Les Vignes – a truly remarkable Paris apartment remodel in the 7th arrondissement!
There are certain Paris streets that feel like home the moment you arrive, and for us, Rue Cler is at the very top of that list. It’s a neighborhood deeply woven into the story of Paris Perfect itself. Founders Madelyn and Philippe have lived here for many years – and were even married in this neighborhood! They still call the area home, with favorite restaurants, bakeries and cheese shops that still spark the occasional friendly debate over which one is best. Sharing this beloved corner of the 7th arrondissement with guests has always been at the heart of Paris Perfect, so when we spotted an apartment for sale right on Rue Cler, we knew it was something special.
The view of Rue Cler that captured our hearts on the very first viewing!
The apartment that would become Les Vignes already had everything we look for when helping clients find their perfect Paris home: two bedrooms, beautiful light, charming views over the pedestrian-only section of Rue Cler, an elegant building with an elevator and one of the most sought-after locations in the city. What it didn’t have was modern comfort. In fact, it hadn’t been touched in decades – and that might be generous. What followed was a complete top-to-bottom renovation, down to the floorboards. Plumbing was updated, a full second bathroom was added, air conditioning installed, every detail thoughtfully re-imagined and the perfect finishing touches added with the expert design eye of Ann Huff of Huff Harrington.
Interest has been very high for Les Vignes, and if you’d like to find out more about this gorgeous apartment for sale, contact our team at [email protected].
Charming Parisian views from Les Vignes.
This transformation was nothing short of remarkable. We love sharing these before and after stories because they show what’s possible when the right apartment meets the right vision. If you’ve ever dreamed of finding your own perfect place in Paris—whether it needs a little love or a full Paris Perfect makeover—our Property Search Services team would be delighted to help. Let’s take a look behind the scenes at how Les Vignes came to life!
A Spacious Living Room Full of Light
AFTER: The living room is as beautiful as it is comfortable.
From the moment we stepped into the living room, we knew this apartment had the bones to become a truly comfortable Paris home. Three large French doors flood the space with light and create an immediate sense of openness that’s rare to find. Even before the renovation, it was easy to imagine how inviting and livable this room could be. That sense of potential was unmistakable – but unlocking it required a complete rethinking of the layout.
BEFORE: The potential was there, but a successful open-plan design needs more visual definition.
Originally, the room functioned as a combined living and dining area, with a small kitchen just off to the side. We saw an opportunity to create a far more generous and highly functional open-plan space by bringing the kitchen into the main room and making it an integral, beautifully designed part of the overall layout. This shift not only transformed how the space feels and flows, but also allowed the former kitchen to be repurposed as a second bathroom – a valuable upgrade we’ll look at closer later.
BEFORE: The entrance to the kitchen was on the opposite side of the room from the dining table.
The redesign also allowed us to make better use of the room’s natural light. By taking advantage of the two large French doors on the left side, we shifted the dining area to the right, creating a clearer visual balance between living, dining and kitchen zones. Each side of the room is anchored by the original fireplace mantels, which we carefully preserved to retain the apartment’s Parisian character while giving the space a strong architectural framework.
BEFORE: Seeing the living area space open for the first time.
BEFORE: Look at all this potential! Can you see it?
DURING: A complete down to the floorboards remodel removed everything except the historic fireplace mantels.
The result is a pièce de résistance that hardly feels like the same room. Bright, open and beautifully cohesive, the living, dining and kitchen areas now flow seamlessly together, with three large French doors overlooking Rue Cler. Madelyn fondly calls the Rue Cler open-air market street “her refrigerator next door” – everything you could need is right outside, from fresh produce, fish and cheeses to a small supermarket directly across the street. Add to that excellent neighborhood bakeries—including one that just opened right in the building—and it’s easy to see why this apartment feels so deeply connected to everyday Parisian life.
AFTER: A gorgeous and well defined living area at Les Vignes.
AFTER: The beautiful and bright view of living room now welcomes you into the heart of the home.
AFTER: Gorgeous design meets comfort in the living room.
We love how comfort and design came together so effortlessly in the living area, anchored by a comfy sofa that invites you to settle in and relax. An antique mirror with original glass crowns the fireplace mantel, adds character and reflects beautiful light throughout the room. Modern touches are there, like the Samsung Frame TV, but they blend seamlessly so the space remains focused on balance and Parisian style.
DURING: Original stained glass panels were saved and reused in the living room.
One of our favorite details in the apartment is the pair of stained glass doors at the entrance to the living area. Originally, these doors were located in the first bedroom, but they were simply too beautiful not to keep. For the bedroom, privacy and light control were essential, so Philippe suggested reusing the doors in the living space instead. It’s a decision that feels both practical and historically appropriate. In fact, we believe this may have been their original location when the building was first constructed in the 1800s, allowing this beautiful feature to shine once again at the heart of the apartment.
