Rive Gauche by Katz Studio
In Paris’ 7th Arrondissement, Katz Studio has reimagined a Haussmannian apartment for a young family, creating a home that bridges classical heritage with contemporary character.
The project honours the apartment’s architectural lineage while introducing a curated composition of furniture, art and materials that bring clarity, depth and a certain quiet boldness to each room.
The property had suffered from damaged moldings and outdated finishes, prompting a full restoration that brought its historic framework back to life. Rather than pursuing a stark contrast, the studio cultivated a conversation between original elements and a purposeful selection of modern pieces. Each room was shaped with its own identity, yet the material palette and flow from one area to the next maintain a thoughtful continuity.
At the entrance, the tone is set through sculptural lighting by Pierre Chareau and a Bow chair by Worn Studio. Their presence introduces the project’s overarching approach: strong pieces arranged with precision, allowing the architectural backdrop to breathe.
The living room anchors the home. Sofas by Popus Éditions and a Tacchini daybed establish a central axis, met by Reversível armchairs and coffee tables by Pierre Augustin Rose. Artworks by Catherine Danou and Amelia Rasi provide balance across the walls, extending the room’s dialogue between form and proportion.
In the study, Katz Studio crafted a more intimate environment marked by warm textures and sculptural contours. A Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini and a Moustache chair shape a relaxed setting, complemented by a free-form Pierre Paulin rug. Travertine bookshelves were custom-made to bring presence without overwhelming the scale of the room. Lighting pieces—from Lisa Allegra, Pierre Chareau and Michele De Lucchi for Memphis Milano—introduce varied tonalities, while a terracotta work by Jean Duruisseau adds a grounded, tactile counterpoint.
The dining room carries a sense of clarity. A large dark wood table forms the centre, accompanied by Youth Editions chairs and a suspension light by Gino Sarfatti. A Théorème Édition vase and an artwork by Myung Urso contribute refined, sculptural touches. Soft drapery and custom carpets complete a room conceived for both daily life and quiet ceremony.
The kitchen is defined by materiality: wood, Cippolino Rosso stone and Dedar textiles create a tactile ensemble. A convivial table and generous seating support the family’s routines, while a Lacanche range cooker brings a rooted sense of craft. A piece by Alissa Volchkova introduces an unexpected artistic presence.
The master bedroom adopts a calm, luminous atmosphere grounded in soft hues, light wood and carefully chosen furnishings. A Pumpkin armchair by Pierre Paulin introduces a sculptural accent, contrasting subtly with the preserved fireplace. Bespoke pieces remain understated, supporting the room’s emphasis on comfort. Details include a work by Myung Urso, lighting by Pierre Chareau and Diletto Studio, a Project 213A bench and a suspension by Gubi.
The children’s spaces carry two distinct personalities: one defined by wood and deep blues, the other by pastels and gentle curves. Each room was imagined to support rest, play and a sense of ease. Their shared bathroom features twin round basins, a wavy-edged mirror and vibrant colour blocks that create a lively yet durable environment.
In the master bathroom, materials guide the experience. Cippolino Verde stone becomes the central element, complemented by an Ébur wall light and a layout that feels closely connected to the bedroom’s calm character.
Katz Studio is led by sisters Esther and Leah Katz, whose shared foundation in art and architecture shapes their approach. Esther’s training at Parsons School of Design and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs anchors the studio’s architectural direction, while Leah’s earlier career in law brings structure and clarity to their collaborative process. Together, they imagine homes defined by intimacy and enduring elegance.
Rive Gauche reflects this ethos. The apartment respects its history while embracing a modern sensibility, creating a home shaped by craftsmanship, thoughtful curation and a nuanced understanding of how a family lives today.
