I could not love this Paris apartment more. Seriously spectacular detail. By Studio Razavi Architecture.

Before Baron Haussmann started gutting Paris under Napoleon the 3rd, a wave of modernization had started in the center of Paris where new buildings had gone up according to a different set of rules which would ultimately lead to what is known as the Haussmannian type. This apartment is located in such building and its decorative influence (both on the facade and inside apartments) bares a Greek influence, rather than Neoclassical, which would be generalized for later buildings.
As in most apartment renovations in older buildings, the layout was radically modified as the kitchen was brought right next to the front entrance and left as an open space and a master suite was created where the kitchen was formerly located. We undertook heavy restoration of original features (more specifically a remarkable wood floor) and created a smooth transition with remodeled areas so as to preserve the feel of an early 19th century apartment. Whenever possible, contemporary elements were introduced which, in combination with the furniture selection, create a lively and modern interior.

Because there is nothing hotter than the combination of concrete, velvet and black.
With a humble and intimate approach to the interior, Nærvær is formed by a casual atmosphere with small spaces and niches for guests to enjoy. With an interior design defined by an array of stone, wood and metal, the materials are all natural and have deliberately been altered in order to create dark and industrial surfaces that matches the mood of the place. This conscious focus on tactility brings a warm, material richness to the interior that naturally compliments the raw concrete walls and industrial framework of the space. By NORM.ARCHITECTS.

Hey dear readers. The blog redesign is taking a bit longer than expected so in the meantime Jo and I will share a post here and there so you don’t forget about us, and because we are frankly going through withdrawal. I guess that is what posting daily for over 11 years does to you. I came across this Los Angeles home this morning by Alexandra and Michael Misczynski of Atelier AM and had to share because I am dying over the earthy, rustic, neutral feel of the spaces.

Bright yellow walls, grahic patterned curtains and stripes add some pretty bold and playful touches to this other wise fairly traditional home in California. Julie Goldman of J.Latter Design took things up a notch. Several notches really.

More from Julie here in case you missed it

I am hopelessly in love with this 110m² apartment in Paris’ 9th arrondissement. It makes me desperately want to collect some beni ourain rugs (that I’ve been avoiding forever because they don’t mix well with cat barf), hang a black shag rug on a wall, get husband to build some built-ins and paint them a bold colour, paint a tree mural, get another cat but this time a black and white that’s floofy, have some steel and glass walls built somewhere for something…. By Batiik Studio. (Photos: Bertrand Fompeyrine & Guillaume Loyer)

I am smitten with the neon yellow detail on the top of the baseboards. So subtle and awesome. Also cool how it ties into the bedding below.