Interior designer Garrow Kedigian has reimagined his Parisian pied-à-terre on Rue de Varenne, challenging the contemporary dominance of cream and white interiors with a rich, colorful aesthetic. Located directly across from the Musée Rodin in the 7th arrondissement, the two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom apartment spans 1,450 square feet. Kedigian argues that traditional French design was historically vibrant, citing the layered interiors of François Catroux and Jacques Grange as precedents before the modern era favored neutral tones.
The property, which features 14-foot ceilings and generous rooms, had previously undergone an unfortunate renovation in the 1970s. Leveraging his background in classical architecture, Kedigian focused on restoring the home's grandeur by preserving surviving details such as a curved bay window and shapely kitchen cabinetry. He raised doorways to 19 feet, restored missing moldings, and opened up sight lines throughout the space. Period-appropriate elements, including a Pompadour-style mantel, were sourced from Parisian flea markets to complement the original structure.
The living room, affectionately dubbed the "Grand Salon," showcases Kedigian's approach to restrained maximalism. The walls feature a custom-mixed blue, while intricate plaster molding and a custom tufted banquette following the window's curve define the seating zones. Kedigian notes that the original crown molding, fireplace mantle, and over-mantle mirror anchor the room, with furniture arranged to highlight these architectural features. This space serves as a "prototype" where he experiments with mixing antiques, modern art, Venetian lighting, and sentimental objects from former homes.
In the library, Kedigian replaced an existing wood mantel with a period-appropriate marble design found at a flea market. The room is enveloped in a custom Benjamin Moore red shade that leans toward orange tones to create energy, framed by large-scale dentil molding. The hallway acts as a main artery through the home, featuring gilded trimwork and a newly added curved niche designed to spotlight favorite objets d'art after several doors were relocated.
The kitchen anchors the home with a vintage La Cornue stove in a discontinued colorway found on Le Bon Coin. Its blue and red palette nods to the French flag, serving as an extension of the main living spaces rather than a purely functional area. Adjacent to this is a dining nook characterized by a bold black-and-mustard color scheme, backed by an expansive mirror and gilded ceiling to bounce light around the room.
In the primary bedroom, Kedigian employed a visual trick by painting double lines on the walls to mimic molding where none existed. The room also features a new circular oculus window above the doorway and an 18th-century canopy bed with curtains. The primary bathroom fulfills his desire for a "sultry and sexy" atmosphere through a striking combination of black marble and gleaming brass sheets, with a window positioned to look into the kitchen while maintaining privacy.
Sources: House Beautiful.