Perched on the top floor of a historic building that also houses the headquarters of Maison Pierre Frey, lies an apartment that seamlessly blends history, art, and modern design. This recently renovated space is home to Pierre Frey, the Director of Communication at Maison Pierre Frey, and his wife Émilie, the founder of the lampshade brand “Caneloupo.”
Pierre Frey, who has lived in this apartment since he was 21, shared, “We aimed to infuse our apartment with more colours and lightness. It was a renovation we hoped would be entirely distinct from the previous one.” The transformation was a collaborative effort with Maison Pierre Frey, incorporating both contemporary pieces from the Maison and unique creations from Émilie’s brand, Caneloupo.
Nestled between the Palais Garnier and the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement, the apartment offers breathtaking views of Paris, a feature that Émilie Frey finds particularly captivating. “We wanted something much more urban than our house in the countryside. Our apartment is truly at the heart of Paris,” she explains.
The renovation introduced a bold palette of vibrant pinks, greens, and yellows, complemented by sleek furniture and captivating lighting fixtures, including pieces from Apparatus Studio in the kitchen and above the dining table. While the structural changes were minimal, the Freys reimagined certain spaces to better suit their family’s needs, such as converting an attic space into a bedroom for one of their sons. They also reinforced the roof while preserving the original wooden beams, a nod to the building’s rich history.
Living above Maison Pierre Frey’s headquarters seems like a perfect fit for Pierre and Émilie. Their apartment, much like the business below, continues to evolve, growing with its occupants while paying homage to its past. As Pierre Frey eloquently puts it, “It’s both ancient and modern, which, I believe, is the most challenging way to design an apartment.”
Photography by Philippe Garcia
