We helped owners remodel and complete the beautiful Calvados apartment rental in Paris and we are as delighted as they are! Like the after dinner liqueur from Normandy, this apartment is meant to be savored. With a beautiful balcony and straight on view of the Eiffel Tower, it’s one of the most romantic apartments we’ve seen.
The apartment was owned by a widower for decades. When he passed away, his heirs put it up for sale. We worked with the buyers to re-design the apartment, adding a second bathroom and re-configuring the kitchen and bedroom. Thought you’d enjoy photos, before and after.
Calvados: A Luxury Apartment Rental in Paris
Before: Hallway of the Calvados when purchased
The corridor reflected the ’70s; better lighting and removing the bookshelves opened up this long hallway. The WC or toilet was the first doorway on the right and the kitchen opened directly into the hallway next.
After: Hallway of the Calvados Apartment after remodel
We re-configured the bedroom to create the main bathroom with hallway entrance. This makes it convenient for a group of four. On the right, we created a short corridor and moved the opening to the wc, with kitchen just beyond
Before: The living room needed updating, but the balcony and Eiffel view were irreplaceable
After: The Living Room at Calvados After Remodel
This sunny room seats four people comfortably, with flat screen TV and decorative fireplace as a focal point.
After: Living Room with Dining Table
The long living room – we used the layout and rug to subtly divide it into a living area and a dining area, not shown on the right.
Before: From Balcony to Back Wall of Living Room
The living room looked dull, with beige carpet and no special features.
After: The Dining Area After: Spacious and Light
We removed the old carpet to reveal beautiful oak parquet floors. Added a chandelier above the oak dining table and the rest was easy.
Before: The kitchen had a narrow entrance and small table.
Before: During works….tubes and more tubes!
We carefully plan the plumbing and wiring before work begins because it’s complicated! All wiring must be run through tubes – see the blue plastic ones in this picture — to isolate the wire and prevent shorts or fires.
After: Kitchen Remodel
Remodeling the kitchen was easy, with café’ au lait colored cabinets and granite counter tops
After: Kitchen completely refitted
We added new cupboards, painted it in cream and installed pale granite counter tops. Some charming French pictures and clock add a touch of Paris.
Before: Master bedroom
After: Master bedroom has a soft and romantic look
Redecorating the bedroom was easy because the large windows let the sunlight come streaming in. Pretty floral curtains were lined in pale green check. Antique-style headboard and good light…the result is elegant comfort.
Before: Bedroom Wall to Bathroom
After: Bedroom Wall Lined with Cupboards
We lined the left hand wall of the bedroom with cupboards, moved the bathroom door to the main corridor.
Before: Bathroom
After: Bathroom
Elegant shallow sink and pale marble countertop. We framed the mirror with alternating colors of beige tile.
After: Bathroom Two was created from the kitchen and bedroom.
To use a French expression, we “grignote’d” or ate away from the kitchen and the original bedroom cupboards to create a second bathroom complete with shower and sink.
Before: WC
A common solution in Paris apartments is to suspend the hot water heater above the toilet. I’ve never heard of one falling down, but they always make me uncomfortable. Also they are small due to size restrictions in small toilets. We bought the largest available and set it up right behind the kitchen wall.
After: We moved the doorway of the WC to the side and created a larger room.
Romantic Evening Views of Paris
The views from the balcony are magical, especially when the light show begins on the Eiffel Tower every night! With views and comfort like this, memories of Paris are made when you stay here. For more pictures and full description, click on the Calvados luxury apartment rental.
Since the apartment was finished, bookings have been coming in fast and furious, all the more reason to book as soon as possible. Email us or call on the US Toll Free number: 1-888-520-2087
Madelyn,
You are a miracle worker! Absolutely amazing, really.
Apartment looks fabulous! Will definitely keep this apartment in mind for future!
Once again, Madelyn and team, you have done an OUTSTANDING job of remodeling! Those oak floors are gorgeous….so glad you kept them. Kitchen is so bright with the double windows. Bathrooms…..sparkling! And the view…..what can one say? Breathtaking!
Congrats!
Mary Ann
Brilliant renovation!
Thank you for sharing this. It makes the apartments even more special to see the transformation. Job well done.
We just returned from a wonderful 2 1/2 week vacation in France (8 nights in a great Paris Perfect apartment!) and after seeing this one, I want to go back! It’s beautiful.
Wow, what a difference. We just love seeing how these great apartments come into fruition. It just makes our stay in them all the more special.
It’s easy to see your hand in this, Madelyn! Chic, harmonious, beautiful!
WOW…Will definitely keep this one in mind! The view from the balcony cannot be duplicated.
Beautiful job! Its amazing what these fabulous apartments turn into after you get your hands on them. I love looking through all the different pictures and getting ideas for my own home. Speaking of, what kind of fabric did you use on the living room drapes? These pictures make me want to plan my next trip!
Thanks,
Julie
WOW, I can’t wait to come back to Paris and stay in the new apartment!
Wonderful imaginative minds you have.
This one will absolutely be on our wish list when planning next visit.
Sussi
How wonderful! I love it all and look forward to possibly hanging my own hat here for a week or so one day soon. Love receiving these updates. Thank you.
Best,
Deborah
Bravo Madelyn,you truly are a renaissance woman.So many talents and so creative.We love your apartments and they just keep getting better and better.We have just come back from lovely Cabernet and look forward to returning in April,a bientot,Rio
How beautiful! Your remake of the apartment is wonderful! Very romantic and reflects the magic of Paris.
Hi Julie,
For the living room, we used a beige cotton ticking stripe from Ian Mankin Organic Cotton Fabrics in London. They sell beautiful cottons and organic fabrics. You can order on-line and they have sales twice a year in January and June.
For the bedroom, I found the pretty floral cotton at Marche’ St. Pierre in Paris. This is the place to go when you’re searcing for curtain and upholstery fabrics in Paris. I’m planning on doing a blog about fabrics in Paris soon! The neighborhood is a little far from the center, near Montmartre. It’s somewhat mixed but perfectly safe during the day and actually quite touristy because it’s just below the Sacre Coeur. There are loads of fabric stores at discount prices! Best regards, Madelyn
Julie
Such a transformation. Are there any other Paris flats for sale that would be a nice remodel. I love what you have done and we love Paris. This is very motivating. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards,
Margo
I always enjoy your newsletters, Madelyn, and this one is no exception. Your design talent and your craftsmen’s work is unequalled.
They are fabulous. I love the designs. Simple, professional, and elegant.
These designs really speak to myself, as a designer. You’ve got a great eye, keep it up.