A Klimt-Inspired Parisian Apartment Blends Art Deco Charm with Modern Elegance
A three-room apartment on Paris's Rue Chomel has been transformed into a refined sanctuary by designer Sandra Benhamou. Occupying the top floor of a 1930s Art Deco building, the space now blends vintage charm with contemporary elegance. The redesign draws inspiration from Gustav Klimt's Portrait of Fritza Riedler, infusing the home with a soft, artistic warmth.
Benhamou reimagined the apartment's layout to create a balance between openness and intimacy. The floor plan now evokes a 'soothing cocoon', tailored to the needs of its owner—a novelist and art collector. To enhance this atmosphere, she commissioned a special lime plaster for the walls, adding subtle visual depth to each room.
The material palette plays with contrasts, pairing travertine floors and oak cabinets with textured sisal doors and Dorato travertine surfaces. Custom oak cabinets, fitted with mirrored panels and glass doors, contribute to an airy, light-filled interior. These elements reflect the feminine essence of Klimt's work, echoed in the home's soft ochres, ivory, gold, and warm wood tones.
Benhamou also took inspiration from Carlo Scarpa's Olivetti showroom and Helena Rubinstein's Parisian residence. The result is an eclectic mix of vintage finds and modern furniture, creating a space that shifts between nostalgia and curiosity. Every detail mirrors the emotional and intellectual world of the owner, blending artistry with personal history.
The apartment now stands as a harmonious blend of history and modernity. Its thoughtful design—from the Klimt-inspired palette to the bespoke materials—reflects both the owner's artistic sensibilities and Benhamou's vision. The result is a home that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
