An opulent living area characterized by a grand elliptical opening in the ceiling, revealing a an intricate wrought-iron railing above. Curved modern sofas and a long, low console table define the seating arrangement, flanked by expansive windows offering city views, establishing a harmonious blend of traditional architecture and contemporary design.

A Sculptural Dialogue with History: Isabelle Stanislas’ Trocadéro Apartment in Paris

Words by Eric David

Paris, France

Renovated by architect and designer Isabelle Stanislas over the course of two years, this Parisian apartment near Place du Trocadéro unfolds as a study in contrasts where classical rigor meets expressive modernity, masculine structure is softened by feminine grace, and the weight of heritage is balanced by the lightness of contemporary living. Designed for a businessman and his two children, the residence channels Stanislas’ signature blend of architectural precision and poetic restraint, shaped by sensuous materials, sculptural interventions, and a palette that favours softness over spectacle.

Located within a Haussmannian building, the apartment’s stately layout and generous proportions offered both a classical canvas and an architectural provocation. Anchored by a circular entrance hall from which rooms radiate outwards, its interplay of curved and rectilinear geometries informed Stanislas’ sculptural approach, which heightens rather than overwrites the 19th-century framework within the property. Ornate ceiling cornices, new oak wall panelling, and a coffered ceiling in the family room reinforce the apartment’s Haussmannian DNA, while precisely integrated furnishings introduce a modernist rigour. The result is a space where nostalgic grandeur and contemporary minimalism enter into quiet but deliberate dialogue.

A distinctive, sculptural bar cart in dark wood and perforated metal features a striking circular element and cantilevered shelves. Adorned with bottles and a white vase, this piece exemplifies a blend of brutalist and art-deco influences, serving as both furniture and a work of art.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A captivating eclectic interior features a textured, light-toned ceiling with an intricate, almost woven pattern, designed by Isabelle Stanislas. A curved, woven bar with a plush stool anchors the foreground, while a tall, dark display cabinet showcases various bottles, complementing the room's artful and curated atmosphere.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

In the entrance vestibule, this dialogue takes a theatrical turn: a curvaceous bar counter and matching oval ottoman wrapped in woven cane, both softly curved and meticulously composed, stand below an abstract, lattice-like, illuminated ceiling, the work of French artist Yann Kersalé.

It’s in the formal living room, however, that this sculptural language finds its most emphatic expression. After discovering that the room sat directly beneath a domed tower—a turret-like flourish that can be spotted often crowning Parisian corner buildings—Stanislas introduced a ceiling opening, its circular shape echoing the room’s footprint. The intervention not only doubles the height of the space but also reveals the century-old timber structure above, its radial beams fanning out like the spokes of a wheel. A sculptural staircase adorned with a wrought-iron balustrade now curls upwards to a mezzanine-level viewing platform, further amplifying the room’s spatial drama.

  • A curved, richly textured rattan bar unit with a dark countertop and a matching cylindrical stool creates a focal point, echoing the artful ceiling texture above. Behind it, a tall, dark display cabinet with woven cane doors reveals an array of glassware, showcasing a fusion of natural materials and elegant design.

    Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

  • A close-up view of the unique, intricate ceiling installation, composed of numerous interwoven strips of light-toned material creating a mesmerizing, basket-like texture. This abstract design element adds a contemporary, artistic dimension to the classic architectural features of the space.

    Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

An opulent living area characterized by a grand elliptical opening in the ceiling, revealing a an intricate wrought-iron railing above. Curved modern sofas and a long, low console table define the seating arrangement, flanked by expansive windows offering city views, establishing a harmonious blend of traditional architecture and contemporary design.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A striking overhead view of the elliptical ceiling opening, showcasing an intricate starburst pattern of wooden beams radiating from the center. This artistic ceiling detail is framed by a decorative wrought-iron railing, emphasizing the architectural artistry and grand scale of the space.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A warm, serene corner features a cream-colored sheer curtain softly diffusing natural light from a large window. A framed black and white photograph hangs on the wall, subtly complementing the minimalist aesthetic and the rustic-toned table lamp on a light marble console.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A grand staircase with an ornate wrought-iron balustrade elegantly sweeps upwards, dominating the composition. Below, two plush, shaggy armchairs offer a luxurious tactile contrast to the smooth, minimalist fireplace, creating a harmonious blend of classic Parisian grandeur and contemporary comfort.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A thoughtfully composed corner of a room, adorned with warm wooden wall paneling. A multi-tiered, suspended wooden shelf unit displays small art pieces, while a cylindrical wall-mounted lamp casts a soft glow. In the foreground, a sculptural chair with a unique fur detail offers an artistic touch.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

