Before & After: The Renovation of Haven in Paris’ Victor Hugo Luxe Apartment

Salon, Julien Hausherr

Haven in Paris’ newest four-bedroom apartment, Victor Hugo Luxe (emphasis on the luxe), is found on a quiet street just minutes away from the Eiffel Tower and the Bois de Boulogne. The owner and interior decorator took the HiP Paris Blog through the nine-month renovation process of this spacious, Belle Époque gem. 

Kitchen and Balcony, Julien Hausherr

Built in 1903, the apartment was owned by the same family for 50 years and had not been remodeled since 1970. The design team wanted to revamp the out-of-date 70s-style interior and revive its elegant, turn-of-the-century charm.

Dining Room, Julien Hausherr

Hallway and Bedroom in progress, Owner

With meticulous attention to detail and quality, nearly everything was replaced and upgraded to include new plumbing, electricity, light fixtures, dark hard wood floors, high ceilings with new moldings, cornices, doors, and windows that fill the apartment with dramatic Parisian light.

Bedroom before, Owner; Bedroom after, Julien Hausherr

Most of the rooms offer access to the wrap-around terrace that overlooks the Bois de Boulogne and the surrounding picturesque streets and rooftops. We can think of few other places in the world more lovely to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or a relaxing apéro at the end of the day.

Balcony, Isabel Miller-Bottome

Against a backdrop of gray, lavender, and teal hues, the designer filled the rooms with art and antiques from Italy, an elite London auction house, and local Paris flea markets. The original chinoiserie panels that distinguish the dining room were preserved.

Living room, Julien Hausherr; Kitchen & Hall, Isabel Miller-Bottome

Several hanging prints, along with the dressing table in the single bedroom, came from the Hôtel Lutetia – a historic hotel in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, which recently closed for renovation, and which was the romantic location where the owner-designer and her husband got engaged.

Living Room, Julien Hausherr

While historic, the apartment is equipped with countless modern amenities: a full laundry room, a flat screen television with a play station, and a sleek and airy kitchen with a stainless steel microwave, stovetop/oven, refrigerator, wine cooler, and plenty of counter space for cooking and entertaining.

Kitchen, Julien Hausherr

With four bedrooms, each decorated differently and each with its own bathroom, Victor Hugo Luxe is truly the luxurious and spacious Parisian respite of dreams.

Bathroom in progress, Owner; Bathroom, Julien Hausherr; Living Room, Isabel Miller-Bottome

Related links:

• Check out our guide to Paris’ chic 16th arrondissement.
• After exploring the neighborhood, take a stroll in the nearby Bois de Boulogne.
• My Part-Time Paris Life gives tips on renovating a Parisian kitchen.

Written by Isabel Miller-Bottome for the HiP Paris Blog. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.