French architect Sophie Dries transforms a classic Haussmannian Paris apartment, infusing bold color and street art into its design.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Paris, France
Architecture & Interior Design: Sophie Dries
Artworks: Banksy, Invader, JonOne, Giulia Andreani, François Mascarello
Furniture Design: Charlotte Perriand, Philippe Starck, Eero Saarinen, Hans J Wegner
Paris-based architect Sophie Dries has breathed new life into a pair of Haussmann-era apartments, merging them into a single, art-filled home for a family of four. The renovation spans 100 square meters and showcases Dries’ signature blend of contemporary minimalism and vibrant, artistic flair.
The original apartment, built during Paris’ mid-19th-century reconstruction by Georges-Eugène Haussmann, consisted of two separate flats. Dries’ mission was to honor the historic elements while introducing a modern, colorful twist. “We had to respect the Haussmannian spirit of the mouldings, fireplace, and parquet flooring but with a contemporary, new plan,” Dries explained.
The renovation not only combined the two units but also redefined the spatial layout. The central areas—lobby, hallway, and kitchen—were opened up, creating an inviting flow between spaces. Large doorways and simplified interiors amplify the sense of openness, making the apartment feel more expansive. This approach helped blend the old-world charm with a fresh, minimalist vision.
To maintain balance between old and new, Dries used white tones to preserve the elegance of the Haussmannian details. The ornate moldings, classic fireplaces, and intricate parquet floors were kept intact, but painted white to allow the modern, colorful elements to shine. This blank canvas allowed Dries to play with bold, contrasting colors in various rooms, lending each space its own unique identity.
The clients, avid art collectors with a passion for street art, provided Dries with the freedom to introduce color blocking and bold, expressive designs that highlight their extensive art collection. “The clients are really into color, so we had the opportunity to play on it,” Dries said. Each room features walls, textiles, or furniture carefully selected to complement the artwork. Pieces by renowned street artists like Banksy, Invader, and JonOne are displayed throughout the home, with wall colors chosen specifically to accentuate their vibrancy.
The kitchen is a testament to Dries’ love for color blocking. Dark grey cabinets stand out against a backdrop of soft red hues, which extend across the floor, walls, ceiling, and countertops. A watercolour painting by Venetian artist Giulia Andreani adorns the opposite wall, hovering above a custom-built banquette seat and a geometric, octagonal table by Charlotte Perriand. This mix of vintage and contemporary furnishings adds to the kitchen’s eclectic yet functional feel.
An arched doorway serves as a striking focal point, mirroring the curved design of Philippe Starck’s grey-lacquered stools. The space, though packed with artistic elements, is designed to be practical for a modern family. “It’s not a museum,” Dries explains. “The furniture is to be used by a contemporary family, so it has to be functional.”
The open-plan living and dining areas boast a mix of white walls and vibrant accents in shades of yellow, red, and gold. This combination allows the warm tones of the parquet flooring to take center stage, while midcentury furniture classics like Eero Saarinen’s marble Tulip Table and Hans J Wegner chairs anchor the space. Textured curtains, straw marquetry coffee tables, and colorful vases add pops of personality, creating an effortlessly chic atmosphere.
The master bedroom is a tranquil retreat, featuring a rich teal accent wall that perfectly complements another painting by Giulia Andreani. Custom-designed elements, including a hand-painted screen by François Mascarello and sculptural concrete nightstands, lend the room a sophisticated, artistic edge.
For the children’s rooms, Dries opted for a bold, bright yellow color scheme paired with wooden furniture pieces. Vintage touches, such as a classic desk and a rattan armchair, add charm and whimsy to the spaces, making them ideal for a younger audience.
Dries, who founded her studio in 2014, continues to push the boundaries of architecture and design with her eclectic style that seamlessly blends art and function. Her expertise in combining historical elegance with contemporary trends is showcased beautifully in this Parisian renovation. By maintaining the integrity of the Haussmann-era details while infusing the space with bold colors and street art, Sophie Dries has created a truly unique family home that is both functional and visually arresting.
