Places and Spaces: This Colourful Parisian Apartment Could Double as a Designer Boutique

Connected to the rest of Paris by four adjoining bridges, Île Saint-Louis is located in the 4th arrondissement and has remained for centuries as the finest example of luxurious French architecture, with palatial mansions and more humble pieds-à-terre nestled together on the small natural island. With a quaint village vibe and an idyllic outlook over the Seine River, we're adding this beautiful part of Paris to our bucket list right now. If you've ever wondered what the interior of one of these incredible apartments looks like, you're in luck! Keep scrolling to see one our favourite Parisian homes right now, Quai Aux Fleurs or 'Quay With Flowers' designed by local interior designer Fleur Delesalle.

Fleur is a renowned interior designer with a curated selection of both residential projects and commercial work including restaurants, boutiques and even a collaboration at Château de Versailles. Her approach to interiors is organic, with a focus on the connection between the history of the site, the architecture and the way in which they associate. Her signature style is fresh, unique and above all, creative. Fleur uses materials, colours and shapes that provide a jolt of energy to those using the spaces and that are anything but standard. Much like India Mahdavi—who Fleur studied alongside for six years—a combination of pastel and rich tones is the secret to her successful interiors that are both bold and comfortable for living.

At Quai Aux Fleurs, custom is key. A speckled terrazzo kitchen island is something we'd only dreamed of until now, and the adjoining breakfast banquet layered in rust velvet looks like the ideal spot for a morning coffee and croissant. Brass elements showcased in the dining table and retro-modern pendant add a glamorous touch and show off Fleur's eye for combining materials expertly. Moving into the living area, you can't help but gasp at the beauty of the original arched windows that open up to let fresh air and light in and that are flanked by the softest pink curtains we've ever seen. The tall ceilings and crisp walls are kept in a shade of white to let the extravagant furnishings take centre stage. In fact, we're looking for a bright orange sofa as we speak to replicate Fleur's jawdropping decorating scheme. Chunky armchairs look like the best way to end the day with a book and a glass of French wine, while streamlined coffee tables provide a sharp contrast that keeps you guessing. 

This vibrant Parisian apartment could double as a designer boutique with the sheer amount of swoon-worthy art pieces, furniture and textiles that Fleur has coordinated throughout. Between the mid-century era velvet armchair and the blown glass pendant lights over the dining table, the aesthetic here could be described as elegant, modern and timeless all at once. A recurring juxtaposition of circular shapes and straight lines helps to balance the overall look and feel and offers a softness that is so fitting in this romantic city. The entire apartment is covered in a mix of stunning chevron timber and silver-grey carpet that's quintessentially Parisian. Oh, and don't even get us started on that pastel green bathroom complete with matching marble and bright white tapware. Pure genius.

Images courtesy of Fleur Delaselle. Photography by Vincent Leroux.

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