Interior designer Sandra Benhamou blends classic Parisian elegance with contemporary sophistication in a 280-square-meter family apartment, crafting a serene haven for clients returning to the city

Sandra Benhamou's vision began with the apartment's preserved historical elements: the majestic entrance, original moldings, cornices, aged mirrors, stained-glass windows, and period fireplaces. These classic features serve as a striking counterpoint to her bespoke furniture designs and curated collection of contemporary art and vintage pieces.

The former triple reception area has been ingeniously transformed into an expansive, open-concept living space. This imposing area now seamlessly integrates a kitchen, dining room, living room, and a generous office, fostering a fluid and convivial environment.

Custom-made pieces, such as the Mia sofa from the Ginger collection, drawing inspiration from 1970s American bars, and two glossy varnished rosewood dining tables, anchor the design. Walnut and brass bookcases are thoughtfully combined with Brazilian and Italian vintage designs, including lighting by Angelo Lelli and Fontana Arte, armchairs by Marco Zanusso, and coffee tables by Erwan Boulloud and Dan Pollock. A Joaquim Tenreiro sideboard and a Franco Albini desk further enrich the eclectic yet harmonious mix. The walls are adorned with contemporary art, featuring works like those by Gideon Rubin.

Benhamou's material palette is a thoughtful nod to the 1980s, incorporating patinated brass and polished stainless steel, reminiscent of the Santos de Cartier universe. These are balanced with exotic woods like teak and rosewood, alongside travertine and tinted mirrors. This interplay of diverse textures creates a captivating dialogue between matte and shine, opacity and transparency.

The pièce de résistance of this living space is undoubtedly the spectacular kitchen. Crafted from aged nickel and stainless steel, its central island is adorned with highly unique travertine scabas, creating a focal point of both luxury and distinctive design.

Benhamou, with her Italo-Tunisian roots and time spent in the United States, approaches her projects with an intuitive warmth and serenity. A passionate collector of contemporary art and photography, and an admirer of Italian architectural masters like Carlo Scarpa, her diverse influences are evident in her work. 

Whether designing a Haussmannian apartment, a country retreat, or a seaside home, her guiding principles remain the history of the place, its unique light, and the lifestyle of her clients, always striving to create cultivated yet subtle atmospheres that enhance fluidity and conviviality.