CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
In contrast to its classic Haussmann exterior, this Parisian apartment exudes a rich, eclectic style thanks to its owner’s talent for combining design shop finds and flea market treasures
The carefully curated interiors of this classic Haussmann apartment in Paris are the epitome of French chic.
When it comes to design inspiration, Pascale Venot has a wealth of sources at her fingertips. As a press o∞cer for a collection of style-savvy brands, from luxury hotel groups One & Only and Six Senses to fashion designer Carolina Herrera and homewares company Habitat, Pascale travels the globe, visiting beautiful places and working with the people behind the brands. This lifestyle is borne out in the interior of her home, a duplex apartment in the 17th arrondissement of Paris, which she shares with her boyfriend and her three daughters. Pascale talks us through the two-year renovation she undertook before moving in last year.
Why did the apartment need so much work?
It was in an awful condition when I found it. It was very neglected and had been divided into a lot of small rooms. I wanted more space and light, but it took a lot of structural work to remove the walls. I also installed the stained-glass roof light above the stairwell, which was a big job.
Were there original elements that you wanted to keep?
Yes; it is a typical nineteenth-century Haussmann building with some wonderfully elegant, very Parisian features, such as the staircase with the metal balustrade, and the ceiling mouldings. I wanted to combine this period style with pieces from around the world, to mix in the cultures and identities of other countries.
Where do you get your ideas...does your work influence you?
I love travelling, so that is how I pick up most of my design ideas. I have lots of
things that I've found at flea markets and antiques shops; for example, I bought the large metal sculpture that I placed at the bottom of the stairs at a market in Mumbai. I also visit a lot of hotels through work, which are a constant source of inspiration, and Pierre Favresse and Jean-pierre Lagain, the designer and creative director at Habitat, have been very helpful in terms of style and design ideas.
How have you worked colour and character into the interior, while retaining an elegant look?
I collect ceramics, so they are displayed everywhere, and I have used accessories and fabrics to add accents of bright colour throughout. The deep blue and green paint shades I have used in some of the rooms were inspired by Le Roch, a new hotel in Paris designed by Sarah Lavoine, whose work I adore. The colours are from her new range of paints.
What are your go-to brands for furniture and accessories?
I love Rock the Kasbah, which was established by the Parisian designer Philippe Xerri and has showrooms in Tunisia and L’isle-sur-la-sorgue; Philippe helped me with the interior of the apartment. Caravane and Le Monde Sauvage are also favourites. I really like how they use ethnic pieces to create a stylish modern look.
What is your favourite spot in the apartment?
The sitting room, because of the animated dinners I have there with friends. We talk late into the night and always have a lot of fun.