'Montmartre' project by Imagine studio highlights historic charm in a modern setting

"In approaching the 'Montmartre' project, my vision was to create a space where history and modernity coalesce, offering an immersive living experience in the heart of Paris,” says interior designer Mélodie Violet, founder of Imagine design studio. Ensconced atop a small hill in the 18^th arrondissement, Montmartre, with its cobbled streets and scenic panoramas, is a charming Parisian village. The atmosphere speaks of the potpourri of art and inspiration that permeates the district. Violet’s latest interior design project located in the iconic Sacré Coeur district is befittingly titled the 'Montmartre' project as it takes cues from the historical and artistic richness of the Sacré Coeur district. The 35 square metres apartment on the top floor of a historic building represents the coexistence of the old and the new.

Elaborating further on the inspirations that fuelled the project, Violet tells STIR, “We aimed to capture the essence of Parisian charm and elegance. Our inspiration was further deepened by the desire to create a cocoon of beauty, where each wall and surface captivated with its unique texture and pattern, crafting a space that is not only unique and full of character but also distinctly feminine and elegant.”

Founded in 2014, Imagine is an acclaimed design studio specialising in high-end major renovation projects. The studio's undertakings express a distinct eye for detail and a knack for refined design; the spaces that follow pursue timeless interiors as opposed to transient trends. Their oeuvre encompasses residential design and commercial spaces that exude simplicity, balance, timelessness and personalisation. On being asked how the Montmartre projects conform to the studio’s ethos, the interior designer shares, “This endeavour was about blending functional design with aesthetic elegance and prioritising the client's lifestyle. Our approach always considers each detail's contribution to a harmonious and aesthetically rich experience, reflecting a discreet yet distinct luxury.”

The interiors are devised to harness and maximise space and light; the extension into the attic frames an enchanting view of the Parisian sky, allowing more natural light to wash the space. Semantics of softness and sensuality conquer the apartment owing to the high-quality materials—the Hungarian point parquet and subtle, warm colours reflect a feminine and refined aesthetic. In Violet’s eyes, each space in the Montmartre apartment tells its own story.

“The living room, for instance, was conceptualised around the mural set behind the custom-designed library, setting the tone for the entire room,” Violet notes. The space is, ergo, characterised by an amalgamation of art and design, natural light and contemporary furniture design. A sculptural cream sofa design, round walnut coffee tables, and custom-made pouffes populate the area and infuse it with comfort and originality. The creative dialogue simmers against the backdrop of the wallpaper, a mural depicting the lands of Italy. The newly installed fireplace invites gathering—the final touch to a space of lifestyle and elegance.

The kitchen and dining area, a harbour for functionality and comfort, combines rustic elements and a modern flair. The kitchen features clean lines and light wood surfaces, while the floor is donned in ancient marble cabochon paving in beige and rust colours, delicately outlined by a brass finish. The bright porcelain backsplash contrasts the modern elements such as the brass faucets and open shelves. With a walnut wall and a flea market mirror with golden details, the dining room is a welcoming embrace. The travertine table design and custom-designed fabric bench inject style into the ambience.

The bedroom, located in the mezzanine, is where tradition, the building’s historic character and modernity unite. “This juxtaposition required a delicate balance between respecting the past and embracing present-day design, visible in the restoration of original features alongside modern furnishings and technology,” the designer says. The original beams add a layer of history, while the purple carpet offers comfort and warmth. Carefully selected lighting design and floral-patterned bed linen yield a restful atmosphere. The team aimed to optimise every nook for storage, without visually losing the space to clutter. “The bathroom's unique and sensual design, with its powder pink tones, adds a calming and elegant touch to the apartment,” Violet states. The texture of the tiles is balanced by the contrasting hexagonal floor tiles in a Siena earth hue, adding depth to the room. The brass adornments and the washbasin unit finish the bathroom design with refinement and serenity.

Through this creative endeavour, Imagine design studio transforms a relatively small 35 square metres apartment into a space that epitomises comfort and function, something that, as Violet mentions verbatim, was their primary challenge. “This required innovative space optimisation solutions, such as custom storage integrations, and meticulous planning, especially in incorporating a fireplace into the limited space. These challenges were met with creativity and precision, ensuring the seamless blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal,” she expands. What ensues in an apartment that transcends a mere residence—offering a unique living experience in the heart of Paris. Every detail, every nook, stands for authenticity and elegance inextricably linked to the designer’s ethos.

Sharing her hopes and what lies in the offing for her practice, Violet concludes, “Looking ahead, Imagine is excited to embark on new projects that continue to push the boundaries of interior design. We are exploring opportunities that allow us to expand our creative horizons, including potential international collaborations and sustainable design initiatives. Our goal remains to create spaces that reflect our clients' dreams and set new benchmarks in design excellence.”