“The client wanted to give the apartment its glory back,” says Bensalem. “I feel that, my background—having studied classical French architecture extensively and worked in France for 14 years—was a real asset to the project.” 

Facing each other on either side of a bright and airy hallway with grandiose geometrical marble flooring are two zones that are designed to encompass “public” and “private” wings inside the home. 

The former consists of shared living spaces: here, a space named the grand salon, which consists of living and dining room areas, features a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary styles. Accessed through brass-framed frosted glass sliding doors designed in collaboration with Parisian atelier La Compagnie du Verre, the living space features distinct 17th-century inspired details, including crown and wall mouldings, cast iron heaters, herringbone oak parquet flooring, and tall window doors that open up to views of the Eiffel Tower. This space also has handmade corniches featuring the owners’ wedding seal. 

Bensalem selected contemporary furniture pieces––many of which were custom-made by workshops in northern Italy––to decorate the space. These include the Sinai wooden coffee tables by Cattelan Italia, a blue Febo armchair by Maxalto as well as a custom-designed couch, rug and dining table.

Two fireplaces––one with a sleek, modern look and feel, and the other in a classic antique style––face each other in the living and dining areas, another design that marks the theme of contrasting aesthetics seen throughout the apartment. Technology is seamlessly integrated in the features: a Japanese-inspired, handmade resin cabinet above the fireplace hides a flat-screen TV. Wine cellars are positioned by one of the fireplaces and feature mirrored panel doors: when lit up, they reveal the owners’ extensive collections behind them. 

Clad in oak veneer panels, the study marries French classic design with stately British influences. It has custom-made elements such as built-in bookshelves, a leather top wooden desk, coffered ceilings and an art deco-inspired fireplace. From there, a connecting gym with boiserie walls leads to the master bedroom, which features a his-and-hers walk-in closets, a custom-made bed with a headboard wrapping around the side tables, a flat-screen TV displaying artwork when turned off, and floor and picture lamps that create a soft, intimate ambiance. Imagined as a relaxing sanctuary, the monochromatic master bathroom is designed with contrasting textures: think ivory cream marble in polished, bush-hammered and honed finishes and minimalist brass accents.

In contrast, the apartment’s private zone, which includes the kitchen, the three children’s bedrooms, a TV room and a foyer, were designed with a contemporary look that the architect says evokes conviviality. Spacious and modern, the kitchen is fitted with earthy, painted terracotta walls, bespoke grey cabinets and the same tri-coloured floor tiles as in the hallway. The geometrical tiles are also used in the guest bathroom, where they’re juxtaposed against high wood panelling, a dark green wallpaper and brass fixtures, which add a luxurious look and feel. The adjacent foyer, which doubles as a playroom, is equipped with a wood-panelled magnetic wall and multi-functional cabinets.

Bensalem says he appreciates how the project allowed him to reconnect with the city where he studied and lived in for many years, but also challenged him to adapt his contemporary and minimalist aesthetic to include more asserted references to architectural heritage.

“We had to find balance between classic and contemporary features, but at the same time, create tension between them to make the space more interesting,” he says.

“I guess it takes a particular eye and sensibility to mix and match these styles––it was challenging, but truly rewarding.”

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