Danièle and Jean-François wanted to be closer to their children and grandchildren, so they set out to find a small yet comfortable pied-à-terre near some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks. Their ideal apartment had to be easily accessible (i.e. no stairs) and evoke the feeling of stepping into a cozy hotel room. Their quest led them to a 19 sqm gem, fully renovated to radiate quintessential Parisian charm, ensuring a comfortable stay every time they visit the French capital. Welcome to their home.

The meeting with Maison Kyka

The entire process happened remotely, including the first meeting between Danièle, Jean-François, and the Maison Kyka team. The couple put their trust in Eugénie who begin scouting properties in the highly sought-after 16^th arrondissement, particularly around the Passy neighbourhood. And it paid off: Danièle and Jean-François made an offer without ever setting foot in the apartment. It instantly felt like the right choice. From that point, the renovation team and Maison Kyka’s creative studio took over the massive task of refurbishing the property, while the owners enjoyed their vacation abroad with complete peace of mind thanks to regular updates.

A marvel of design and function

The apartment had strong fundamentals – flooded with natural light and adorned with typical Haussmannian mouldings, etc. – meaning it had the potential to become a refined cocoon for Danièle and Jean-François. But working with a such a small space required clever thinking to ensure every square metre served a purpose. A luxurious boudoir-style kitchen now connects the bedroom and the living area, meaning the space now boasts a fully equipped cooking space and a lounge area that are fully separated – an impressive feat in just 19 sqm. The quest for practicality was pushed to its limits: sliding glass doors to let natural light flow through the apartment, custom cabinetry to keep suitcases neatly tucked away, and a walnut shelving system to elegantly wrap around an angled load-bearing wall. The colour palette focuses on soft blues, warm beiges, and greys, and is enhanced with hints of gold and ochre, while polished chrome fixtures add the final touch to a luminous interior worthy of a premium hotel suite.

The iconic detail

A deep ultramarine painting with orange streaks, and a ceramic vase from Serax – two meaningful objects for Danièle. These standout pieces paired perfectly with a Scottish tartan silk unearthed by Maison Kyka’s artistic director: a stunning Christian Lacroix fabric, produced by Lelièvre Paris, woven with black velvet stripes. This design served as the guiding thread for the entire redesign: it now graces the living room curtains as well as the cushions on the custom-built couch. When one material sets the tone, everything else falls perfectly into place.

Passy, the beating heart of the 16ᵀᴴ arrondissement

Passy combines a quiet, village-like atmosphere with the sophistication of western Paris. With its local market, top schools, and tranquil charm, this corner of the 16^th arrondissement offers the ideal setting for a secure, upscale pied-à-terre. Wandering elegant leafy streets, marvelling at Haussmannian façades, and catching a glimpse of the Iron Lady are part of everyday life in the neighbourhood.