In a study of architectural preservation, interior designer Romain Chancel has revitalized a 1930s Parisian apartment, seamlessly merging its storied Art Deco heritage with a refined contemporary sensibility

The restoration of the Art Deco apartment on Avenue Bosquet by interior designer Romain Chancel is a study in sophistication and historical reverence. Nestled within the architectural fabric of Paris, this 1930s residence has been thoughtfully awakened, bridging the gap between its storied past and the requirements of modern living.

Chancel’s approach to the project is defined by a meticulous, almost reverent intervention. Rather than imposing a contemporary veneer, he sought to recapture the apartment’s original spirit, peeling back layers of time to reveal an understated elegance. The foundational elements - the walnut doors, the fireplaces, and the intricate architectural bones of the space - were restored to their former glory. 

To ensure architectural coherence, Chancel introduced new cornices inspired by the building’s original façade, creating a charming dialogue between the exterior and interior worlds. Collaborating with cabinetmaker Alexandre Jamet, he introduced bespoke doors that sit so naturally within the ensemble, one might assume they have stood since the apartment’s inception.

The curation of furniture is perhaps the project’s most assertive expression of period fidelity. The apartment is furnished exclusively with authentic Art Deco pieces by luminaries such as Eugène Printz, Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, Marc du Plantier, and Alfred Porteneuve. Each selection feels precise, chosen not for ostentation but for a shared language of elegance and proportion. The interiors are softened and anchored by custom-designed rugs from Éditions de Tapis by Thomas Coccimiglio, which provide a contemporary grounding to the historic furniture.

Chancel, whose practice is deeply informed by his fascination with the architectural narratives of abandoned European sites, approaches each commission as a story to be told. His work reveals a sensitivity to the "soul" of a space—a quality that is palpable in the Avenue Bosquet project. It is a pied-à-terre that feels timeless, eschewing the trend-chasing that often plagues luxury design in favor of something more enduring. The depth and warmth of the resulting space are captured beautifully in photography by Harry Crowder, which highlights the play of light against the restored textures and refined furnishings.