A bright, contemporary apartment Interview with Jordane Noulet, Rue Volney

Entering an apartment can unlock the door to the owner’s world, unveiling their personality traits, tastes and passions. Every interior we discover displays favourite pieces, souvenirs from a trip or family heirlooms that bring style to the apartment and create a unique ambiance.
In this Parisian apartment for rent, the details of the layout and the designer furniture chosen are hints of the owner’s special interest in contemporary art and architecture.

Why did you choose this apartment? What are its best features?

I chose this apartment for its location, right in the heart of Paris, by Place Vendôme, the Opera house and the main shopping area.
The high ceilings, mouldings, large windows and the openness of the space won me over.
When I came back to France after spending 10 years abroad, I was looking for a typical Parisian “home sweet home” feeling. I immediately fell in love with this apartment upon entering. It was completely empty when I bought it — just the four walls. I like that it is a comfortable place, full of light and even distribution of space. And the concierge is nice.

Do you know the history of the building? Any funny stories to tell us?

This building used to belong to a bank and was used as an office space. When I bought the apartment, the bank had turned the offices into an apartment building. All the neighbours did renovation work at the same time which made it easier to get acquainted with them and to help each other out.

Contemporary ambiance and designer furniture

506 sq.ft. apartment furnished by an architect, a friend of the owner’s

The Codec bookshelf and the very comfortable sofa by the Bouroullec brothers

One-bedroom Paris apartment for rent in the 2nd arrondissement

The table is a piece by Jean Nouvel, according to whom “a piece of furniture is a small piece of architecture

Did you decorate this apartment yourself? What inspired you the most for the decoration of this apartment?

I have a passion for contemporary art and architecture. I have travelled the world to see for myself great buildings designed by Rem Koolhaas, Jean Nouvel, Zaha Hadid and Sanaa among others. I also like the Bouroullec brothers’ and Danish design.
I have many books about art and architecture (that are now in Brazil with me), so it was essential for me to have a beautiful bookshelf.
I asked a friend of mine to design and decorate the apartment. She is an American architect who worked with Rem Koolhaas many years ago.
The bathroom lighting was inspired by James Turrell; the long dining table was designed by Jean Nouvel; the sofa by the Bouroullec brothers; the bedside table was designed as a sculpture. And the storage cabinets are very discreet and blend into the apartment.

What are your favourite items in this apartment?

I like the Bouroullec sofa; I have two of them in red in Rio because they’re so comfy! But my all-time favourite is the bookshelf that we call “Codec” because it looks like it has its own coded language with the lighting.

What do you like the most in this neighbourhood? Have you any addresses to recommend?

I love walking or biking in the neighbourhood.
I really like the Louvre museum, so I’d recommend meeting with friends at the museum and taking a stroll through the galleries. In every room, you will discover a masterpiece that you hadn’t noticed during previous visits.
I also suggest going to Bistro Volney (in the same street) where I go every time I am back in France.
A bit further away, I’d recommend the Palais de Tokyo and the Fondation Cartier.

Furnished apartment for rent

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