A Minimalist Home in Paris Designed as a Quiet Sanctuary for Relaxation

The former Parisian home of a famed French stage actor is reinvented by French interior designer Émilie Bonaventure as a modern abode that nurtures creative and intellectual contemplation

When French interior designer Émilie Bonaventure was tasked to work on a project right in her own backyard, she was immediately drawn to it. The brief from the homeowners was to renovate a hôtel particulier located in the artistic New Athens neighbourhood in Paris; this French townhouse once belonged to 18th-century actor François-Joseph Talma.

“I live in this area, which is very dear to my heart, so everything was instinctive. The area is so rich in creative history that this unique feeling had to be maintained inside this home,” says Bonaventure, who holds a degree in art history from the Ecole du Louvre in Paris and founded her interior design studio, Be-attitude, in 2005.

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The living room features a sofa by Jacques Charpentier reupholstered in fabric by Bruder, a Rouve stool by Michel Boyer and a coffee table by Pia Manu, alongside contemporary pieces such as the OKO ceramic end tables by Christophe Delcourt

Above The living room features a sofa by Jacques Charpentier reupholstered in fabric by Bruder, a Rouve stool by Michel Boyer and a coffee table by Pia Manu, alongside contemporary pieces such as the OKO ceramic end tables by Christophe Delcourt

This district flourished particularly in the 19th century, when the intellectual and artistic elite of Paris such as writers, musicians and painters settled there and had large houses built, she explains.

“My approach to design is that it must always make sense within its location and environment. One of my main aims was to uphold the location’s theatrical heritage and also to commemorate the vibrant setting of the house’s surroundings. My clients are very cultured, so I wanted the space to represent that, but without being too showy. We were all in agreement that we would make the space a ‘countryside in Paris’, and reintroduce the spirit of New Athens.”

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Above An art installation by Lili Delaroque was specially commissioned to form a focal point at the staircase

Above A vintage chair from Galerie Bellechasse 29 creates a reading nook in the hallway

To update the townhouse for modern needs, Bonaventure’s team completely redesigned the layout of the 1,614 sq ft abode. Since the space was empty and there were no partitions, the rooms were sized and furnished according to the new functions of the home, which had been discussed with the current owners.

“The main challenge when reconstructing the interior space was turning the initially cold atmosphere into a more modern and warmer environment while still paying homage to its classical legacy,” she says.

Above The breezy living room is awash in neutral hues

To achieve this while evoking a sense of place at the same time, she chose to maintain some traditional elements of the building, such as using classic textures of wood and marble and subtle earthy shades throughout the interior.

As the home was to serve as a sanctuary its owners could retreat to for inspiration, Bonaventure made it a point to carve out plenty of spaces for relaxation and creation. For instance, the living room, which adjoins the dining room, sports a plush vintage sofa to create another cosy haven for intimate tête-à-têtes.

The cosy library is furnished with a custom sofa upholstered in a Pierre Frey velvet fabric, stools from Atelier Musset, a DUL chair by Christophe Delcourt and a Nanimarquina Noche rug

Above The cosy library is furnished with a custom sofa upholstered in a Pierre Frey velvet fabric, stools from Atelier Musset, a DUL chair by Christophe Delcourt and a Nanimarquina Noche rug

Above Rue Balard II, a work by Spanish artist Anna Malagrida, acquired from Galerie RX

The designer also created a media room clad in dark hues and furnished with comfortable seating for private screenings. And for moments of quiet contemplation, the owners may retreat to a peaceful library that looks out to lush views of the garden.

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Above Wall panels produced by Maisonjaune Studio add an interesting facet to the dining area

Above The kitchen features cabinetry designed by Émilie Bonaventure and an oak wood door and walls from the 18th century

For authenticity, vintage panelling from the 1970s was specially sourced for the kitchen partitions, which form an understated yet impactful backdrop in the dining room and complement the apartment’s wooden flooring.

“We used only pure and sombre materials; nothing ostentatious. It was of utmost importance to use raw materials such as wood, linen, marble and stone, with an acute attention to detail,” she explains.

Dark-hued walls create a cocooning atmosphere in the media room, paired with the Living Divani Extrasoft sofa by Piero Lissoni, vintage Flos Padina wall lights by Achille Castiglioni and an antique lamp by Isamu Noguchi on the console

Photo 1 of 2 Dark-hued walls create a cocooning atmosphere in the media room, paired with the Living Divani Extrasoft sofa by Piero Lissoni, vintage Flos Padina wall lights by Achille Castiglioni and an antique lamp by Isamu Noguchi on the console

Photo 2 of 2 The master bedroom is a restful haven with its neutral palette, while featuring a custom bed frame upholstered in a Pierre Frey fabric

In addition, furnishings from design studios Garnier & Linker and Apparatus were commissioned to enhance the bespoke look of the abode. The interior spaces feature a tasteful mix of contemporary and vintage pieces hand-picked by the designer and her team.

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Above A Paola Lenti rug adds a cosy touch to the terrace

The living room opens out to the spacious 3,767 sq ft terrace and garden to create a seamless indoor-outdoor social environment that is highly sought after today. The paved garden has been thoughtfully fitted out with charming vignettes such as outdoor chairs and garden benches, where the owners or their guests can escape to for a quiet drink or simply to be immersed in the healing beauty of nature.

Above A view of the home’s historic facade

Above The tranquil garden is among the enviable features of this property

On warm summer days, the outdoor dining terrace becomes the focal point of the townhouse when guests gather to break bread and indulge in good company. It is, in many ways, a continuation of the creative flourishing that characterises the vibrant district.

“We wanted this unique essence to be maintained inside the home. At the same time, I wanted to create a simple and comfortable space that is easy to live in and have a connection to the outdoors,” says Bonaventure.

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Credits

Photography

Asa Liffner

Topics

home tour interior design decor furnishings

Tatler Asia

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