Brutality Meets Poetry: A Carlo Scarpa-Inspired Parisian Apartment.

In Paris’ 2nd arrondissement, just steps away from the bustling Rue Montorgueil, a 50-square-metre Art Deco apartment has been given new life through a thoughtful renovation that pays homage to the legendary Carlo Scarpa. The Franco-Greek duo behind Stene Alexopoulos agency have created a space where raw materials engage in a fascinating dialogue with refined craftsmanship.

The design approach centers around materiality as protagonist. Rajasthan green marble threads through the apartment, appearing in the dining area, kitchen accents, bedroom headboard, and shower. This rich material plays against the exposed concrete beams celebrating the building’s 1930s origins rather than concealing them.

Parisian Duplex Transformed for Empty Nesters with Light and Openness by Studio Baha.

Studio Baha transformed an 80sqm duplex from a family home into an empty nester’s dream, achieving a perfect balance of form and function beneath the Parisian rooftops.

What makes this project quite special is that many elements were crafted on-site by the skilled artisans. The dining table—a standout feature—was formed and poured in place, with a fluted concrete base topped by a concrete surface inlaid with green marble. It’s not merely functional but sculptural, exemplifying the studio’s philosophy of balancing brutality with refinement.

“Each element is a prototype tailored to the apartment,” the design duo explains, referring to pieces like the sculpted bathroom sink supported by marble legs and the custom marble bench. This artisanal approach turns ordinary fixtures into one-off installations that respond directly to the space.

The clever planning maximizes the compact footprint. By positioning the kitchen in the circulation area and concealing it with high shelves, the living room could be expanded. The custom-made bookshelf positioned above the kitchen cleverly hides functional elements while adding visual interest.

French Art Deco Gets a Memphis Milano Twist by Dries Otten & Axelle Vertommen.

A graphic designer couple’s Art Deco home receives a whimsical makeover. The residence blends original features with contemporary interventions, from Christmas-like striped cloakrooms to googly-eyed storage solutions.

The apartment’s décor layers in handcrafted chairs from the Greek island of Skyros, plaster works from Florence, and carefully selected vintage pieces including Eames chairs by Vitra and spherical Audiorama 4000 speakers by Grundig. Art features prominently, with a lithograph by renowned Greek artist Alekos Fassianos bringing character to the space.

Founded in 2022 by Jonathan Stene and Elena Alexopoulos, both graduates of Paris’s École Spéciale d’Architecture, the young practice splits their time between Paris and Athens. Their work honors materials in their natural state, letting the inherent colors and textures dictate the palette rather than imposing artificial schemes.

The result is a space of quiet sophistication that feels both contemporary and connected to architectural history—a thoughtful nod to Scarpa’s legacy reimagined for modern Parisian living.

Something Old, Something Borrowed & Something New: Athens Apartment by Oikonomakis Siampakoulis Architects.

Maintaining existing elements and having he kitchen become the focal point in the program were key drivers behind the design strategy of this 70s Athens apartment.

[Images courtesy of Stene Alexopoulos. Photography by Clément Gérard / Oracle Paris.]