Photography by Marvin Leuvrey and Charlotte Robin, courtesy of Studio Classico.
Stephen O’Sullivan felt ready for a better bath.
She and her favorite collaborator from architecture school Antoine Lallement met up with Stephen and quickly the discussion evolved from showers and sinks into an entire rethink of the flat a translator and writer Stephen was...
...in the process of setting up his own company out of the apartment and realized that the time was right for a makeover that is going to be with me for the rest of my life
...in the process of setting up his own company out of the apartment and realized that the time was right for a makeover that is going to be with me for the rest of my life
As a rescue measure, they recommended built-in storage (scroll to the end for a glimpse of the mess that was).
As a rescue measure, they recommended built-in storage (scroll to the end for a glimpse of the mess that was).
The new kitchen is now the center of the apartment, divided from the living room by a peninsula, so Stephen can cook while chatting with guests.
The apartment is set in a former coaching inn, part of France’s pre-railroad postal system, and retains its original herringbone oak floors visible here in the small front room, which Stephen uses as his office, den, library, and guest room.
The 2 Bins Sink was an Amazon purchase.
The architects detailed the kitchen with Rombini fluted porcelain tiles designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec for Mutina: “the light and shadows on it beautifully brightens the room and the lines remind us of a grandma doily in a contemporary way,” says Suleïma.
The kitchen’s red checks lead to the bathroom’s green checks. The white walls throughout are painted Ventre de Biche (translation “Doe Belly”) from Tollens of Belgium.
Stephen gave Suleïma and Antoine “carte blanche” to come up with the apartment’s key furnishings.
Stephen reports that his former furniture was a hodgepodge of gifted items and pieces purchased very cheaply from neighbors leaving the building The new desk he...
...says was an excellent investment as I spend much time here translating and writing while giving the odd wave to friends and neighbors passing outside the window
...says was an excellent investment as I spend much time here translating and writing while giving the odd wave to friends and neighbors passing outside the window
The bedroom, formerly a minty green, is now a bright apple.
The Pinch-Pleat Tartan Curtains were sourced readymade from the Scotland Shop: this pattern, fittingly, is the All Ireland Blue tartan.
The custom chest of drawers, of oak with walnut detailing, is a companion to the wardrobe.
The green theme continues in the bathroom, where the bespoke drawers serve as both storage and a bench.
The pedestal sink stands out against ivory tiles from French company Surface.
The glass shower is thoughtfully detailed with tiled niches.
The architects: Suleïma is based in Paris and Antoine lives in Marseille, where this was taken. She also has a background in interior design and he in engineering.
The architects: Suleïma is based in Paris and Antoine lives in Marseille, where this was taken. She also has a background in interior design and he in engineering.
Photograph by Charlotte Robin.
Before: The rooms felt cramped and dark, and the kitchen was located off the living room.
Floor Plans
Floor Plans
After: The architects swapped the locations of the kitchen and bath, creating a bigger, brighter living space and a better flow.
Above R: Peeling paint was but one problem. Above L: Stephen’s den/guest room was in danger of imploding .
Above R: Peeling paint was but one problem. Above L: Stephen’s den/guest room was in danger of imploding .
Before
Before
Above L: It was Stephen’s desire for a shower stall to replace his bath that started the whole project.
Above L: It was Stephen’s desire for a shower stall to replace his bath that started the whole project.
