Explore a raw, Brutalist apartment in Paris

(Image credit: Sebastian ERRAS, @sebastianerras)

published 22 January 21

The Property

This raw, Brutalist triplex apartment in Paris is the stylish modern home (opens in new tab) of interior architect Chadi Abou Jaoude (opens in new tab).

Located in Paris's 20ème arrondissement, a cosmopolitan and lively neighbourhood, the three-storey apartment sits in a typical 80’s building and is spread over 807 square feet (75 square metres), crowned by a 215 square foot roof terrace (20 square metres) – a rare feature for old buildings in Paris.

Living room

The apartment opens into the living room (opens in new tab), which sits on the third floor of the apartment building.

During the renovation, Abou Jaoude discovered raw concrete ceilings and walls in very good condition. These concrete elements became the highlights in the apartment, adding character and personality. He then created a monochrome colour scheme, chose industrial-inspired accents and threw in some statement designer furniture (opens in new tab) pieces.

He balanced out the grey with raw, light oak flooring and kept to a mostly light colour palette of white (opens in new tab), grey (opens in new tab) and beige (opens in new tab), with a few black details through the accessories, lighting fixtures and staircase.

Floor-to-ceiling windows make this a light and bright space.

Abou Jaoude re-configured the layout to create a larger living room, moving the kitchen (opens in new tab) upstairs next to the roof terrace (opens in new tab).

The furniture and accessories are an eclectic mix of design pieces and flea market finds.

The corner sofa from Pianca sofa frames the space, while coffee tables were up-cycled from reclaimed pallets. The armchair and ottoman are from Vitra, but there are some IKEA pieces too.

An old carpenter’s workbench from the beginning of the 20th century serves as a desk in the entrance.

Bedrooms

Downstairs are two modern bedrooms (opens in new tab) and a shower room (opens in new tab) with a separate cloakroom (opens in new tab) / loo.

Shower room

The concrete theme continues in the concrete-clad shower room (opens in new tab) / wet room (opens in new tab). Floor space is maximised with a generous shower area and glass screen.

Bathroom storage (opens in new tab) is very minimal, encouraging minimal clutter. Black taps (opens in new tab) suit the industrial scheme.

Cloakroom

Down here there's a separate cloakroom (opens in new tab) too, with a sloped ceiling, monochrome scheme (opens in new tab) and black taps (opens in new tab).

Kitchen

The upper level consists of a veranda which hosts an eat-in kitchen, opening out onto a small terrace surrounded by greenery.

The solid wood table was designed by Abou Jaoude, accessorised with Eames chairs and Costanzina lighting.

A vintage leather gym pommel horse is used as a dining bench.

Roof terrace

The small roof terrace is Chadi Abou Jaoude’s favourite space, as he loves to spend time here gardening.

There's a covered barbecue area, and a patio area perfect for warmer months. Tall fencing provides privacy.

Lotte Brouwer

Lotte is the Digital Editor for Livingetc, and has been with the website since its launch. She has a background in online journalism and writing for SEO, with previous editor roles at Good Living, Good Housekeeping, Country & Townhouse, and BBC Good Food among others, as well as her own successful interiors blog. When she's not busy writing or tracking analytics, she's doing up houses, two of which have features in interior design magazines. She's just finished doing up her house in Wimbledon, and is eyeing up Bath for her next project.