An antique staircase as old as the Eiffel Tower, fresh vibrant colours, and the eclectic use of fabrics characterise the overhaul of this Parisian apartment of Pierre Frey and lighting designer Émilie Cherpitel, the husband and wife duo behind the family-run French fabric house Maison Pierre Frey.

Nestled on the bustling, yet elegant rue des Petits Champs in the 1st arrondissement, the couple’s Parisian apartment occupies the top floor of the flagship Maison Pierre Frey, a family-run French fabric house founded by Pierre’s grandfather in 1935.

The building itself carries a rich history dating back to the 17th century. Commissioned by Giovanni Battista Lulli, and designed by royal architect Daniel Gittard, the residence boasts a facade representative of 17th-century classical architecture. Inside, the confident use of colour and fabrics seamlessly weaves Frey’s family legacy with a contemporary spirit and character.

"As clients of our own project, we had a clear vision for the renovation of our apartment. Elenore Santucci, the architect tasked with the project, worked closely with us to bring our vision to life,” said Frey, who has resided in this apartment since the age of 21.

“Our primary goal was to maximise the flow of light throughout the apartment space. We aimed to create an open, airy environment flooded with natural light. Additionally, we wanted to incorporate fresh colours that would complement and enhance the brightness of the space. The objective was to create a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.”

A metal-framed staircase with decorative arches now connects the two floors of the historical apartment. Originally an unused attic with restricted accessibility, upstairs housed Pierre’s former 50-square-metre flat and office space. The new layout now provides 120 square metres of living area for the couple and their two sons, creating a seamless flow between the various living areas.

The master bedroom is strategically positioned on the ground floor to offer a retreat-like sanctuary amidst the bustling city. Upstairs, the children’s bedrooms are accessible via different routes – through the spiral staircase or via a ladder in the office – a result of the couple’s desire to imbue the space with a sense of adventure and individuality for their children.

Upon arrival – whether from the open-plan kitchen or via the lift, which Pierre loves as an original feature of the apartment – one is immediately captivated by a refreshing space bathed in light and freshness. A vintage metal spiral staircase from the same period as Gustave Eiffel, chief engineer of the iconic Eiffel Tower, purchased from an antique dealer, now takes centre stage in the open-plan living area.

As the third generation of an eclectic French fabric maison, it is no surprise that fabrics plays a decisive role in Pierre’s interior decisions. A pink and green custom-made wall tapestry from Le Manach called “Le Bosquet” – a unique Toiles de Tours fabric from one of the heritage looms the house acquired – elevates the spirit of the entire layout, setting a lively and energetic tone full of personality for the living space.

To play off the open space, the apartment juxtaposes vintage and contemporary pieces, featuring a roster of signature Pierre Frey designs: a modular Virgule sofa in Igor olive fabric; a pair of Kiss chairs (one upholstered in pink and one in sage green); a Petrouchka rug; and a vintage accent chair in Le Manach’s Toiles de Tours fabric, complemented by a wicker coffee table from Popus editions. The house’s Ruban chair, shaped like a narrow strip of fabric and upholstered in Cheyenne Havane fabric, serves as the ultimate ode to the world of fabrics.

An eclectic blend of art and lighting pieces are incorporated into the mélange of their home. Ceiling lights from Apparatus Studio cast a warm glow over the kitchen and dining table, while a table lamp from India Mahdavi sits atop the kitchen island, creating an inviting ambiance for casual gatherings.

A painting by Ronan Bouroullec from the Wrong Shop, a sculptural piece from Hiromi Ceramics on the fireplace, and a black and white photograph by Alistair Taylor-Young at the entrance, all intelligently put together, further add to the charm of eclecticism. Meanwhile, the relatively visually sedate bathroom is uplifted by a photograph by Michel Comte.

Colour plays a crucial role in setting the tone of each space in the apartment. In the master bedroom, an Agathe headboard adorned with Le Manach’s L'arbre indien fabrics serves as the guiding element that influences the blue hues for the rest of the room. A striking yellow wallpaper in a bold pattern, and green curtains in Braquenié La Grandiere fabric, further define the mood of the elder son’s bedroom and the dining area, respectively.

It is evident the Freys have infused the space with a unique blend of urban sophistication and familial warmth that defines their Parisian lifestyle – all lampshades are from Émilie Cherpitel’s brand, Caneloupo, which repurposes vintage lamp bases with original fabric lampshades sourced from Maison Pierre Frey – a personal touch that completes the family home.

“Overall, the chosen colour scheme plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere and character of each room in our apartment. It adds depth, visual interest, and a sense of cohesion, contributing to a welcoming and visually appealing living space,” Frey concluded.