Cover The undulating forms of the Wave sofa and U&Me coffee table, designed by Donnersberg, bring the fluidity of nature into the home
The undulating forms of the Wave sofa and U&Me coffee table, designed by Donnersberg, bring the fluidity of nature into the home
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Interior designer Emma Donnersberg transforms her historical Haussmann apartment in Paris into a modern haven in which art and organic forms converge
Haussmannian architecture shapes much of Paris’s built environment, with around 60 per cent of its buildings reflecting this style. Developed during Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann’s urban renewal project, which took place between 1853 and 1870, its uniform façades, wrought-iron balconies and wide boulevards remain integral to the city’s identity. Over 150 years later, these buildings are still highly sought after for their solid construction, high ceilings, and elegant proportions.
Just a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides in the 7th arrondissement, a historical Haussmannian apartment that was once home to Françoise Giroud—a renowned journalist, politician, and advocate for women’s rights—is today the residence and creative workspace of Paris-born interior designer Emma Donnersberg.
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Above Interior designer Emma Donnersberg in her Parisian residence
Above The home’s textural pieces and decorative items interact harmoniously with the natural light
Interior designer Emma Donnersberg in her Parisian residence
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Spanning almost 1,940 sq ft, the original layout was compartmentalised, restricting both movement and natural light. Donnersberg redesigned the floorplan to create a more spacious living and entertaining space, striking the right balance between preserving the essence of its architectural history while introducing a more contemporary aesthetic that feels fresh and relevant.
“The apartment’s Haussmannian architecture provided the perfect canvas for me to create a space that is both refined and deeply personal—an environment where visually striking art, texture and natural light interact in a fluid, harmonious way,” she says.
“While elegance and sophistication were key, it was just as important to infuse the space with a sense of ease—a kind of understated, laid-back luxury that makes art and design feel effortlessly woven into everyday life, while also feeling inviting and full of character, playful even,” she adds.
Above Laurent Dufour’s glazed porcelain llama sculpture stands in the dining area next to her other statement furnishings
Laurent Dufour’s glazed porcelain llama sculpture stands in the dining area next to her other statement furnishings
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Amid the generous proportions and high ceilings characteristic of Haussmannian apartments, the original flooring was replaced with light herringbone wooden parquet, instantly bringing warmth and a timeless elegance to the light-filled space.
Meanwhile, an off-white decorative paint sporting a textured finish with visible brushstrokes adds depth and contrast to the neutral-toned walls, whereas the ornate ceiling mouldings, which were inspired by those in Italian palazzos, were painted in a subtle light pink that brings a delicate, layered touch to the living room. Accents of brown are peppered in this inviting, grounded space, which is ideal for unwinding and gathering with loved ones.
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Above The soothing neutral palette is the ideal backdrop against which to highlight the lively design pieces and artworks
Above Saraï Delfendahl’s glazed ceramic unicorn lends a hint of playfulness to the entryway
The soothing neutral palette is the ideal backdrop against which to highlight the lively design pieces and artworks
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The other rooms in the home are designed around specific colour themes inspired by feng shui for balance and harmony. For example, green, which symbolises growth, renewal and stability, sets the tone in the kitchen, bringing about a fresh, grounding energy that makes the space vibrant and full of life.
On the other hand, soft blush tones were chosen for the bedroom and bathroom for their calming and nurturing qualities. These colours imbue the private spaces with a warm, serene atmosphere that is perfect for rest and relaxation, while sandy neutrals afford a sense of stability and a quiet elegance that also add depth and balance.
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Above Paint with a textural finish and conspicuous brushstrokes adds depth to the off-white walls
Above Inspired by feng shui for balance and harmony, accents of green are used in the kitchen to bring a grounding energy and tranquillity to the space
Paint with a textural finish and conspicuous brushstrokes adds depth to the off-white walls
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Donnersberg expresses her affinity for organic forms and natural materials through her own furniture designs, which are present throughout the home alongside vintage pieces by the likes of Marc Newson, Ado Chale, Poul Kjærholm and Jorgen Hoj sourced from Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, the renowned Parisian flea market with a rich history that dates back to the 1870s.
The undulating lines of the Wave sofa and U&Me coffee table mirror the organic forms of nature in the living room, while in the dining room, anchored by a floor-to-ceiling oak bookshelf, the sculptural curves of the Liva mirror, Galet dining table and surrounding Cloud chairs represent an ongoing dialogue between softness and structure.
“Plush upholstery is contrasted with raw stone, glossy ceramics sit alongside matte wood, and the natural patina of vintage pieces adds a sense of history and soul,” Donnersberg explains.
Above The master bathroom sports a majestic look with the use of carved white onyx
Above The stone infuses the space with a soothing, almost otherworldly air
The master bathroom sports a majestic look with the use of carved white onyx
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Drawn to a palette of natural, textural finishes that evoke depth and authenticity, the interior designer even made a trip to Italy in search of the perfect slab of white onyx from which to carve both the bath and shower in the master bathroom; its luminous, almost ethereal quality exudes a sense of peacefulness in this sculptural and utterly serene retreat.
“I believe the beauty of a space lies in its details—the subtle choices that might not be immediately apparent, but contribute to the overall atmosphere,” she says. “The way nature subtly weaves its way through my home, not just in materials but in forms and themes, they are small yet intentional choices that are not only functional, but also poetic.”
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Above Donnersberg’s love of organic forms and art is on full display in this cosy nook
Above Elements inspired by nature are sensitively worked into the home’s design via themes, materials and shapes
Donnersberg’s love of organic forms and art is on full display in this cosy nook
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With a permeating neutral palette serving as the perfect backdrop against which the apartment’s design pieces and art can shine, works by artists such as Esther Mahlangu, Mia Chaplin, Ileana Magoda and Sasha Ferré share the interior spaces with the textured ceramics of Jennifer Rochlin and Maho Nakamura, many of which come from Galerie Lefebvre & Fils, renowned for its expertise in contemporary ceramics.
Adding a touch of whimsy and playfulness are animal-inspired sculptures such as Saraï Delfendahl’s glazed ceramic unicorn in the entryway, as well as Laurent Dufour’s glazed porcelain llama and Tadashi Kawamata’s bird’s nest in the dining room.
“I take a deeply intuitive approach to art curation and love spending time with artists, understanding their creative universe and philosophy,” Donnersberg shares. “This connection allows me to integrate the artworks I have collected over the years, each holding personal significance, into the space in a way that feels natural and meaningful to me.”
Above A vibrant, dramatic artwork injects movement and life into this otherwise placid bedroom
A vibrant, dramatic artwork injects movement and life into this otherwise placid bedroom
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Credits
Photography: Alice Mesguich
Topics
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.
