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Stina and Ruben Pariente Gromark have created a light-filled retreat in the heart of Paris

How one well-travelled pair created a unique retreat right in the heart of Paris

Stina and Ruben Pariente Gromark are unquestionably a global couple. Stina is originally from Sweden and Ruben grew up in Egypt, Poland and France. After graduating from London’s Central St Martins, they spent much of their time living in Sweden and Spain.

Having then settled in Paris with their son Elliot, now three, they found they needed a home big enough to cope with visiting family and friends. So, in 2017, they moved to a larger apartment near the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, which met their needs for more space, better air quality and a convenient location for work.

Seeking to increase the sense of space in the apartment, the couple approached Ruben’s father, Jacques, an interior designer, who came up with the idea of an atrium. They knew it would work, however, it was

not a straightforward addition. Besides the logistics, meetings had to take place with residents who overlooked the glass roof and issues concerning the way rainwater ran into the car park had to be addressed.

Once the couple began putting their ideas into practice, they paid special attention to choosing the right materials. These include the glass atrium, which is softened by a cherry blossom tree in the centre and a climbing jasmine which fills the apartment with its delightful fragrance. ‘The apartment is modern, with straight lines – a cube, with rather hard materials,’ says Stina. ‘To balance this, we tried to incorporate natural elements such as wood and stone, and upcycled as much as possible.’

When it came to the layout, the couple’s aim was to mould the kitchen into a social area in the centre of the apartment. The

dining table was bought from the previous owners, while classic Bentwood chairs in black add definition and shape.

With their busy lives – Stina runs a design studio, Stinsensqueeze, and Ruben is a DJ and event producer and runs a record label – it was important to create a peaceful bedroom, a place to recharge with as little clutter as possible. To maintain this focus on simplicity, the bathroom is streamlined with a built-in structure for the sink and towels. White tiles are strikingly highlighted with orange grout and contrasted with a bold black shower and taps.

With this imaginative revamp complete, not only has this light-filled, characterful apartment become the ideal family home for Stina, Ruben and Elliot, but it is a wonderful place for all their visitors from far and wide to gather together.

LIVING AREA This space combines a modern sofa and heirloom furniture with finds from the couple’s travels. Cream three-seater sofa with piping, £1,166, Turnbull & Thomas, is similar

KITCHEN-DINER Stina and Ruben cut the birch plywood unit fronts and topped them with concrete worktops. Bespoke Cosmic Concrete worktop, price on request, Marta Bakowski

CLOAKROOM ‘We mixed this sunny yellow wall colour ourselves,’ says Stina. Laufen Pro S basin, £122, is similar; try the Neptune Black single sink tap, £34.95, both Victorian Plumbing

ELLIOT’S BEDROOM This cosy space is a fun spot for the couple’s son to play in. Jieldé Signal lamp, £220, Lumitop. Try the vintage child’s chair, £42.22, Barn Owl Vintage France at Etsy

BATHROOM White tiles create a streamlined look, while the bold orange grouting adds interest and sharp definition. Try the Brooklyn Linea white wall tiles, £13.50sq m, Homebase. Orange grout, £12.17 for 2.5kg, Tilefix

BEDROOM This retreat has been kept deliberately uncluttered. Firstlight Ohio black brass wall lights, £33 each, Switch Lighting, are similar