Smart Luxury Design

Design & renovation consulting

Specializing in 'High-Low' design, I help clients achieve luxury-standard renovations - by combining bespoke design sensibilities with affordable high-street solutions.

Whether you need a kitchen that looks like a custom showroom but fits a realistic budget, or project management for a full apartment refresh, I provide the vision and the oversight to ensure a 'fabulous' result without the typical Paris Price Tag.

CURRENT PROJECT SPOTLIGHT --

Rue Jean Ferrandi, 6eme Paris

The Rue Ferrandi Project

The Mission: Total Project Management

I was hired to manage a property project from start to finish, beginning with clearing the estate of an 80m² apartment. The initial brief was simply to "get rid of everything" to transition and prepare for a full renovation. However, it was immediately clear that the space was filled with valuable items and genuine history from a well-lived life, of a notable and much-loved elderly relative.

I proposed a more holistic approach. Using the Move Master Inventory process of my Legacy Services, I estimated the sorting and clearing would take five weeks. I finished that portion of the project bang on schedule.

Working on my own, I managed the entire process:

Sorting & Saving: I went through the home item by item to identify, inventory and protect vital documents, family heirlooms, and items of value that would have otherwise been lost.
Donations & Gifting: I made sure anything in good condition went to charity or was given away to the community via social media.
Responsible Disposal: Only items that were truly unsalvageable were set aside for city pick-up and general disposal, working closely with the guardien.

By handling the inventory personally and hitting my five-week goal, I protected the client’s interests and cleared the way for the renovation with my team of trusted tradespeople to start on time.

May, 2026 - Current Phase:

The Rebuild

With the demolition complete, we have transitioned into the "build-back" phase—reimagining the residence from the floors up. Our approach balances modern luxury with sympathetic restoration of the property’s original 1950s architecture and its subtle Art Deco flare.

Light & Architecture

The defining feature of this residence is the expansive, floor-to-ceiling windows that span the entire length of this 80m² apartment, with amazing views over a private convent garden space.

To keep the architectural look while making things work better, we’re replacing the kitchen window. Since it has to open inward, I have sourced a clever folding faucet that stays out of the way.
Flowing Social Space: By removing two non-load-bearing walls, we’ve opened the salon to fully capitalize on the natural light provided by the expansive windows. While we'te not planning on updating the original roller shutters now, we're installing the electrics for that future project.

The Salon & Kitchen

To create a seamless, open-concept flow, we removed the wall between the salon and kitchen. The new layout features:

A Statement Island: Designed for both performance and aesthetics, featuring integrated deep-storage drawers and outlets & USB.
Clever Repurposing: A former doorway has been transformed into a discreet, enclosed laundry space for a stacked washer and dryer.

The Private Suite

We have reconfigured the master bedroom to prioritize privacy while maintaining the apartment's airy feel:

Invisible Integration: We are utilizing a space-saving "invisible rail" door to close off the bedroom without interrupting the room's footprint.
Master Bath Transformation: The original 1950s bathtub is replaced with a sleek, custom Italian shower featuring a niche rather than shelves for personal care products..
Modern Fixtures: To maximize floor space, the free-standing toilet is replaced with a wall-mounted fixture.
Refined Storage: We repurposed the wall depth to install a mirrored double-door vanity cabinet, seamlessly incorporating the original niche space below for a polished, integrated look.

The Kitchen:

A Cook’s Logic

This is always my favorite part of a redesign. As a professional cook, I design for total efficiency. I like things organized so that everything is exactly where you need it—with most-used items on the right for a natural workflow.

I have a bit of an obsession with keeping things "clean." I don’t like seeing product clutter on the counters or wires dangling everywhere. To me, a kitchen should be discreet, sleek, and highly practical.

This is why I’m such a fan of IKEA’s storage systems. Their elements are fabulous for keeping spaces organized, while being very pretty! I prefer using deep drawers for everything—dishes, glassware, and heavy pots—because they make it so much easier to see and reach what you need. Tucking away the "visual noise" lets the aesthetics shine. Knowing how to combine these practical elements is the key to my design ethic.

This layout and organization is a true universal design that works for everyone. By keeping items in deep lower drawers instead of high wall cabinets, the kitchen becomes much more accessible. It is safer for children, who can reach their own glasses without climbing on counters, and it is far more comfortable for the elderly or those with mobility challenges who want to avoid the strain of reaching for items overhead.

These simple choices make the space easier for every generation to navigate.

This was the teeny barely 9m² kitchen for a 28m² studio in the 16eme. The client wanted a high-end counter that we had made special & included closing in the public column at the corner. I packed a lot into this little space, and, aside from the custom counter top (plan travail) designed this using IKEA elements; 3/4 fridge/freezer, an oven/microwave combo, induction cooktop, washing machine, lots of drawers & plenty of storage in the cupboards.

It has stood the test of time some 10 years later, and the client recently realized a quick sale and substantial profit on this little chocolate box studio.

Project Spotlight -

Rue Jouvenet, Paris 16eme

I’ve lost count of the number of kitchens, wardrobes and storage spaces I’ve designed for clients and friends in Paris - and in other locations in France over the years - all using the IKEA framework.

I specialize in the 'High-Low' transformation: taking affordable, modular systems and elevated styling to create high-performance, bespoke-feeling spaces that look anything but off-the-shelf. Whether it’s a tiny chambre de bonne footprint or a full kitchen overhaul, I know how to make a budget design look like a high-end, luxury renovation, while being affordable and most importantly, useful & practical.

Need a second pair of eyes on your idea or plan? Let’s optimize your space together.

Send Me an Email!

Project spotlight

The Paris Turnkey: A High-Profile Client's Home Setup

A few years ago, I project-managed the end-to-end interior setup for a residence in the heart of Paris while it was undergoing a full renovation. In collaboration with the architect and interior designer, my mission was to create a fully functional, move-in-ready sanctuary for a client with a highly prominent international public profile. I handled every detail so their home was 100% ready the moment they arrived.

I oversaw the entire project, leading up to a unique finale:

The Full Kit: I equipped the property with every daily essential—from high-quality silverware and dishes for daily use and entertaining, to premium linens and towels.
Infrastructure & Systems: I handled the "hidden" side of the move, designing the security system and setting up the internet, utilities, and billing so everything was operational from day one.
Custom Design: I designed a dedicated home office space and oversaw tailor-made projects, such as custom drapes & curtains throughout, and a bed throw made to match the headboard perfectly.
Sourcing & Styling: I personally selected the marble kitchen island top and blended whimsical antiques with modern touches, like a custom blackboard wall in the kitchen and hand-picked lighting throughout. I brought the overhead lighting for the island back in a taxi, having begged the staff at BHV for their showroom model.
The "Narnia" Closet: As a final creative touch, I transformed a spare bedroom into a "hidden" walk-in closet. The room had two doors—one from the master bedroom and one from the main hallway. I installed a coat rail across the inside of hallway door, so from the outside, it looked like a simple coat cupboard. Pushing the coats aside, it opens into the luxurious private walk-in dressing room with oodles of storage and display, combined with functionality and a touch of whimsy.

By managing everything from the utility bills to that "Narnia" magic, I provided a complete turnkey experience for this lovely client, that balanced total privacy with high-end Parisian design. This home has been featured in AD, but for confidentiality reasons, I cannot disclose the location or the client.

“Handling the details you haven’t even thought of yet.”