Embracing Soft Geometry: A Parisian Apartment's Journey to Warm Minimalism
In the heart of Paris, near the Champs-Élysées, designer Marika Dru of Atelier MKD has transformed a 400-square-meter apartment into a serene sanctuary that epitomizes warm minimalism. Originally a patchwork of styles lacking cohesion, the space now radiates a harmonious blend of modernity and nostalgia.
Central to Dru's design is the reimagining of the apartment's layout into a radial, star-like configuration. This approach introduces gentle curves and rounded rooms, creating an enveloping atmosphere that soothes the senses. The absence of sharp edges allows the eye to flow seamlessly through the space, fostering a sense of calm and continuity.
The interiors are adorned with a palette of creams and whites, carefully selected to avoid the sterility often associated with minimalism. Walls and ceilings are coated in mineral plaster, offering a subtle texture that catches the light, reminiscent of soft, silky cream. This tactile backdrop is complemented by materials like Sainte-Croix stone and Chantilly parquet, whose contrasting finishes enhance each other's natural beauty.
Furnishings within the apartment reflect an eclectic yet cohesive aesthetic. In the living room, a Trani travertine coffee table by Stéphane Parmentier is flanked by 1955 A.R.P. armchairs from Galerie Pascal Cuisinier. Custom-lacquered wooden benches designed by Dru herself sit beneath round alabaster sconces by Alain Ellouz, adding layers of warmth and sophistication.
The dining area continues this dialogue of textures and eras, featuring a custom-lacquered table surrounded by Spanish Renaissance chairs and 1930s-inspired Chinese double doors. An Oslo L1P alabaster pendant light by Alain Ellouz casts a gentle glow over the space, highlighting the careful curation of objects that bridge different periods and styles.
In the private quarters, Dru emphasizes acoustic comfort and tactile richness. Bedrooms are enveloped in thick wool fabrics, with carpets extending onto steps and curtains that muffle sound, creating a cocoon-like environment. Bathrooms feature curved walls and striated marble surfaces, where the interplay of materials and forms continues the apartment's overarching theme of soft geometry.
Marika Dru's renovation stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design in transforming a disjointed space into a cohesive, tranquil haven. Through the strategic use of curves, textures, and a restrained color palette, the apartment now offers a warm, minimalist retreat that resonates with both elegance and comfort.
