In many of our interior design projects, we are asked to integrate a client’s old and new belongings to achieve a fresh vibe.  I always love this challenge because the old pieces often have a personal story behind them. Maybe there is deep family history, or maybe it was a purchase made on a whim while traveling.  In whatever way a piece comes into a client’s world, I find that the effect of layering it into a fresh design elevates the whole room. 

On a recent trip to Paris, I was aware of how this principle applies on a macro scale to the fabric of a city that is defined by layered history.  The Louvre is perhaps the most obvious example of a juxtaposition between different periods of architecture.  While the building’s oldest parts date back to the 1500s, most of the current building was constructed in the 17th and 19th centuries.  More recently, the striking glass and metal pyramid by I. M. Pei that serves as the entrance to the museum was added in 1988.

If you wander around to the northern side of the Louvre, you will find a far more understated example of the relationship between new and old architecture.  A mirrored cube by French architect Jean Nouvel (which is actually there to hide construction) pays respect to the Louvre by literally creating a mirror image of the north wing. The architecture of the Louvre consists of repetitive bays, so it takes a second to even realize that you are seeing the continuation of the bays as a reflection, not the actual building. 

I would describe my favorite travel style as ‘purposeful wandering.’  I like to have a destination in mind, but to also leave time to happen upon things that might be a little off the beaten path. This is exactly what happened when my son and I discovered La Félicité, a modern mixed-use building constructed in 2018. My son noticed vertical farms on the rooftop, so we obviously had to go investigate. 

The roof was not open to visitors, but we were invited to visit the lounge on the top floor. We discovered a sleek modern bar with floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing a panoramic view of Paris and all its historic splendor. 

I’m not in the habit of taking pictures in public restrooms, but I made an exception here.  Freestanding pedestal sinks pose minimal obstruction to the eastern view of the Seine River.

Naturally, we had to sample the French fries. If you share my love for fries, but don’t have immediate plans to go to Paris, be sure to read my blog post about the best fries in San Francisco!

Bon Appétit!