AFTER: The gorgeous stained glass door panels in the living room.
A Beautiful Dining Area & Kitchen
AFTER: We all absolutely fell in love with this space!
The transformation of the dining room and kitchen is at the heart of the redesign at Les Vignes. What was once a small, enclosed kitchen off the living room was brought into the main space and re-imagined as an elegant open-plan design. Built in an L shape into the corner of the room, the kitchen blends beautifully into the living and dining areas rather than feeling separate. Thoughtful details enhance the space, from the mirrored backsplash that reflects light throughout the room to the way the cabinetry was carefully designed around the preserved fireplace mantel, allowing the original architectural feature to remain a focal point.
BEFORE: Dining area was originally on the opposite side of the room and wasn’t a focal point.
AFTER: Now the dining space stands out as a beautiful feature – as it should!
BEFORE: Kitchen was located off the living room, but this space would be transformed into a second bathroom.
BEFORE: Safe to say the new kitchen was a major update!
The dining area feels equally considered and inviting now. A second antique mirror with original glass echoes the one in the living area, creating balance across the space and reinforcing the apartment’s sense of harmony. On the wall nearby, a framed Hermès scarf brings the entire palette together and served as inspiration for the colors used throughout the living and dining areas. It’s a signature Paris Perfect touch, brought to life with Ann Huff’s creative eye.
AFTER: Spot the Hermès scarf that inspired the design – and how it ties in with the historic fireplace mantel.
The vintage dining chairs were reupholstered in rich green velvet, with Schumacher fabric on the backs that adds depth and texture. The combination introduces color and character to the dining area while fitting naturally within the overall design of the space.
AFTER: A kitchen that is as functional as it is stunning!
AFTER: The kitchen design feels a natural part of the room’s decor.
With plenty of built-in cupboard space and long counters, the kitchen is a true pleasure to cook in. We design these spaces so everything is thoughtfully laid out and easy to use, whether you’re preparing a simple breakfast or a full Parisian meal. Made even better by the fact that Rue Cler’s tempting market stalls and specialty shops are waiting just outside the front door. That’s the difference the perfect location makes!
Bedroom One – A Peaceful Retreat
AFTER: The final reveal of bedroom 1 – a true Parisian retreat!
Before the renovation, bedroom 1 was not used as the main bedroom, even though it had all the potential to be one. A bed was tucked into the corner, but the room’s beautiful proportions, light and views were never fully realized. It overlooks a gorgeous building across the street, with Rue Cler below and the pedestrian-only section just to the right, and enjoys lovely morning and afternoon sunlight. From the beginning, we knew this room deserved a more thoughtful approach, especially given its original architectural details, including a Prussian-style fireplace and elegant crown molding.
BEFORE: Here you can see the stained glass doors when they were at the entrance to bedroom 1.
BEFORE: Already the potential we saw was becoming clear.
BEFORE: Ready for the big remodel!
At the first viewing, the room felt far darker and more enclosed than it needed to be. A deep red wall on the right and extensive built-in storage lining the entire left wall made the space feel smaller and heavier. While functional, the layout didn’t allow the room to breathe or take advantage of its natural light.
DURING: The room already feeling enormous (LEFT) and starting the storage construction (RIGHT).
By removing the storage on the left and working with our trusted carpenter—one of the finest we’ve collaborated with across renovations around the world—we were able to re-imagine the room entirely. Custom built-in storage was created along the right side of the room instead, framing the bed and incorporating a desk to maximize both function and flow. With the layout simplified and the original features allowed to shine, the primary bedroom was transformed into a calm, comfortable space that feels balanced, light-filled and perfectly suited to everyday Paris living.
AFTER: Original Prussian stove adds a beautiful historic touch.
AFTER: Storage is now a part of the design instead of overwhelming the space.
As part of the redesign, it was important to think about creating a dedicated desk, to reflect the realities of modern living, whether for work, writing or planning the day ahead. Carefully considered lighting makes the space comfortable from morning through evening, and small design details—including a vintage chair reupholstered in beautiful fabric—reinforce the idea that practicality and good design can always go hand in hand.
Bathroom 1
BEFORE: The main bathroom needed a full update – and expansion.
Creating two beautiful bathrooms was a key priority in the renovation of Les Vignes, and it required both creative problem solving and technical expertise. While bathroom 1 was originally a bathroom, its footprint was quite limited. By carefully reworking the layout and shifting a wall, we were able to include a large shower while also creating room for laundry facilities, transforming it into a far more comfortable and functional space.
BEFORE:The bathroom originally had only a bathtub.
