière console table
The designated workspace with a Dinant work desk by Bruno Moinard
A Sand Breton artwork above a LOB by Collection Particulière console table

Having built a crisp foundation throughout the light-filled home, Viner infused the space with character through carefully curated pieces by renowned designers and artists—aligning perfectly with the homeowner’s appreciation for art, design, and collectible pieces.

See also: Inside Ceed Design’s transformed studio: A peek into one of Penang's most inspiring creative workspaces

“Since the project is located in Paris, I incorporated as many works as possible by local design maestros, architects, and artists, who, in my opinion, possess a unique design DNA,” the interior designer explains.

“I’ve always admired the way French designers work with contemporary forms that remain timeless and integrate seamlessly with classic elements. So, of course, this project would be incomplete without names like Christian Liaigre, Bruno Moinard, or Mathieu Lehanneur.”

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The kitchen and dining area in a separate room
Above The kitchen and dining area in a separate room
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The master bathroom furnished in natural marble
Above The master bathroom furnished in natural marble
The kitchen and dining area in a separate room
The master bathroom furnished in natural marble

Viner’s expertise shines through her signature technique of composing arrangements that juxtapose various forms and materials, resulting in an interior that invites endless exploration, revealing new details with every glance.

Don’t miss: Home tour: A monochromatic apartment in central Moscow decorated with iconic design pieces

In the living area, where a dynamic and sophisticated setting combines geometric precision and artistic fluidity, the geometric forms of the Augustin sofa by Liaigre are complemented by the octagonal Madagascar marble coffee table by Holly Hunt, while a circular sculpture by John Franzen is suspended above the fireplace

Flanked by Liaigre’s Editeur bookcases, the biomorphic mirror Le Passage by Lehanneur straddles the intersection of design, technology, science, and art–reflecting the surrounding space in a unique and poetic way.

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The master bedroom is imbued with beige and cream tones
Above The master bedroom is imbued with beige and cream tones
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Warmer tones that exude a sense of comfort and intimacy
Above Warmer tones that exude a sense of comfort and intimacy
The master bedroom is imbued with beige and cream tones
Warmer tones that exude a sense of comfort and intimacy

The home also exudes depth and complexity through Viner’s layering of a visually and aesthetically rich mix of classic and ultra-modern pieces that punctuate the space. 

In the living room, Eleanor Lakelin’s turned sequoia sculpture Rill Vessel sits next to Charlotte Biltgen’s vintage ceramic plate, whereas Sand Breton’s painting and a LOB by Collection Particulière console table decorate the workspace area.

Read more: Inside the world’s most extraordinary art homes: 5 residences where architecture serves priceless collections

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One of the children’s bedrooms in soft shades of powder pink
Above One of the children’s bedrooms in soft shades of powder pink
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One of the bedrooms with an Art et Floritude wall installation
Above One of the bedrooms with an Art et Floritude wall installation
One of the children’s bedrooms in soft shades of powder pink
One of the bedrooms with an Art et Floritude wall installation

Artist Alex Kuznetsov’s bespoke abstract paintings dress the corridor with distinctive individuality, leading into one of the bedrooms showcasing the Riverstone wall installation by Art et Floritude.

“I wanted to fill the spaces with diverse yet interconnected elements, all bound by a single idea, making the interior captivating and ever-evolving,” Viner concludes.

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Credits

Photography: Stephan Julliard
Styling: Ian Phillips

Topics

Celeste Goh
Senior Writer of Tatler Homes, Tatler Malaysia
Tatler Asia

Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.

Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.