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the 1950s wicker chairs and the 19th-century tree-shaped sculpture in
the family room. She recalls asking the dealer what the latter’s use was.
“Madame, it has absolutely no use,” came the abrupt reply.
Probably the most striking element in the flat is the wall covered in
a panoramic grisaille paper from Zuber representing trees, mountains,
a castle perched on a hill and a viaduct. For Razavi, it serves as the
focal point of the perspective that links the front rooms together. For
the owner, “it immediately gives a soul and elegance that’s so French”.
‘Elegant’ is a good word to describe the flat as a whole, but it also has
a bit of a bohemian vibe — partly because the owner wanted to avoid it
being too staid. “The only flaw with the beautiful French aesthetic isthis page: in the main bedroom, custom storage unit inspired by
Mondrian’s New York City series; ceramics by SOPHIE DRIES
and ETTORE SOTTSASS; ‘Harp’ chair by JORGEN
HOVELSKOV edited by PP MØBLER. opposite page: in the
main bathroom, bathtub from VICTORIA & ALBERT BATHS;
tapware from VOLA. Details, last pages.‹‹ “The floors were clearly meant to be seen,” says Alireza Razavi, the
Iranian-born architect hired to oversee the renovation. “They have
character and the craftsmanship indicates that this is not just any
apartment.” The internal shutters were sanded down to reveal their raw
wood and the walls painted by decorative artist Séverine Lépine with
a wash-like effect inspired by the boutiques of Martin Margiela.
“It gives a depth and vibration to them,” Razavi says.
Elsewhere, he transformed a series of rundown cell-like rooms at
the back of the apartment to create an airy main suite with a bold
black-and-white striped bathroom and a storage unit whose red, black
and yellow doors were inspired by Mondrian’s New York City series.
It was, explains Razavi, meant as a nod to the owners’ Manhattan links.
Many of the other furnishings are distinctly Gallic and were chosen
directly by the owner with the help of decorator Sylvie Acker. They
include a coffee table whose base is made from a tree trunk Acker
found in a wood near her family country house outside Paris. There is
also seating by iconic designers like Charlotte Perriand and Jean
Prouvé, as well as several dramatic ceiling fixtures. The kitchen is