Elements of surprise and wonder are found in every corner of this enchanting Paris apartment
PRODUCTION Sven Alberding/Bureaux/Living Inside
DINING ROOM
A striking work of art is casually propped up against a wall. In front of it is a retro fruit ceramic sculpture bought in Sicily.
DINING ROOM
The stunning stained-glass windows are original features dating from the 18th century.
KITCHEN
Jean-Christophe describes his use of colour in the kitchen as ‘completely instinctive’.
The science of styling is a curious thing: an alchemy of practical know-how, visual balance, knowledge of design –both past and present – an ability to interpret future trends and, of course, that indefinable sprinkle of magic. It seems portentous then to discover that Jean-Christophe Aumas’ apartment was inhabited in the early 19th-century by a ‘famous Parisian sorcerer, fortune-teller and magician’.
Alongside his reputation as one of the most genial people in the industry, Jean-Christophe’s artistic direction is considered among the best in the field. Before launching his agency, Singular, he headed the visual identity department at Louis Vuitton under the helm of Marc Jacobs. Now his original touch is coveted by a client list that reads like the pages ofVogue: brands such as Celine, Schiaparelli, Brioni and Chanel; fragrance house Diptyque; as well as iconic French department stores such as Printemps, for which he creates mesmerising window displays.
While the fantasy factor that Jean-Christophe applies to his store windows, set designs and event launches is dialled down in his personal space, the element of surprise and wonder is present. Many of his apartment’s original features, such as ornate architectural mouldings, parquet floors and breathtakingly beautiful stained-glass windows, remain intact – elements that bewitched Jean-Christophe when he first saw the place. ‘I fell in love immediately,’ he says. ‘The atmosphere was wonderful. And I liked the idea of a change, of having anew space to decorate.’
During a sensitive but necessary renovation, the apartment’s classical attributes were intersected by contemporary updates. A skylight
