In a 55-metre flat in a historic Parisian tenement block, the KAST Design studio has created a space that blends local character with a Nordic sensibility. The project was commissioned by a Polish-French couple, and its key objective was to preserve the authentic atmosphere of the space whilst introducing a contemporary energy in keeping with the clients’ lifestyle. Natural wood, organic forms, fine fabrics and a palette of white, cream and walnut brown create the atmosphere of a bright, functional and cosy flat – in the spirit of hygge, yet still distinctly Parisian.
Kitchen and dining room
The open-plan kitchen forms the centrepiece of the design. The base units are crafted from dark, natural wood, whilst the wall units are finished in a smooth, subtle grey. The whole is brought together by a marble wall with warm, golden-brown veining, which also extends onto the worktop, creating a harmonious arrangement of materials. A backlit display cabinet made of smoked glass in a black frame adds a touch of lightness and emphasises the elegance of the composition. Right next to it stands an oval table made of dark wood on a sculptural base, surrounded by chairs with rounded backs, upholstered in cream fabric and set within a wooden frame.
A living room with a burgundy accent
The living area flows seamlessly into the dining room. A cream-coloured sofa, paired with burgundy cushions, a woollen throw and a woven rug in a natural shade, creates a relaxed yet elegant composition. An oval wooden coffee table is complemented by a light-coloured table made of smoked glass. Hanging in the centre of the living room is a sculptural chandelier from 101 Copenhagen, which emphasises the character of the interior. The space is filled with light streaming in through tall French windows with wrought-iron balustrades, beyond which the greenery of the trees stretches out. The architect deliberately chose not to use curtains, emphasising the importance of natural light in the day-to-day life of the flat. Between the windows, a slender bar column has been designed, featuring illuminated display cabinets and a recess clad in the same marble as in the kitchen – an elegant cocktail corner that blends seamlessly with the rest of the design.
Bedroom
The bedroom is dominated by a wall of walnut-coloured wooden panelling, complemented by mirrored panels that reflect light and make the space appear larger. A wall-mounted bedside cabinet, a light ‘Tense’ lamp from New Works and textiles in shades of chocolate and caramel create a tranquil atmosphere. The look is completed by original Parisian stucco mouldings just below the ceiling, which emphasise the project’s local context.
Work area and bathroom
A compact work corner has been created in the arched recess. Wooden shelves hold books, including a monograph on Alvar Aalto – a subtle nod to Nordic design. The desk, with its organic, rounded shape, is paired with an upholstered chair and a lamp with a milky, spherical shade, giving even this small part of the flat its own distinct character.
The bathroom continues the material palette found throughout the design. The walls and floor are clad in large-format slabs reminiscent of natural stone, whilst the wall-mounted vanity unit is finished in walnut. A large, frameless mirror hangs above the wide, integrated washbasin with two taps. The shower is concealed behind a wall made of the same stone, which organises the space and gives it a calm, monolithic character.
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About the studio:
KAST Design is a Paris-based interior design studio, founded in 2013 by Karolina de Saint Etienne. The studio specialises in high-end projects carried out both in France and internationally, including in Germany, Poland and Switzerland. The founder’s international experience and her Polish and French roots shape the studio’s unique design sensibility. Based in Paris, Karolina combines subtlety, creativity and elegance to design sophisticated interiors that are open to the world and imbued with culture.
Each project is underpinned by a solid technical foundation and an architectural approach that allows aesthetics to be combined with functionality, lending the studio’s projects a coherent, distinctive character. KAST Design comprises a dynamic, multicultural and interdisciplinary team of specialists whose shared goal is to design bright, elegant spaces where beauty goes hand in hand with the comfort of everyday use. The studio’s international nature means it successfully collaborates with numerous overseas clients carrying out their projects in Paris.
design: KAST Design
photos: oracle_paris
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