Tucked in the heart of the 17th arrondissement, this Parisian apartment tells a story of heritage, personality, and everyday beauty. It belongs to Virginie, a television journalist and new mom, who blends old-world charm with playful modern touches in a way that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal. From clever storage hacks to curated antiques, every inch of this Haussmann flat is layered with intention—and love.
Let’s step inside and wander through a home where timeless mouldings meet cheerful pink walls, and green finds its way into every room like a thread of joy.
The Living Room: Statement & Soul
The only untouched room from the original layout, Virginie’s living room holds onto its narrow, cozy proportions—but it never feels small. Instead, she leans into scale play, adding a dramatically oversized light fixture that floats like a sculpture overhead. The “Vertigo” pendant by Petite Friture steals the spotlight, creating a stunning tension between proportion and space.
Soft greens dominate here. A green velvet sofa anchors the room, flanked by a green lamp, a green stool, and leafy potted plants that bring the outside in. Even the vibrant area rug carries green threads, grounding all the eclectic pieces in a unified palette.
While the furniture leans neutral—beige seating, plain curtains—Virginie layers in color through accessories. Patterned cushions and antique treasures add warmth and texture, allowing the space to evolve without ever losing its soul.
Dining & Kitchen: Seamless but Separate
Like many Parisian families, Virginie craved both openness and order. So instead of a single sprawling great room, she created a clever semi-open layout by adding a custom wood-and-glass canopy between the kitchen and dining area. It offers visual separation while keeping the social energy flowing—a practical and elegant solution for a home that sees a lot of life.
The dining room centers around a warm-toned marble table she spotted during a weekend in Lyon. Paired with a contemporary wooden pendant and antique chairs, it captures her love of mixing eras and textures. The open shelving keeps the coffee machine and appliances tucked just enough out of view, while still accessible for the family’s daily caffeine rituals.
The Master Bedroom: Soft, Smart, and Serene
Step through a discreet hidden door, and you enter the master bedroom—a serene space wrapped in aged blush pink. Virginie deliberately kept the upper walls white to highlight the ceiling mouldings, adding a sense of height and airiness.
The room balances softness with smart function. A Moroccan rug warms the wood floors. The bed hides roomy under-storage for suitcases and seasonal items. And tucked in the corner? A petite desk workspace cleverly concealed at night, so the bedroom never loses its calming vibe.
Touches of gold and antique accents keep the space layered and cozy, while wall art—including a whimsical ceramic “breast” sculpture and prints by Japanese artist Atsuko Ishii—add humor and depth.
The Baby’s Room: Warm and Clever
This bright little bedroom sits just across from the dining area, allowing Virginie to keep an easy eye on her baby during the day. Despite its modest size, the room feels spacious thanks to smart, custom-built solutions that make every inch count.
A soft-toned rug sets a warm foundation, while playful prints and soft fabrics create a cheerful, gentle atmosphere. The star of the room is the custom-made bed with built-in drawers and deep storage underneath—perfect for tucking away toys, baby supplies, or even an extra mattress for sleepovers down the line.
Above all, the space was designed to grow with her baby. From the warm light fixture chosen with longevity in mind, to the multi-use desk that blends seamlessly into the decor, everything was selected with both style and practicality in mind. It’s a room that adapts to daily life, without ever feeling temporary.
The Bathroom: Vintage Meets Modern
Though compact, the family bathroom includes both a bathtub and a walk-in shower—a rare luxury in Paris. Green tiles speak to Virginie’s favorite color, while an antique mirror above the sink warms up the otherwise modern space.
Her dislike for overly sleek bathroom fixtures led her to pair contemporary tiles with timeless accessories, creating a more welcoming vibe. It’s another example of her ability to balance utility with character.
How Lighting Brings This Home to Life
Throughout the flat, lighting steals the show. Virginie treats light fixtures like furniture—big, statement-making pieces that set the tone of each room. Between the sculptural pendants and layered table lamps, she crafts mood lighting for every scenario: playful brightness during the day, intimate dimming for cozy evenings.
She also surrounds herself with personal art and layered decor. Family photos, vintage paintings, and handmade ceramics cover the walls like a lived-in gallery. Every frame tells a story—from wedding memories to treasures found at auctions, markets, or gifted by her tasteful mother-in-law.
What Makes This Parisian Home So Special
Virginie’s home isn’t just stylish—it’s alive. It shifts and adapts with her family’s needs, filled with antiques that hold stories, smart solutions that make small spaces sing, and joyful touches that speak to her global life experience.
Even in the heart of bustling Paris, behind those historic Haussmann walls, her apartment offers a gentle, lived-in calm. It’s not about perfection; it’s about balance—between old and new, bold and neutral, practical and poetic. And truly, that’s what makes a house a home.
