Built in 1902 for psychiatrist Josephe de Lajarte, this residence sits tucked away in the 16th arrondissement—a neighborhood that truly epitomizes Parisian elegance. Positioned on the city’s western edge near the greenery of the Bois de Boulogne, the apartment occupies the stately first-floor rooms of a turn-of-the-century townhouse.

The "bones" of the home were already a gift - 12’ ceilings with ornate regency revival plaster details bordered by egg-and-dart molding, original floor-to-ceiling windows that featured functioning external shutters, and stunning herringbone oak floors. Rather than a full renovation, my role was to stage the space — weaving all these details into an artistic narrative connected to the modern inhabitants.

The heartbeat of the design is a remarkable 1830s desk by Lesage, sourced from noted antique furniture dealer Myers and Monroe. As one of the preeminent makers of the Restoration period, Lesage’s work was famously admired by Balzac and is represented in the Royal Collection Trust. Resting beneath a striking piece by a contemporary Parisian artist, the desk creates a soulful dialogue between 19th-century craftsmanship and modern life.

I layered the rooms with characterful details, including a 1920s art deco lithograph, a handmade ceramic bird by Parisian artist Bénédicte Beaune, and a handful neighborhood treasures like the votive candleholder - sourced from a local flea market. The apartment also features bespoke one-of-a-kind wallpaper, the non-repeating pattern for which was hand-painted on site specifically to fit the energy and character of this special space. A subtle avian theme emerged as a nod to the small garden behind the apartment and its many happy and chatty bird inhabitants, who kept us company during the installation.