Inside a Belle Époque Home with Modern Simplicity

Located just outside Paris, this Belle Époque home has been carefully reworked to bring together two distinct design languages: classic French architecture and pared-back Scandinavian minimalism. The result is a home that feels serene and quietly contemporary, while still connected to its historic roots.

This elegant façade is adorned with wrought iron flourishes for timeless curb appeal.

A Measured Approach to Modernisation

The design, led by Meio Interiors, respects the home’s original character while making it easier to live in today. Arched doorways, original fireplaces, and decorative plasterwork are preserved throughout, giving the home its sense of place. But the interiors have been softened and lightened through a restrained colour palette and a thoughtful use of materials.

Hallway with checkerboard marble floor and dark built-in cabinetry. — Classic meets contemporary in the hallway with checkerboard marble flooring and matte cabinetry.

Plaster walls in muted tones, pale oak floors, and clean-lined built-in storage create a sense of continuity from room to room. Steel-framed doors and skylights pull in natural light and frame views to the outdoors, while carefully placed furnishings strike a balance between old and new.

Light-filled kitchen with marble island, arched niches, and black bar stools. — Arched niches and soft natural light in the elegant kitchen.

Open kitchen with arched shelving, marble island, and shaker cabinetry. — A seamless blend of classic design and contemporary form defines this timeless kitchen.

A Kitchen Designed to Blend In, Not Stand Out

At the heart of the home is the kitchen, designed by Nordiska Kök and handcrafted in their Swedish workshop. It’s clean and minimal, but not cold—finished in soft cream tones with oak cabinetry, a marble island, and subtle brass details. Fluted details and arched shelving echo the home’s period details, allowing the kitchen to feel integrated rather than imposed.

Detail of fluted marble island with fruit bowl on polished stone surface. — Soft veining and fluted textures lend tactile richness to the marble kitchen island.

Built-in arched shelves and cabinetry in a minimalist dining room with natural light. — Arched built-in cabinets and marble bring architectural charm to the serene, light-filled dining space.

The kitchen opens onto a dining space framed by a skylight, creating a natural connection between cooking, eating, and everyday living. Materials flow seamlessly—marble continues up the walls as backsplash, oak reappears in furniture and floors, and the whole space feels cohesive without trying too hard.

Eclectic sitting room with iron archway, mid-century chair, and marble kitchen view. — An ornate iron archway frames this layered interior where old-world elegance meets modern refinement.

Living Spaces That Feel Connected and Quietly Refined

The rest of the home follows suit. In the living room, a wrought iron screen subtly divides spaces while keeping things open. Furnishings are simple and textural—linen, leather, woven cane—chosen for comfort as much as for looks. Nothing feels overdesigned or decorative for its own sake.

There is a sense of calm continuity throughout the home. Storage is integrated discreetly, and lighting is soft and minimal, allowing the architecture and materials to take the lead.

Built-in coffee station and appliance nook with marble counter and wood pull-out drawers. — idden behind paneled doors, this appliance nook blends function and form effortlessly.

Considered Design

This Belle Époque home is a strong example of how to bring modern sensibility into a historic space without erasing its past. Every update feels intentional—practical, yes, but also beautifully understated. The materials were chosen not just for how they look, but for how they age, how they feel, and how they contribute to the home’s quiet atmosphere

It’s a home that doesn’t chase trends. Instead, it settles into something more lasting—rooted in craft, light, and thoughtful restraint.