ART AND SOUL

A redesigned triplex in Paris proves that high art and family living make for the perfect mix

sometimes, the easiest way to create a serene interior is through the measured use of muted tones, an amicable interplay between shades of slate grey, steel and onyx. and in this contemporary Parisian home, these tones not only successfully calm the mood but conspire to create a gallery-esque effect.

Located in Paris’s 16th arrondissement (where the homeowner happily calls the Fondation Louis Vuitton and the Palais de Tokyo neighbours) the setting couldn’t be more picturesque – and appropriate. even at a glance, the need for showstopper art is instantly gratified, from the immense photograph by Malian legend seydou

Keïta to another highly unique portrait by Jean-baptiste huynh and even a drawing by gérard Fromanger. It’s clear from the onset that both this collection – and home – is one that reveals much of the homeowner’s sensibilities through its composition.

But don’t let the high-brow hangs fool you, though, for despite its outwardly precious appearance this is a family home, and a very lively one when you consider that the homeowner has two children, aged six and eight, and often entertains guests and friends from around the world.

‘The homeowner grew up in the art world, travelling the globe, from Brazil and the united states, art Basel to the Venice Biennale, on the lookout for trends,’ says Fanny Prat who, along with

fellow interior decorator alexandra de Brem, had an instant connection with the homeowner while heading up the redecoration of the triplex apartment. ‘We have completely redesigned this place to highlight different aspects of the homeowner’s personality.’

To one side of the first floor you’ll find a spacious entrance, living room and kitchen-dining area and guest room and, to the other, the living quarters of the two young boys. The second level houses the ultra luxe master bedroom, with its large dressing room, while the third contains a perched bathroom and a meditation room. Fanny and alexandra left nothing to chance, matching the palette of muted colours to the Carrara marble, lava stone, walnut and brass. The bedrooms and bathrooms are a moment for play, such as the Popham design cement tiles. In the large bedroom, the wall-hanging Pierre Frey fabric warms the duck-egg blue space.

attention to detail, then, is still as much a necessity in the creative process as eclecticism and experimentation to the two young interior architects. When asked what inspired their charming and at times curious choices Fanny simply quotes Voltaire: ‘Beauty pleases the eyes only; sweetness of disposition charms the soul’.

‘we have completely redesigned this place to highlight different aspects of the homeowner’s personality’

BY KEEPING THE COLOUR PALETTE RESTRAINED, ARTWORK AND BOLD FURNITURE PIECES HAVE ROOM TO POP

fanny prat and alexandra de brem used a palette of slate grey, steel and onyx to create the interiors of this parisian apartment. the dining room table was also designed by them, with ‘beetle’ chairs by gubi covered in kvadrat fabric. the ‘treku’ console is by sentou, with lights by jean prouvé

clockwise, from above In the spacious lounge, the fireplace designed by fanny and alexandra sets the tone. above It hangs two pieces by gilbert garcin; a statement wall In the office Is covered In ‘grace’ wallpaper by sandberg wallpaper; the guest bedroom in hues of green and blue

QASHQAI KELIM,R12 900, GONSENHAUSERS FINE RUGS MAXIMUM MARMI PORCELAIN SLAB IN PREMIUM WHITE, POR, STUDIO MASSON ‘DALI’ GOLD METAL AND WHITE MARBLE-TOP COFFEE TABLE, R2 750, SHF MINOTTI ‘PRINCE’ ARMCHAIR, R64 200, AND FOOT STOOL, R38 150, LIMELINE

DULUX PAINT IN CLOUD MOTIF, R194 PER LITRE, JACK’S PAINT & HARDWARE

POPHAM DESIGN SQUARE ‘ANDO’ CONCRETE TILES IN MARINE AND MILK, R75 PER TILE, OPIA DESIGN

DULUX PAINT IN ATLANTIC SURF 1,R194 PER LITRE, JACK’S PAINT & HARDWARE

DULUX PAINT IN WOODLAND PEARL 4, R194 PER LITRE, JACK’S PAINT & HARDWARE

‘CHEVRON’ SIDEBOARD, R16 000, SHF