An elegant Haussmann-style Paris apartment renovated by In Situ & Partners reflects the essence of France’s 19th-century Second Empire style, combining tradition and modernity. “The idea was to respect the aesthetic codes of a classic Parisian apartment while integrating them with the functionality of a modern home”, explains architect Yacine Bensalem, founder of In Situ & Partners, a luxury interior design firm based in Hong Kong.
“We found the apartment’s deeds dating back to the 19th century, and they guided us in recreating the rhythms of the space. Our renovation followed the rules of Haussmannian style, adding the British and Asian influences that are inherent in our DNA”, Bensalem explains. The result is an enticing and refined project that puts the spotlight on top-drawer craftsmanship, visible in the expert handmade finishes and the various custom pieces designed by In Situ & Partners and made by expert Italian and French artisans.
How did Bensalem incorporate his aesthetic into the classic Haussmannian design?
“In the hallway, we created leather and bronze shelves, providing a touch of Asian glamour, which you can also find in the Japanese-style resin shelves above the living room fireplace. The hallway separates the private areas of the home from the reception areas of the large living room and the study, so we designed it almost as if it were an outdoor space. The lantern-style light and the geometric floor, in particular, are reminiscent of the atrium of a Parisian mansion.”
What was the first thing that struck you about this Parisian apartment?
“Although the previous owner had removed all the distinctive Haussmannian elements, from the parquet flooring to the original mouldings and the division of the living spaces, it was easy to imagine the original design. The monumental entrance, the large windows, and 10-foot ceilings, and of course the incomparable view of the Eiffel Tower.”
The materials and colour palette follow Haussmannian style codes. How did you choose them?
“We recreated the classical Parisian look with natural colours such as ivory for the walls and ceilings, and herringbone oak parquet that was lightly patinated to give the look of a place that has been lived in. For the study and powder room, the dark oak panelling is partly inspired by British style. In the long hallway, the flooring repeats a traditional 19th-century geometric pattern, made up of grey, black, and white Italian marble. The same motif is replicated with the floor tiles in the kitchen—which is contemporary and more casual—where we used contrasting shades such as grey with a rust colour for the wall.”
How did you choose the furniture for the living area?
“Working with skilled Italian and French artisans was an essential part of the project. Many of the elements are custom-made to make the room more personal, incorporating design elements such as Kartell armchairs and Flos lamps, as well as antique pieces such as the mirror above the dining room fireplace.”
What was the biggest challenge of this project?
“Apart from having to work during Covid, I think the biggest challenge was capturing the Haussmann spirit in an authentic way while combining it with our own style. The fact that I had studied and worked for 14 years in Paris helped us—as did the fact that part of my studies were on classical French architecture. We went against the grain because, at the moment, classical interior design is not valued much, in my view.”
How does your aesthetic interact with the many works of art?
“We chose numerous works by Pierre Bonnefille who is a Maître d'art (Master of art) – the most prestigious classification [in France] for a craftsman, designer, painter, or colourist. His works embody tradition in a poetic and contemporary way. In a society where everyone feels the need to belong to a specific milieu, he is a mosaic of artistic expression. His work aligns with our renovations, which were guided by an artistic and poetic feeling, leaving a lot of space and value for craftsmanship, as well as respect for the historical and cultural identity of the home.”
Originally published in AD Italia. Translated from the Italian by Julia Buckley.
