Paris Gallerists Rework Historic Apartment Near Musée d’Orsay

This article explores how Parisian gallerists and designers Maylis and Charles Tassin transformed a historic apartment near the Musée d’Orsay. Their goal was to honor the space’s past while embracing contemporary design.

Through Galerie May’s careful research, a philosophy emerges that blends classicism and modernism. The interiors are shaped by decorative arts, literature, theater, opera, and cinema.

The Concept: a dialogue between classicism and modernism

At the heart of the project is a deliberate stance to avoid fleeting trends. The Tassins anchor the interiors in a deep understanding of the building’s history.

Their approach is grounded in research and informed by a broad spectrum of cultural influences. This ensures the apartment feels like both a living heritage and a contemporary creation.

Classicism and modernism coexist as a purposeful conversation. The result is an interior sculpted by time and invigorated by current design language.

Historical context and site-specific influences

The dwelling’s past is woven into every decision. The Duke of Choiseul is believed to have occupied the same floor.

The kitchen began as an outdoor courtyard. A 19th-century owner added a library and a salon.

These elements guided the renovation, which required rebuilding essential infrastructure. The original character was preserved throughout the process.

A monumental fireplace designed by Charles evokes an ancient château. It anchors the living spaces to their historical trajectory.

Bespoke design by Charles Tassin

Much of the interior language comes from the designer’s hands. The project features a suite of bespoke details that are both artworks and functional elements.

Charles Tassin’s blend of poetry and precision is evident throughout. The couple’s creations anchor the home’s personality and create a curated atmosphere.

Signature pieces and custom details

• Tigrr table in lacquer, a bold centerpiece that encapsulates the project’s refined vigor.
• Chess chaise longue, a sculptural seating gesture that functions as a conversation piece.
• Chill patinated-aluminum console, inspired by Eduardo Chillida, which adds a kinetic sense of volume.
• Soff metallic wood light fixture, a luminous bridge between materials and light.

A curated dialogue: antiques and commissioned works

The interior harmonizes antique finds with specially commissioned pieces. This creates a layered narrative throughout the apartment.

Decorative selections span from historical objects to contemporary commissions. All are chosen to echo the apartment’s themes of memory and modern craft.

The collection is a living archive that actors, collectors, and visitors can inhabit.

Artisans, objects, and curated contrasts

• A Tulpa lamp by Claudio Salocchi and a 1970s Italian bench anchor the space in mid-century sensibilities.
• An Adrian World War I helmet and a sculpture by Aglaé Libéraki contribute moments of personal and symbolic resonance.
• Finely crafted marquetry on consoles by Aliette de Montlaur adds warmth and artisanal depth.

Finishes, patina, and restoration ethics

The project treats finishes with reverence for their patina and patterns of aging. Gilded woodwork retains a gentle glow, and bas-reliefs are lit to produce a porcelain-like radiance.

Faux-wood wall finishes were executed with a measured approach by Reese Studio. These choices honor the building’s history while elevating contemporary craft.

The spaces feel lived-in rather than newly minted.

The rug, motif, and spatial storytelling

A custom rug, designed by Charles Tassin and woven in Iran, threads motifs inspired by Topkapi Palace into the floor’s earliest narratives. This textile becomes a unifying element, grounding the rooms in a shared visual language.

The rug’s geometry harmonizes with the room’s architectural lines. It reinforces the fusion of heritage and invention.

A balanced, enduring result

Ultimately, the renovation achieves a nuanced equilibrium. The space reads as historical heritage yet functions as a contemporary residence.

The interior preserves the spirit of its eras. It invites new forms of living, collecting, and storytelling.

The Tassin approach shows how to honor context without giving up modern craft. It creates interiors that feel storied and alive with current design language.

 
Here is the source article for this story: How 2 Parisian Gallerists Reworked a Historic Apartment Near the Musée d’Orsay