29/10/2026
Wood, colorful marbles and works of African art: in Paris, the Stene Alexopoulos studio has transformed a once minimalist apartment into a warm interior.
In the Palais-Royal quarter of Paris 2er, living here means the best location with a historic atmosphere. This is the daily life of Sandra and Robin, who both work in finance, and their two children aged nine and three. The family occupies an apartment located in a 5-story building built around 1850. Perched above the rooftops of Paris, this 120 m² apartment offers a spectacular view of the Choiseul passage.
To imagine this new decor, the architects were inspired by Sandra and Robin’s passion for African art. “This interest is also linked to their family history. Sandra’s parents, like Robin’s grandmother, are from North Africa, “says Jonathan Stene.
In the living room, the Sesann brown leather sofa, designed by Gianfranco Frattini for Tacchini, takes up the earthy tones of African sculptures. The solid walnut coffee table, embellished with a Greek Cipollino marble insert, was specially designed for the apartment by the two architects. Nearby, two Italian armchairs from the mid-20th century rub shoulders with Tacchini’s Andrea sconces, with silver reflections. “The wood, warm and with earthy tones, contrasts with the mineral freshness of marble.”
In our work, we like to compare the harshness of forms with the preciosity of materials, in order to create a subtle balance between functionality and poetry,” concludes Elena Alexopoulos.
Interior: STENE ALEXOPOULOS
Photo: Clement Vayssieres
Extract: BETTINA KRAUSE via Architectural Digest Germany
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