Apartment Makeover: Before & After in Erica’s Montmartre Studio
August 25, 2010
Hip Paris blog friend and fabulous resource on all things Paris, Parisien Salon, recently stayed in our little Montmartre studio and published this article about our very own Erica Berman and her amazing job renovating Pilleux, Haven in Paris’ cozy Montmartre studio. We are pleased to share the story and the before-and-after shots here.
View from Pilleux Montmartre Studio
Erica Berman has a gift. She can look at a crumbling shell of a hovel and see its potential as a beautiful apartment. This gift has served her well over her 18 years living in Paris, as she’s renovated upwards of 15 apartments that started out as “blah” (at best), only to be transformed into “wow.”
Pilleux Studio – Murphy bed with antique doors, after and before
Her most recent project really put her abilities to the test, as she and her partner Alain renovated a small studio overlooking the Cimetière de Montmartre. Having stayed in what is now a fantastic apartment, I was stunned when Erica shared the story of its evolution.
“There was nothing there but the bones when we bought it,” explains Erica. “Just a shelf.” Looking at some of the “before” photographs also reveals peeling walls, unremarkable floors and an enclosed bathroom that cut the space dramatically. “There was nothing in there we wanted to keep,” she adds.
Erica and Alain worked with an architect to determine the best way to use the space. Once they agreed on the layout, they got to work with a contractor.
Pilleux Studio, before: bathroom/kitchen
Toilet layout before work
Pilleux studio after renovations: kitchen, bathroom
The old bathroom was completely knocked out. The new plan split the space so that the toilette was enclosed near the apartment’s entrance, with the shower and sink opening to the rest of the apartment.
Pilleux Studio, after: Kitchen
“We decided not to add a door to the bathroom because we thought it worked better,” says Erica. They also decided to keep the glass shower door transparent. “You can see Sacre Coeur while you’re in the shower, which is pretty amazing.” (Note: the W.C. is enclosed and separate)
Pilleux studio bathroom/kitchen: before and after
Pilleux WC: before and after (WC was flipped to face entrance)
The renovation included adding a surprising amount of cupboard and closet space, along with shelves and a modern kitchen with a sink, convection cooktop, oven, refrigerator and a washer/dryer duo. There’s also a sofa that doubles as a twin bed, but the most delightful surprise in this apartment is the Murphy-style bed.
Pilleux window and desk overlooking Montmartre cemetery: before and after
Antique doors Erica found in Provence hide the bed during the day and add a distinctive accent to the space. Alain crafted the bed himself, fashioning “feet” for when the bed is pulled down from the hooks that serve as handles. He also spent countless hours cleaning the tiles that edge the kitchen space.
Pilleux studio murphy bed, made with antique doors (after)
After three months of work, the renovated apartment was completed, filled with wonderful objects Erica found at the Provence and Paris flea markets. The next challenge—or so Erica thought—would be the location of the studio.
Pilleux studio entrance way: before and after
“We thought that because it’s off the main tourist track, we’d have a harder time booking the apartment,” says Erica. “We were wrong.” In fact, the apartment has proved one of Haven in Paris’ most popular. From my experience of staying there, it’s easy to understand its appeal. It offers a magnificent view, has all the conveniences of a modern apartment, and all the charm of what one expects to find in Paris.
But, more than that, this apartment offers an authentic Paris experience. Stepping through the gates of Cité Pilleux and walking past the artisans and artists who set up shop along the path makes one feel like they’ve been afforded insider access to the real Paris. The apartment straddles Montmartre and the trendy Batignolles neighborhood, and a leisurely stroll reveals wonderful restaurants and boutiques frequented by the locals.
This is also something Erica realized when scouting the apartment. “This is the real Paris,” she says. “And that’s something we wanted to share.”
Related Links:
- The Paris Apartment – gorgeous blog on French-style Interior Decor
- Parisien Salon interviews Erica Berman
- Rosa Jackson stays in Houdon, another one of Erica’s Montmartre flats
Written by Linda Donahue for Parisien Salon. For our amazing rentals in Paris, Provence & Tuscany check out our website Haven in Paris.
Written by Parisien Salon
ParisienSalon.com offers insider information that takes you beyond the landmarks, giving you exclusive entrée to a Paris usually limited only to those who live there.
Website: Parisien Salon
Tags: Apartment Renovation, Interior Decor, interior design, Montmartre, Paris Studio, Small spaces, Vacation Rental Paris
Posted in Design, Homes, Parisian Living | 13 Comments »
In my opinion it is a truly nice point of view. I usually meet people who rather say what they suppose others want to hear. Good and well written! I will come back to your site for sure!
Whoa! The bathroom looks so lively! Congratulations for that great transformation in your bathroom! By the way, is that a wall paper or a stencil art design on the walls? Gee, it’s awesome!
We would love to have you back again. I am so glad you liked my studio. It is so lovely to hear when hard work pays off. A bientot – Erica
I stayed in this beautiful apartment for a week earlier this year. Its really nice! Can’t wait to go back..
Hi Cindy,
The first week of October is fashion week and things are REALLY full. Possibly you can change your dates a bit? That might be helpful? Let us know! – Erica
All the apartments look gorgeous but i am finding it difficult to find somewhere to stay the 1st week of October, do you have any suggestions?
I hope you will visit Pari someday…. but what a cute idea!! Erica
I may NEVER visit Paris, so I turned the small powder room into ‘Paris’ with paint and decor! It’s so much more tasteful to say, “One moment, I need to stop by Paris before leaving!”
i also love the little courtyard that leads to the building entrance
I stayed here, it’s darling!!
Nichole, you will have to come and stay! We would love to have you. And Greg, I am so glad you enjoyed. It is a special apartment. I was worried when I bought it as it was such a mess . . . but it turned out so cute and comfy! Erica
I’ve been wanting to stay in this apartment. Now I MUST.
I want to go back so bad! That apartment was wonderful for our trip to Paris. Montmarte is such an inspiring place. The cemetery view was really awesome.