From Medical Practice to Family Haven: A Parisian Haussmannian Apartment Transformed by Ambre Yakoubou.

Once home to a general medical practice in the bustling 10th arrondissement of Paris, this 125-square-meter apartment within an 1860 Haussmannian building has been reimagined as a contemporary family residence.

The renovation project, led by young designer Ambre Yakoubou, focused on revitalising the apartment’s original character while adapting it to the needs of its new owners—a Franco-Beninese-Peruvian couple expecting their first child. The outdated, compartmentalised layout gave way to a thoughtfully reconfigured floor plan that maximizes natural light and creates a sense of openness.

The new design combines living spaces with private areas, featuring a spacious open-plan kitchen and living area, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a generous dressing room, and a self-contained guest suite. Original parquet flooring was preserved throughout as a subtle nod to the apartment’s rich history.

Yakoubou’s approach to interior design showcases a balance of elements. Soft, neutral tones dominate the living spaces, creating a bright and welcoming atmosphere. This lightness is contrasted by dark timber accents in the full-height kitchen panels and a striking bookshelf, which delineates the public and private zones.

A Coffee-coloured Haussmannian Apartment in Paris by Hauvette & Madani.

As folks who love spending time at home, the owners of this Haussmannian apartment wanted something warm and comfy.

The designer’s attention to detail shines through in the thoughtful material selections. Matte plaster mouldings play against glossy ceramic tiles, while curved architectural features juxtapose more angular, 90s-inspired elements. This interplay of textures and forms adds depth and interest to every room.

Carefully chosen design pieces add personality and cultural significance throughout the apartment. Contemporary French craftsmanship is celebrated through inclusions such as paper flowers by Tij Flowers, wooden oils by artist Sophie Esteve, and unique ceramic works by Christian Chang and Rémi Bracquemond.

Yakoubou’s design philosophy is evident in the project’s successful fusion of seemingly disparate elements. The result is a home that feels timeless and uniquely personal—a space that truly reflects the diverse heritage and modern lifestyle of its occupants.

Art Attack: A Haussmannian Apartment in Paris by Rodolphe Parente.

True to Rodolphe Parente’s signature—and in his own words, his penchant for "making people lose their perception of spaces and volumes"—this Haussmannian apartment on Paris’ Canal Saint Martin flows like sunlight.

[Images courtesy of Ambre Yakoubou. Photography by Pauline Chardin.]