A Paris Apartment Transformed Just in Time for the Olympics

Tasked with completing the renovation of this Parisian apartment just three weeks before the 2024 Olympics, Lichelle Silvestry added a certain 'je ne sais quoi' to create a practical and pretty space.

Once a grand 18th-century hôtel particulier, interior designer Lichelle Silvestry meticulously transformed an apartment in Saint-Germain-des-Prés into a welcoming family home. To decorate a space already renovated for modern comfort, she was given the challenge of a lifetime: completing the project in time for the Paris Olympics, as the area was set to close to the public. ‘I love a good challenge,’ Lichelle says, reflecting on the pressure to create a stylish yet functional space.

Racing against time, Lichelle relied on her trusted network of antique dealers and specialists to source vintage treasures that would make the apartment truly unique. The process began with a gold and green antique mirror from Lila K Antiques, which set the tone for the entire design. ‘The green was already part of the apartment’s palette, and the existing chandelier’s delicate, feminine design perfectly complemented the architectural features,’ explains Lichelle.

To enhance the room’s atmosphere, she sourced a Florentine painting from Yveline Antiques, depicting the biblical scene of Adam receiving the forbidden fruit, and paired it with Venetian side tables that added an unexpected touch of drama.

Though the apartment was already painted in a beautiful palette from a previous renovation, Lichelle and her team refreshed the existing colours, adding vibrant, happy tones to match the client’s brief. ‘The goal was to create a bright, cheerful apartment, exactly as my clients requested,’ she says.

Practicality was also a key consideration, with durable fabrics from Pierre Frey and Dedar used throughout the space. These fabrics were selected for their beauty and quality, essential for a home with young children. The mix of vintage finds, such as the reupholstered Wishbone chairs and Scandinavian-style furniture, adds both character and authenticity to the design.

Scaling 159 square metres, the apartment boasts high ceilings and an open-plan living area that exudes elegance and warmth. ‘The combination of antique pieces and modern comfort creates a home that feels timeless, yet full of life,’ Lichelle says. Thanks to her quick thinking and a dedicated team, this grand but simply decorated apartment is a true Parisian gem.

'With only one hour to visit the apartment before getting the keys, we took on a monumental task,' Lichelle says. 'As I am based in Paris, I have the luxury of finding the most beautiful items at the Marché Aux Puces and galleries, but it was still challenging to complete the re-upholstery, curtains and paint refresh in such a short time frame. Thanks to our long-standing relationships with vendors and specialists, and our team's hard work, we achieved this magical transformation just before the area closed due to the Olympic Games.’

Text by Catherine Mo