The Haussmannian apartment unfolds in a jewel box-like sequence of reconfigured volumes, evoking the ambiance of a refined hotel suite
Cover The Haussmann apartment unfolds in a jewel box-like sequence of reconfigured volumes, evoking the ambiance of a refined hotel suite
The Haussmannian apartment unfolds in a jewel box-like sequence of reconfigured volumes, evoking the ambiance of a refined hotel suite

Interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman reimagines a Haussmann apartment as a fluid, light-filled retreat of warm patinas and curated art pieces

The storied 7th arrondissement in Paris has long been synonymous with the upper echelons of French society since the 17th century, and home to the iconic Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and the Musée d’Orsay.

Amidst a sophisticated mix of culture and politics, high-end shopping streets and elegant residences define the district, as Haussmann façades and hôtels particuliers form a backdrop of quiet prestige for one of the most affluent neighbourhoods in France.

Read more: Step inside these 5 renovated Parisian homes with stunning interiors

Along Rue de l’Université that runs parallel with the Rive Gauche–the left bank of the River Seine–an entrepreneur has acquired a pied-à-terre on the fourth floor of a charming Haussmann building in the area.

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The Haussmannian apartment unfolds in a jewel box-like sequence of reconfigured volumes, evoking the ambiance of a refined hotel suite
Above A delicate interplay of openness and intimacy unravels through layered materials and textures in the open-plan living room
The Haussmannian apartment unfolds in a jewel box-like sequence of reconfigured volumes, evoking the ambiance of a refined hotel suite

With tall windows opening onto the terrace, the apartment was initially a maze of disconnected rooms, decorated with dark and lifeless interiors; but one architect and interior designer Aline Asmar d’Amman believed it had yet to reveal its true potential.

“My first instinct was to open the space, creating fluid circulation anchored by walls dedicated to art and a compelling perspective,” recalls the founder of Culture in Architecture.

See also: Home tour: a transformed Haussmann Parisian apartment with secret doors and red marble

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The fragmented reflection offers new readings of a room, and shifts perception
Above The fragmented reflection offers new readings of a room, and shifts perception
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The lace-like ceramic sculpture by Carolein Smit on a radiant milky orange wall
Above The lace-like ceramic sculpture by Carolein Smit on a radiant milky orange wall
The fragmented reflection offers new readings of a room, and shifts perception
The lace-like ceramic sculpture by Carolein Smit on a radiant milky orange wall

Inspired by the client’s consistent work travels to Paris, the redesigned apartment layout unfolds in a jewel box-like sequence of reconfigured volumes, evoking the ambiance of a refined hotel suite: intimate yet continually intriguing, drawing one deeper into the essence of Paris–which d'Amman drew inspiration from.

“The ever-changing Parisian sky–so rich in artistic and creative energy–became an integral inspiration,” she muses, shaping what she describes as a warm, inviting atmosphere for the owner and her family.

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The pearly peach patina recalls the fiery sunsets in Paris, with brass and burnt browns reminiscent of the golden hour
Above The pearly peach patina recalls the fiery sunsets in Paris, with brass and burnt browns reminiscent of the golden hour
The pearly peach patina recalls the fiery sunsets in Paris, with brass and burnt browns reminiscent of the golden hour

In the living room that leads into the dining room, proportioned mirrors reveal multiple perspectives of the apartment, elongating the interiors with layered images that are surprisingly poetic.

Mirrors have always fascinated me,” d’Amman shares. “Their fragmented images offer new readings of a room, adding glamour, shifting perception, and inviting exploration.”

Read more: Home tour: A bright Parisian apartment blending elegant minimalism with art

Here, a delicate interplay of openness and intimacy unravels through layered materials and textures, softened by a pearly peach patina that recalls what the interior designer describes as: “this incredibly fiery Parisian sky, this burnt orange when the sun sets over the city, absorbing the majestic greys the city is known for.”

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Evocative art and unusual design transform the space with their poetic presence
Above Evocative art and unusual design transform the space with their poetic presence
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The towering Jean Touret sculpture framed by original window panels
Above The towering Jean Touret sculpture framed by original window panels
Evocative art and unusual design transform the space with their poetic presence
The towering Jean Touret sculpture framed by original window panels

In an attempt to capture the emotion of a sunset, the striking lace-like ceramic sculpture by Dutch sculptor Carolein Smit anchors the space upon a radiant milky orange wall.

