Gold Leaf and Foliage Motifs Plaster This Paris Left Bank Apartment

Parisian design firm Marthe Architecture, led by Marthe Simon and Paul Peller, has completed a renovation of a historic Left Bank apartment featuring extensive gold leaf and foliage plasterwork, emphasizing a maximalist yet timeless aesthetic. The project, finalized after two years, highlights craftsmanship and carefully curated materials, making the apartment a notable example of contemporary Parisian luxury design.

The renovation involved merging two approximately 1,100-square-foot apartments into a single, fluid space that preserves the building’s Second Empire origins. The designers employed a palette of warm metallics, gold leaf, and trompe l’oeil motifs, creating a jewel-like atmosphere throughout the residence. Key features include patinated bronze-and-gold leaf surfaces in the living room, custom wallpaper inspired by Gabriella Crespi, and metallic accents in the bathrooms, all contributing to an opulent, cohesive aesthetic.

The design team prioritized natural light and spaciousness, removing internal partitions and expanding doorways to enhance flow. Overhead lighting was deliberately kept low to foster intimacy, with sculptural fixtures such as a wrought-iron pendant resembling a tree branch. The apartment’s decor is complemented by curated art pieces, including bronze walnuts and trompe l’oeil bamboo trellises, alongside vintage and contemporary furnishings.

Expert Craftsmanship Elevates Parisian Apartment

This project exemplifies how meticulous craftsmanship and a curated material palette can transform a historic apartment into a luminous, maximalist jewel box. The emphasis on gold leaf and foliage motifs demonstrates a high level of artistic detail, elevating Parisian interior design standards and inspiring future renovations of historic spaces.

Historic Parisian Apartment Reimagined with Maximalist Details

The apartment is located on Paris’s Left Bank, within a building dating back to the Napoleonic Second Empire. The renovation process involved combining two existing apartments into a single, cohesive residence, a common approach in Parisian luxury real estate. The designers drew inspiration from classic Parisian aesthetics—expansive openings, minimal frameworks, and double doors—while infusing the space with modern craftsmanship and maximalist touches, including gold leaf and trompe l’oeil trompe motifs.

“The use of gold leaf and foliage motifs creates a luminous, layered atmosphere that balances historic elegance with contemporary luxury.”

— an anonymous researcher

Details of the Restoration Process and Future Use

While the renovation’s aesthetic details are well-documented, it is not yet clear how the space will be used long-term or if the owners plan further modifications. Additionally, specifics about the artisans involved in the plasterwork and gold leaf application remain undisclosed.

Upcoming Exhibition and Potential Replication of Design Elements

The apartment is expected to be featured in upcoming design exhibitions and publications, which may influence future projects. Further details about the owners’ plans or additional renovations have not been announced.

Key Questions

Who designed the apartment?

The design was led by Marthe Simon and Paul Peller of Marthe Architecture.

What are the main decorative features?

Gold leaf surfaces, foliage motifs in plaster, custom wallpaper, and curated art pieces are the key decorative elements.

How long did the renovation take?

The project was completed after two years of reconfiguration and decorating.

Is the apartment open to the public?

There are no current plans for public access; the space is privately owned and showcased through publications and exhibitions.

Will this design influence other projects?

Yes, the detailed craftsmanship and maximalist approach may serve as inspiration for future high-end renovations in Paris and beyond.

Source: Architectural Digest