Interior designer Allen Kirsch’s home is in a small Parisian building located near Les Invalides and the Rodin Museum. The Haussmann style apartment was built at the peak of the architectural mode’s popularity. There have been no modifications to the space since 1860, making it a rarity. “There’s only one apartment on each of the building’s six floors, and each has a living room, dining room, kitchen, three bedrooms, and a bathroom,” says Kirsch, who also creates large abstract expressionist paintings. His works are full of tension and complementary colors, arguably unlike the stark moldings that comprise the Haussmann style. Still, for his pied-a-terre, Kirsch was determined to keep his pad’s Parisian character.
Classic architecture meets a modern eye
Kirsch’s background has shaped his decidedly modern aesthetic. The native Texan studied fine art and architecture and has practiced both disciplines for over 20 years. As such, he had a natural respect for the apartment’s good bones. “My first and only visit before I purchased the apartment took place early in the morning. It was bathed in September light streaming through the windows, and I was able to admire the cornices, which were impeccable. I knew it was the perfect place for me.” As an artist, Kirsch needed large walls to display his oversized works. This apartment offered everything he wanted.
However, he did make a few small changes to bring the space into the 21st century. He removed the partition between the living room and dining room, and transformed one bedroom into a large dressing room, and another into an office. A new marble bathroom was created around an older one, which was converted into a small toilet room. Other changes included the installation of air-conditioning and replacing old windows with discreet double glazing.