Pied-à-terre transformation in Paris | August Collection

The Location 

On a vibrant little corner of Paris’ 6th, just a few blocks from the banks of the Seine, is the newest addition to the August Pied-à-Terre Collection. Perfectly positioned in this lively locale – a hub of the French ‘art de vivre’ – the apartment provides a peaceful pause from exploring the multitude of Parisian treasures waiting to be unearthed. 

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Hand-picked for its character, the 6th and smallest arrondissement boasts one of Paris’ richest cultural scenes, percolating with art and intellect, effervescent kerbside cafés and enchanting must-see sites, including the iconic Jardin du Luxembourg. It felt only fitting that we distilled the artful essence of this neighbourhood into our bright 4th floor apartment.  

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The Apartment 

Tucked away on a quiet, characterful side street, ideally positioned between Place Saint-Michel and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, resides this beautiful 19th-century building, which already had the bones of an enviable residence. Built in Paris’ distinguished Haussmann style, elegant stonework and wrought-iron balustrades define the exterior – hinting to the quintessential features to be found within.

Ascending the spiral staircase, we enter the apartment on the fourth of six floors, and catch a first glimpse of the city’s archetypal rooftop views, which can be seen from all aspects. Once inside, the space – comprising a large lounge, kitchenette, two double bedrooms, bathroom, en-suite and separate WC – is illuminated by shutter-framed floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing each room in light. Lofty, corniced ceilings complemented with ceiling roses, an exquisite stained-glass window and original chevron parquet flooring – which we sanded and stained back to life – anchor the home in tradition. Even pre-restoration, the space provided a beautiful blank canvas to which we could add the August touch.

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The Living Space

Taking centre-stage in this chic residence, the capacious, three-windowed salon is awash with light from from its west-facing facade – particularly beautiful at sunset. Distinguishing pure relaxation from dining and entertaining, the living room is divided by the large, pillowy couch complemented by modernist armchairs and a relaxed coffee table. Bespoke olive-green cabinetry, shaped to echo the original cornicing, frames a subtle home entertainment system, making this an area to sink into, devour a novel or enjoy cinematic escapism with loved ones.      

Setting the stage for low-key entertaining and family dinners, a sculptural dining table in polished white separates the space into its functional uses. Meanwhile, a considered blend of antique, mid-century and modern furnishings and contemporary artworks lean into the unison of old and new found in the city streets below. For those who come here to work or watch the world go by, an antique writing desk sourced from just north of Paris is recessed in the window, beckoning you to sit a while. For the final adornments, plush furnishings, an oversized rug and gossamer drapes bring in a softness and romanticism that begs you to recline and restore.

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The Kitchen 

From the characterful curved doorway and light-filled entrance hall of the apartment, we enter the kitchenette. The original 1970s decor did little to enlarge the compact space, but there was plenty of hidden potential, with more of those large windows drawing light in.
 

To give the illusion of spaciousness, marbled countertops blend seamlessly into wall panels equipped with cabinets, echoing the same gentle green palette used throughout the home. Chessboard flooring in charcoal-grey and white adds a classic touch to this elegant area, and sleek appliances and brushed-brass fixtures complement the mixture of polished and matte surfaces. Bathed in the soft glow of the glass pendulum light, this small yet perfectly formed kitchen caters to your every culinary need whilst visiting the Capital – from warmed breakfast croissants to decadent three-course dinners.

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The Bedrooms

From the living space, we meet the first of two bedrooms. This amply proportioned master suite is subtly finished to pull focus to the original features: cornicing and a ceiling rose, chevron flooring and more of those long, light-flooding windows. Tradition once again meets modernity through the sensitive blend of classic-style wardrobes, the subtle curves of the upholstered headboard and the clean lines of a mid-century-inspired mirror. The indulgent king-sized bed is dressed in soft linens reflecting the gentle earthy tones that punctuate the rest of the home. This is a place to unfurl and sleep sound after a day spent sampling the delights of your Parisian backyard.   

Inviting you awake refreshed, the master bedroom is finessed with a generous en suite – an August addition to the original floor plan. We tiled the washroom in gleaming white with an indulgent rain head shower and classic porcelain basin, creating a pristine, calming space.  

Then, tucked away in a peaceful corner on the other side of the apartment, we find a second well-proportioned bedroom. Shaded in restorative hues with a plush king-sized bed, the guest suite benefits from its own secluded corridor and use of a family bathroom and separate WC. With two ample sleeping quarters and bathrooms to match, this Pied-à-Terre home can more than accommodate a family getaway or a romantic retreat for two.

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The Finishing Touches 

Apt for serene evenings curled up on the couch, the home is peppered with books sourced from the quaintest little bookshop, just a five minute walk away. We centred the living and dining space with a specially commissioned work of art, expressive of the sensitive yet modern August mood. Then, the complementing artworks, objets d’art, linens, lamps and so on were all carefully hand-picked to amplify the romantic personality of this charming hideout, nestled amid the rooftops in the City of Love.

Ready to embrace the allure of Paris, London, Barcelona, Cannes and Rome? Speak to an August expert and discover our Collections.