BY HAUVETTE & MADANI

When interior architects Sarah Hauvette and Lucas Madani were commissioned by their friends for the second time to renovate their 1930’s duplex apartment, they were given the designer’s dream of a complete ‘carte blanche’. The duplex referred to as the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ by the duo, is positioned on the top floor building in one of Paris’s most affluent and desired districts, on Rue Lauriston, Trocadéro. 

Hauvette & Madani’s first project for the 160 m2 apartment, involved renovating the oak woodwork and installing new parquet flooring. However, during the second phase of their renovation, they set out to preserve the foundations of the 1930s atmosphere, whilst adding a modern interpretation through their eclectic choice of decor and furniture pieces. Their intention was to create a sense that the apartment had always been there.

The apartment adorned with rich walnut-stained oak timber panelling, is dressed throughout entire ground and upper floor. The rich dialogue of oak panelling is conversed with the blonde timber flooring, creating a honeycomb hue of warmth within the home. Selected artworks that have been curated by La Galerie Française, which include an extensive selection of paintings, photo prints, engraving and drawings grace the entirety of the apartment. At the entrance of the apartment, a bespoke console designed by Hauvette & Madani sits nestled under lights by Servomuto, setting the tone of the eclecticism that one will soon expect to find in the apartment.

In the living room, the original elements from the Arts Décoratifs period from the geometric details on the fireplace to the walnut oak timber panelling, have been serenely balanced with organic forms and eclectic furnishings that range from vintage to contemporary designs. A vintage coffee table by the Italian designer, Aldo Tura, who’s own designs were an experimental mix between Art Deco and Modernism, speak in harmony with the space. Other vintage pieces are found such as the Groovy Armchairs by Pierre Paulin, a console by the avant-garde French designer André Sornay, as well as chairs by Warren Planter that have been positioned next to a brass and glass sideboard. However, more contemporary pieces are found in the dining room, where a Noguchi pendant suspends over the aged brass table by Heerenhuis, paired with chairs by Fratelli Levaggi.

For the kitchen, Hauvette & Madani commissioned Redfield & Dattner Maison de Peinture, who created and applied a custom hand painted treatment to the walls within the space. The artist's work of a weathered ash-grey finish, encapsulates both the decorative era with the contemporary elements. 

Moving towards the upper level, along the staircase decorated with the original brass balustrades with deco motifs, and past the corridor where artworks by Slim Aarons are illuminated under Charlotte Perriand sconces, the main bedroom and ensuite are found.

The interior architects have restored the bathroom in tune to the Art Deco period using the opulent Emperador marble to ornament the space, and has been softly offset with Thala marble stone flooring. A custom made oak vanity takes centre stage in the ensuite, which deceivingly looks like it was part of the original joinery of the apartment. Within the bedroom itself, more vintage and custom pieces are found adorning the space from the desk to the lighting selections.

This treasured Sleeping Beauty in Trocadéro may have been in slumber for a while, but she has certainly woken up through a refined and restorative kiss by Hauvette & Madani.

PHOTO | CERUTTI DRAIME

PHOTOGRAPHY | LUCAS MADANI