DURING: Reworking the original bathroom was a big job!
DURING: The sink was moved to the opposite wall (LEFT) and the toilet was moved to the nook below the window (RIGHT).
A major part of this process involved uncovering and working with the building’s original plumbing – something our team has extensive experience with in historic Parisian apartments. Older layouts were never designed with modern expectations in mind, often including just a single toilet for the entire apartment. Our master plumbers specialize in understanding these original systems and finding smart ways to expand them, which made it possible to add a second bathroom at Les Vignes.
AFTER: New sink with plenty of storage and large shower.
Now the bathroom is bright, elegant and thoughtfully designed. The bathroom features a spacious shower, a classic black-and-white checkered floor, a large sink with built-in storage and brass fixtures from luxury British supplier Corston.
AFTER: Bright and well-designed bathroom 1.
Located just across from the primary bedroom, it can function like an en suite by closing the doors that separate it from the living area, creating a private and peaceful suite.
AFTER: Close the doors to the living area to separate the primary bedroom and bathroom 1.
To make this magic happen, we needed to remodel the entire entryway to create plenty of storage and room for laundry facilities.
BEFORE: There was definitely restoration magic to happen to enlarge the bathroom and add space for the laundry.
DURING: Redesigning and opening up the entryway to make space for storage and laundry.
Tucked away discreetly near bathroom 1, behind glass-paneled doors, you’ll also find a washing machine and separate dryer – a true luxury in Paris.
AFTER: Adding modern comforts like a separate washer and dryer.
A Beautiful Bedroom Overlooking Rue Cler
AFTER: The lovely second bedroom at Les Vignes.
Before the renovation, the previous owners used bedroom 2 as the main bedroom – and it’s easy to see why. With its direct view toward the pedestrian-only stretch of Rue Cler and beautiful morning light pouring in, the room feels bright and cheerful. Watching the sunrise over the rooftops and the feeling of being connected to the life of the neighborhood below was something we knew this room should continue to celebrate. Storage would be key, and custom floor-to-ceiling closets were built along the wall and finished with mirrored panels to reflect light and visually expand the space.
BEFORE: A drab room that lacked warmth and style – and had limited storage.
DURING: Adding paneling for wallpaper added a historic touch.
AFTER: A room as beautiful as that iconic Parisian view deserves!
The redesign focused on enhancing that warmth and light while creating a space that feels both inviting and restful. Inspired by William Morris wallpaper, the room was conceived as a soft, welcoming cocoon, where rich colors and pattern frame the Parisian views beyond the windows. Throughout the day the room feels open and uplifting, while in the evening it naturally settles into a cozy, comfortable bedroom.
The magic of sunrise from the second bedroom at Les Vignes.
With windows that open directly onto views of Rue Cler’s pedestrian section, the second bedroom now offers a charming and versatile option – whether as a main bedroom, guest room or a beautiful secondary space within the apartment.
Adding a Second Bathroom
AFTER: Entrance to the second bathroom off the living area.
When it came time to create the second bathroom, it became one of the most dramatic transformations at Les Vignes. This space was originally the kitchen, and re-imagining it as a bathroom required both technical expertise and a clear design vision. The result is a bathroom that feels unexpectedly bright, elegant and full of character – one of the prettiest we’ve seen in Paris.
AFTER: The combination of wallpaper, elegant floor tiles, space and light make this bathroom especially lovely.
BEFORE: Remember that original kitchen? Time for the big transformation!
DURING: After removing the kitchen, the original garde-manger was visible (LEFT). View toward living area (RIGHT).
During the renovation, we uncovered a fascinating original detail beneath the window: an open, slatted space once used as a garde-manger, where food was stored to keep cool before refrigeration. Discoveries like this are a reminder of the apartment’s history and the ways Parisian buildings were originally designed.
DURING: A closer look at the garde-manger (LEFT) and transforming the space into a modern bathroom (RIGHT).
Now the second bathroom is light-filled and beautifully finished. Schumacher wallpaper adds a soft, decorative layer, while the large shower is lined with white tiles that enhance the room’s luminous feel. As in bathroom 1, high-quality brass fixtures from Corston add a touch of refinement to the design.
AFTER: Large glass enclosed shower is a seamless part of the design.
AFTER: Every detail of Les Vignes is beautifully designed!
Find Your Perfect Apartment in Paris
If life at Les Vignes sounds perfect to you, contact us to find out more more about this remarkable apartment for sale. At Paris Perfect, we love helping fellow Paris lovers find their dream home in the City of Light – whether it’s move-in ready or waiting for a complete transformation. To learn more about Les Vignes or our Property Search Services, contact us at [email protected] and let’s start the conversation!