Rooted in a forest theme, it’s a nod to the homeowner’s deep appreciation for wildlife, while brass and burnt browns are reminiscent of the golden hour.

Alongside blond oak and neutral travertine stone with white panda veins, a complementary array of beige, champagne, and soft blue tones flows through the carpet, uniting the open living area, where a curvy sofa and rotating chairs add dynamic comfort.

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In the dining room, the “E-Collar” ceiling installation by Sam Stewart animates the space
Above In the dining room, the “E-Collar” ceiling installation by Sam Stewart animates the space
In the dining room, the “E-Collar” ceiling installation by Sam Stewart animates the space

Moreover, evocative art and unusual design transform the space with their poetic presence, creating a continuous conversation with the homeowner’s story and deep devotion to art, nature, and savoir-faire

“When life takes you across the world, nothing compares to returning to a home that feels like an extension of your own world,” d’Amman says. “Where objects curated with love and care bring that grace and softness with them into our lives.

Don’t miss: Home tour: a Parisian apartment blending 18th-century grandeur with curated antiques

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The high-gloss varnish of the dining table captures light and reflection
Above The high-gloss varnish of the dining table captures light and reflection
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The mirrors elongate the room with layered images that are surprisingly poetic
Above The mirrors elongate the room with layered images that are surprisingly poetic
The high-gloss varnish of the dining table captures light and reflection
The mirrors elongate the room with layered images that are surprisingly poetic

In the dining room, the “E-Collar” ceiling installation by Sam Stewart animates the space with its pleated forms and high-gloss finishes. 

First encountered at Design Miami’s first Paris edition in 2023, d’Amman notes that “its playful Victorian ruffles immediately resonated, mirroring the homeowner’s appreciation for both classicism and contemporary innovation.”

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This design narrative is then translated into the radiant brass dining table with a high-gloss varnish that captures light and reflection in a single, sculptural gesture.

“I like to think that my design approach is a delicate balance between preserving the heritage and capturing the spirit of modernity, amplifying the craft yet bringing a sense of renewal to timeless elegance,” d’Amman adds.

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The velvet scalloped headboard in navy blue in the children’s bedroom
Above The velvet scalloped headboard in navy blue in the children’s bedroom
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The whimsical striped walls and the cosy Georgia sofa for reading by the window
Above The whimsical striped walls and the cosy Georgia sofa for reading by the window
The velvet scalloped headboard in navy blue in the children’s bedroom
The whimsical striped walls and the cosy Georgia sofa for reading by the window

In the private quarters, d’Amman exercises calm and tenderness instead, where restraint allows emotion to surface quietly.

Taking centre stage in the minimalist main bedroom is French artist Hugo Capron’s abstract interpretation of rippling light on water–an art piece that appears almost ethereal, contrasting beautifully with a towering Jean Touret sculpture, framed by original window panels washed in sunrise hues.

See also: Home tour: a richly layered maximalist apartment in Madrid celebrating Spanish heritage

Meanwhile, the adjoining walk-in closet and water closet are tucked away behind sliding doors, flanking the 1940s engraved mirror by Pierre Lardin. 

“A custom-designed Georgia sofa nestles in the corner, inviting quiet moments of reading and reflection with its graceful curves and softness,” d’Amman elaborates.

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The abstract art piece by French artist Hugo Capron takes centre stage in the main bedroom
Above The abstract art piece by French artist Hugo Capron takes centre stage in the main bedroom
The abstract art piece by French artist Hugo Capron takes centre stage in the main bedroom
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The 1940s engraved mirror by Pierre Lardin hangs in the bedroom
Above The 1940s engraved mirror by Pierre Lardin hangs in the bedroom
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The adjoining water closet is tucked away behind the sliding door
Above The adjoining water closet is tucked away behind the sliding door
The 1940s engraved mirror by Pierre Lardin hangs in the bedroom
The adjoining water closet is tucked away behind the sliding door

Finally, the children’s bedroom is designed as a warm, imaginative retreat that balances comfort with a playful visual rhythm.

A velvet scalloped headboard in navy blue wraps around the bed, while whimsical striped walls complement with the tactile Pierre Frey carpet and the cosy Georgia sofa for reading by the window–completing the room with a “chalky softness.”

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Credits

Photography: Giulio Ghirardi

Topics

Celeste Goh
Senior Writer of Tatler Homes, Tatler Malaysia

Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.

Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.