Parisian limestone cathedral for modern family

Architect Clément Lesnoff-Rocard boldly undid over two centuries of architectural history to transform an 18th-century Parisian apartment into a 'happy Gothic' cathedral for a young family of six.

Happy gothic for a growing art collection

In the Marais neighborhood, where artistic pioneers once flocked, Lesnoff-Rocard's clients sought a home that would nurture their passions for fashion, music, literature, and art.

Removing every modern, unnecessary addition in the 1,722-square-foot space, the architect uncovered the original proportions and flow of the home, dating back to 1775.

Around them, Lesnoff-Rocard designed a space that balances artistry and functionality. The living room features a custom circular seating area with a work by Aleksandar Pertemov hanging above, and the kitchen boasts bespoke white-painted double doors with reliefs representing the homeowners' diverse backgrounds.

Throughout, sleek, minimalist materials like stainless steel and Carrara marble are juxtaposed with playful, whimsical touches, from the mirrored door to the parents' bathroom with a heart motif, to the oversized, spherical sconces in the bathrooms that resemble helium balloons.

In the bedroom, a four-poster bed and creamy textiles create a sanctuary, but the crowning jewel remains the meticulously restored 18th-century ceiling fresco featuring two small angels.