An elegant dining room features rich, warm wooden paneling covering the walls, creating a sense of intimate grandeur. A large, ornate mirror above a dark marble fireplace mantel reflects the room, flanked by two abstract modern artworks, complementing the dark dining table and classic upholstered chairs.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A warm, inviting kitchen and dining area with exquisite oak paneling enveloping the walls, creating a cohesive, built-in aesthetic. A minimalist black island anchors the space, while a circular dining table with cane-back chairs and a brass pendant light introduces a touch of vintage-retro elegance, all set on a herringbone wood floor.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

Furniture plays an essential role in extending the scheme’s sculptural sensibility and deepening the conversation between eras. Stanislas masterfully interweaves mid-century modernist classics from the 1950s and 60s with contemporary pieces by the likes of Dimorestudio and Rick Owens, along with her own custom designs. In the formal living room, the curves of Vladimir Kagan’s Serpentine Sofa and Pierre Paulin’s bulbous Pumpkin Armchair are tempered by the taut geometry of Christian Liaigre’s Nobu Coffee Table and Stanislas’ rectilinear bookshelves. A marble-framed sofa upholstered in Loro Piana cashmere grounds the room in plush restraint, reinforcing e the balance between form and comfort.

In the dining room, a pair of interlocking lacquered tables designed by Stanislas are paired with Gio Ponti’s Leggera Chairs from the 1950s and a ceiling lamp by Angelo Lelli from the 1960s. Flanked by two 19th-century sofas, a minimalist fireplace in black marble picks up the tables’ dark finish. The kitchen maintains this tonal and material dialogue: oak cabinetry meets a monolithic island topped with black marble, while another Stanislas-designed dining table is paired with 1960s Unilabor Chairs by Geraldo de Barros in rosewood and cane, and a 1980s pendant lamp by Florian Schulz.

  • A sophisticated Parisian kitchen, designed by Isabelle Stanislas, features custom oak paneling and a large, dark-hued central island with a sleek countertop. The herringbone wooden floor adds classic warmth, contrasting with the minimalist black cabinetry and the industrial-chic pendant light, viewed through elegant French doors.

    Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

  • A refined living room featuring a coffered ceiling that adds classical detail to the space. Tall windows with tailored drapes flood the room with natural light, illuminating a sculptural, rounded boucle armchair and a sleek, multi-level modular bookshelf that doubles as an artistic display.

    Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

  • A stately home office with rich wooden paneling and a classic herringbone floor. A substantial dark wood desk with a unique base is central, accompanied by a cane-back chair, while expansive windows and a tall, slender modern lamp illuminate the elegant workspace.

    Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

  • An artistic, stacked sculptural piece in red, black, and cream tones stands prominently on a white plinth, adding a playful yet sophisticated focal point to the room. The background features light, textured wall panels, hinting at a hidden door or feature, and a glimpse of a woven furnishing.

    Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

The master bedroom continues the theme of studied composure and eclectic elegance. Here, the off-centre placement of a vintage alabaster ceiling light from Milan’s Nilufar gallery is echoed by a pair of 1950s Philip Arctander armchairs and vintage bedside tables by Silvio Cavatorta. Wall-mounted lamps in brushed oxidised brass by Dimorestudio provide a sculptural counterpoint, while alabaster window panels in the adjoining bathroom diffuse daylight into a luminous, diaphanous glow.

What emerges in the renovation is less a decorated interior than a space composed, layer by layer, with the precision of a tailored garment. Stanislas herself describes it as “a tuxedo made to measure,” a fitting analogy for an apartment that wears its elegance lightly, concealing the complexity of its orchestration behind a façade of effortless grace.

A tranquil bedroom with a large, inviting bed featuring crisp white linens and an upholstered headboard in a neutral tone. Two unique, plush sheepskin-covered armchairs with warm wooden frames add a touch of mid-century modern comfort. The walls display two abstract, textured artworks in metallic hues.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A sophisticated dressing area, partly obscured by a doorway, features dark custom cabinetry for clothing storage, exuding a minimalist yet luxurious feel. A light-toned upholstered bench provides a seating option, contrasted by a large black and white framed artwork of a classic car on an adjacent wall.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

A narrow view into a minimalist powder room, featuring a large, elegantly framed oval mirror suspended from the ceiling. Below, a sleek, rectangular basin in a light stone material with exposed brass taps adds a touch of understated luxury, reflecting a refined aesthetic.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.

An opulent bathroom, entirely clad in light-toned natural stone, creating a monochromatic and serene atmosphere. Two large, back-lit translucent panels serve as a striking feature, complementing the minimalist double vanity and the freestanding bathtub, all illuminated by a delicate pendant light.

Photography by Matthieu Salvaing.