Nestled within the streets of Le Marais, a jewel of Parisian heritage has been reborn. The newly renovated top-floor pied-à-terre is perched within a 17th-century building, weaving a tapestry of time-honored elegance with contemporary sophistication. The past and present are blurred as one travels throughout the property – exposed beams and a stone fireplace date back to 1660, followed by an 18th-century entrance adorned with intricate ironwork. Designer Lichelle Silvestry used the building’s historical character as a canvas for modern prose, emphasizing natural materials such as wood, linen, and marble.
A large jute rug and a custom linen sofa anchor the living space, complemented by a walnut coffee table from The Invisible Collection. Furniture selections like the by Lassen armchair and the Cassina Utrecht chair frame the room’s centerpiece, a restored 18th-century mirror sourced from a local antique market. Silvestry also custom-built a low storage unit to maximize functionality, paired with artwork by Spanish artist Javier Torres, creating a harmonious blend of art and design.
“The objective was to create a serene and natural atmosphere, taking cues from the building’s delightful environment and celebrating features such as the old oak entrance door, ironwork, terracotta tiles, wood beam ceiling, plasterwork, stone flooring, and the lovely greenery and brown hues of the courtyard,” says Silvestry. “The home exudes a contemporary yet timeless allure, perfectly balancing authenticity with subtle modernity. I focused on enhancing the home’s original elements and bringing the outdoor atmosphere indoors, for example, we used light neutral paints to draw attention to the surroundings and incorporated the same rich, earthy hues to create a coherent, cozy, inviting feel.”
The kitchen, once the grand entrance, now stands as a culinary haven. Farrow and Ball-painted cabinetry and a distinguished Lacanche stove mingle with Calacatta marble and unlacquered brass, their dialogue mediated by an imposing oak dining table completed alongside a set of Carl Hansen & Søn Wishbone chairs. The primary bedroom offers a serene retreat, with muted tones that enhance the view of the private courtyard. A silk-mix rug and a vintage Venini chandelier add subtle luxury, while modern furniture selections, including a sheepskin settee and a Fontana Arte floor lamp, maintain clean lines.
For more information on Lichelle Silvestry, visit lichellesilvestry.com.
Photography by Heidi Jean Feldman.
