Rue de Lions
A seventeenth-century address in Saint-Paul
Tucked behind a quiet courtyard in the Marais, this 17th-century Parisian apartment pairs original stone walls, exposed timber beams and traditional floors with a more contemporary approach to city living. Antique finds, rich fabrics and sculptural furnishings bring warmth and character, while a darker kitchen island adds contrast to the softer palette.
Beams, brick and a stone fireplace
The apartment’s original features set the direction for the renovation. Exposed beams, a carved stone fireplace, timber floors and the bookshelves built by a previous owner, an antique dealer, were all retained, preserving the details that give the home its character. The design draws on the apartment’s past to create a home that feels individual, layered and very much of the Marais. Antique wooden bowls, collected ornaments and vintage furniture sit alongside tailored headboards, velvet curtains and sculptural lighting. In the kitchen, a darker-toned island brings depth to the light walls, stone and tiled floors, while contemporary shapes offer a quiet contrast to the historic details.
About the neighbourhood
Saint-Paul captures a more intimate side of Le Marais, with cobbled streets, narrow passageways and centuries-old façades giving the neighbourhood a distinctly historic atmosphere. Boutique-lined rues, independent galleries and welcoming cafés bring a lively local rhythm, while Place des Vosges and Île Saint-Louis are both within easy reach. It’s a part of Paris where history is part of daily life.
Design direction
We wanted to respect what was already there. The beams, stone walls, fireplace and original bookshelves gave the apartment so much character, so we kept them and added pieces with new shapes and textures, from sculptural lighting to antiques collected over time. Parisian style is about materials, proportions and the way everything sits together.
