When he was tapped to renovate a unit in a magnificent, early 19th-century Haussmannian edifice near the Trocadero in Paris—architect and interior designer Guillaume Alan knew right away that light would play a starring role in his redesign.

The top-floor unit boasts gorgeous, 360-degree panorama, which includes views of the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. The homeowners—a French couple who have been Alan’s clients for years, and fans of his simple and elegant furniture designs—are frequent travelers who were looking for a living space that was as spectacular as the luxury hotels and villas they’ve experienced around the world. However, they were also looking for a home that was “livable and fun”: a home where they could entertain with ease.

The classic residence required a total reorganization of the space. Alan approached the project with his signature sense of minimalist style, employing a monochromatic, light gray color palette which he refers to as craie (chalk). The subtle tones weave throughout the home and even expresses itself in the diverse material palette: floors of light gray brushed oak with natural marble accent lines, bespoke furniture made of brushed ash wood, and textiles of linen, leather, silk, and wool. The designer even embraced found elements, such as the original mosaic floor in the entry which features beautiful, degraded tones of grays, bronze, and antiqued gold that complement his palette.

Alan crafted custom furniture for the residence and also selected furniture from his eponymous line, Guillaume Alan Collection, in bespoke dimensions. The result is a luminous, light-filled residence which embodies a sense of classic, minimalist elegance that the homeowners will enjoy for years to come.

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Light makes architecture. It’s thanks to the light that walls, space, and shadows can exist.
–Guillaume Alan

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Guillaume Alan / @guillaumealan
Interior Design: Guillaume Alan

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Marble and Ash Wood Unify This Distinguished Paris Flat