Olga Ashby's Stunning Makeover: Transforming an Apartment with Travertine & Vintage Finds

Incorporating Timeless Elegance in Parisian Decor

When Olga Ashby decided to use travertine throughout her design for an apartment located in the prestigious seventh arrondissement on Rue de Bourgogne, she was tapping into the rich tapestry of geological heritage and modern design methodologies. Nestled just a short walk from the iconic Eiffel Tower, this project showcases Ashby’s signature style of blending natural materials with a modern aesthetic to craft spaces that are both timeless and modern.

This particular residence is set within a traditional 1900 Haussmannian building, characterized by its distinctive circular structure, which greatly influenced Ashby’s choice of materials. Her design palette was not limited to just stone; it also included stylish rattan furniture and rich, dark wooden touches. “Rattan has a sophisticated flair in Paris, and I would seize every opportunity to incorporate it into my designs,” she remarked. The selection of textiles such as chenille, velvet, and bouclé adds a variety of textures that enhance the tactile experience of the space.

Olga Ashby describes her design approach as “casually relaxed, eschewing the traditional reliance on symmetry. Paris, to me, is about an eclectic assembly of styles. Interestingly, the apartment originally lacked a functional kitchen and had a disjointed layout with the main bathroom opening onto a corridor. My goal was to create an effortlessly cozy environment, seemingly assembled over generations—without a fixed design plan, rules, or agenda. It’s a space where anyone can instantly feel the unique vibrance of Paris,” she explained.

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Ashby’s design philosophy involves a harmonious blend of modern and vintage elements, achieved by integrating contemporary furniture with antique finds and legacy pieces, such as the three aged gold-framed mirrors left by the former owner. “The historical charm of the apartment excited us to juxtapose modern furnishings and artworks with vintage pieces. I believe integrating such elements is essential to the project’s identity,” she stated.

The entire redesign took ten months, a period during which every material and piece was meticulously chosen to ensure they fit perfectly within the apartment’s dual nature of sophisticated entertainment and private tranquility.

Overall, Ashby’s work on the Rue de Bourgogne apartment is a testament to her ability to create a space that respects and revitalizes its historical context, while simultaneously embracing modern design elements that speak to contemporary living and style.