Home tour: How a green sofa became the centrepiece of a Parisian apartment designed by KY Architecture

This classical flat designed by KY Architecture in Paris has a wonderful open-plan living room where a green sofa is its cosy centrepiece

Just past the entryway of this Haussmannian apartment in Paris, France, is a subtle yet striking design feature that sets the tone for the rest of the home. Stepping through the dark-framed double doors into the rotunda, the eye is drawn to a floor inlay made up of green Prato, black Marquina, warm grey Fior di Bosco, and white Carrara marble that mesmerises with its radial form and harmonious hues.

Appearing akin to a spacious foyer of a grand hotel, this signature detail welcomes guests and heralds a series of exquisite yet restrained spaces that distinguish this cosy abode, which is home to a businessman working in real estate.

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Above The marble flooring features a starburst motif comprises in-lay tiles made of green Prato, black Marquina, warm grey Fior di Bosco and white Carrara marble

The marble flooring features a starburst motif comprises in-lay tiles made of green Prato, black Marquina, warm grey Fior di Bosco and white Carrara marble

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The owner of the property had appointed Kelly Boukobza, founder and lead architect of Paris-based studio KY Architecture, to redesign the 2,260 sq ft unit located in the famous 7th arrondissement of Paris. Seeking ample space in which to host friends and family, and an overall refined yet relaxing canvas, he gave the designer a free hand in optimising the apartment’s floor plan and crafting a soothing feel.

“The client desired an upscale flat with meticulous attention to detail, reminiscent of a luxurious hotel,” says Boukobza, adding that the home also had to embody “comfort and daily liveability”, incorporating elements suited to entertaining and cooking.

Above Kelly Boukobza, founder and lead architect of Paris-based studio KY Architecture

Above A yellow armchair from Kelly Boukobza's collection brings a pop of colour to the room

Kelly Boukobza, founder and lead architect of Paris-based studio KY Architecture

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The designer succeeded in carving out a more spacious reception area and social zones that accentuate the impressive height of the ceiling and invite more natural light in. The aforementioned rotunda connects the living and entertaining rooms, creating a natural flow of movement between layered spaces that feature art deco influences and a rich material mix against an overarching backdrop of neutral tones to foster calm.

A charming melange of plush furnishings and textural elements characterises the airy living room. Two curved green velvet sofas from Pierre Augustin Rose lend colour and tactility, as do a pair of white bouclé Gropius CS1 armchairs. A large black-framed mirror is flanked by stylish solid-wood bookshelves designed by Boukobza; these functional fixtures use the same timber as the customised art deco-inspired bar nearby, which is the perfect spot for drinks and banter. A 1960s desk and Pierre Jeanneret chair bring vintage allure to the space.

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Above A pair of green sofas by Pierre Augustin Rose are the focal point of this spacious living area

A pair of green sofas by Pierre Augustin Rose are the focal point of this spacious living area

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In the dining room, two Menu Hashira pendant lamps by Norm Architects hang over a wooden table paired with Knoll Platner armchairs. An imposing marble island delineates this area from the sleek kitchen, as do the geometric patterned flooring and taupe colour scheme. Gold accents lend charisma, while customised storage ensures functionality.

Photo 1 of 6 A marble island is another distinctive feature of this open-plan dining area

Photo 2 of 6 A pair of Menu Hashira pendant lamps by Norm Architects float above the dining table

Photo 3 of 6 Another view of the living room, which also features two white bouclé Gropius CS1 armchairs

Photo 4 of 6 Wooden shelves flank the black framed mirror, crafted in the same wood used for the custom bar area

Photo 5 of 6 A vintage desk from the 1960s is matched with a Pierre Jeanneret chair to create a workspace within the spacious open-plan living area

Photo 6 of 6 Another view of the desk

A marble island is another distinctive feature of this open-plan dining area

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The spacious master bedroom’s black-and-white scheme is punctuated by a comfy yellow sofa; a rug from Ateliers Pinton also adds cosiness and warmth. A large custom-made wardrobe meets storage needs and augments the walk-in closet; in the master bathroom, a large shower, high-end fixtures, gold accents, marble and solid oak flooring create an opulent air. The home also has two other bedrooms, each is designed as a suite, complete with its own dressing room and ensuite bathroom.

Above A rug made by Atelier Pinton adds a plush touch underfoot in the master bedroom

A rug made by Atelier Pinton adds a plush touch underfoot in the master bedroom

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Lighting design was key to reinterpreting spaces throughout the home without deviating from their core essence, reveals Boukobza, adding that this entailed positioning the lights in a way that complemented the architectural elements. “We strategically used spotlights to highlight certain scenes or objects, and lamps to create a softer ambience and define specific areas,” she explains.

Above A peek into the master bathroom from the master suite

Above The master bathroom incorporates marble and gold accents, solid oak flooring and clean-lined furnishings

A peek into the master bathroom from the master suite

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Above Another view of the master suite

Above The interesting facets of the apartment can be seen in the secondary bedroom

Another view of the master suite

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KY Architecture completed the year-long assignment in March 2022, with Boukobza citing the rotunda and the kitchen as her favourite areas in the home. “The rotunda adds an architectural element of intrigue and elegance to the overall design, while the kitchen’s unique shape, neither round nor straight, posed an interesting challenge in creating an integrated dining area while maintaining two distinct spaces,” she says. The homeowner himself “feels a genuine sense of comfort” in his new home, adds Boukobza. “It was a [great] opportunity to work with a true aesthete who values architecture, decoration and beautiful objects.”