The Trés Chic Paris Apartment Of Kenzo’s Design Director

Interiors

It’s not often we share a international home, but we’re breaking our own rules today to bring you this chic Paris apartment (it is co-designed by an Aussie, after all!).

Designed by Melbourne-based interior architect Pip McCully of Studio Wonder, in collaboration with French architect Lauren Soler, the apartment is home to New Zealand-born designer Ben Mazey, who is French fashion house Kenzo‘s Design Director. Cross-continental collaboration at its finest!

12th November, 2018

A very special apartment by Melbourne interiors firm Studio Wonder, in Paris! Photo – Paul Barbera.

The apartment is located on the fourth floor of a north-east facing corner block in the 19th arrondissement in Paris. Photo – Paul Barbera.

Photo – Paul Barbera.

Classic and contemporary in the living space. Desalto ‘Clay’ dining table. Vintage dining chairs sourced from Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, Clignancourt (Paris’ famous flea markets). Vintage Murano Flower Petal Glass Pendant. Photo – Paul Barbera.

Pip and Laurent found key references in the client’s ‘wonderful collection of art and objet d’art’ from his frequent travels. Saba Italia ‘New York’ sofa. Paris Berbere rug. Photo – Paul Barbera.

THOSE incredible vintage dining chairs! Photo – Paul Barbera.

Sunlight floods through the bedrooms and living area all day thanks to the apartment’s north-east positioning. Desalto ‘Clay’ dining table. Vintage dining chairs sourced from Les Puces de Saint-Ouen, Clignancourt. Vintage Murano Flower Petal Glass Pendant. Vintage cane armchair. Matter Made Champ stool. Photo – Paul Barbera.

Personal touches abound in the small space. Photo – Paul Barbera.

Pip describes the apartment aesthetic as, ‘textured, radiant, rhythmic.’ Photo – Paul Barbera.

The kitchen. Photo – Paul Barbera.

Door to Main Bedroom from Kitchen. Photo – Paul Barbera.

Photo – Paul Barbera.

An elegant, pared back bathroom with handmade tiles. ‘Awkward spaces in the base building were utilised to form shelf nooks in the shower,’ says Pip. Photo – Paul Barbera.

Sally Tabart

Monday 12th November 2018

A collaborative project between Melbourne-based interior architect Pip McCully of Studio Wonder and French architect Laurent Soler, this small Paris apartment required an interior update to maximise space, as well as ‘squeezing in as much storage as possible’. Fluted glass was inserted into the doors between the bedrooms, bathroom and kitchen, bringing filtered light into the central spaces. A double sliding door was added between the bedrooms, allowing the second bedroom to function as a large dressing room off the main bedroom when not in use as a guest room.

Positioned on the fourth floor of a north-east facing corner block in the 19th arrondissement, the apartment enjoys sunlight all day into the living area and both bedrooms. Pip and Laurent found key references in the client’s ‘wonderful collection of art and objet d’art’ from his frequent travels (the homeowner is Kenzo’s design director Ben Mazey), layering vintage pieces with new furniture and lighting. ‘Visiting tile showrooms, stone masons, furniture, fittings and lighting showrooms, and in particular the vintage markets, in Paris was a dream!’, enthuses Pip, who crossed the equator three times over the duration of the project.

The result is an elegant yet eclectic home, brimming with personality, classic design silhouettes and a generous pinch of je ne sais quoi – comfortable and curated all at the same time!