With limewashed walls that recreate the aged elegance of Haussmannian homes, stepping inside this apartment in New York feels like you’ve been transported to Paris. Creating a meaningful interior within an architectural icon is a delicate balancing act; this was the task that faced designer Guillaume Coutheillas, founder of frenchCALIFORNIA, when he was asked to craft a scheme for an apartment in the Selene tower in New York City. His vision was to combine the energy of New York with the elegance of a Parisian home, creating a multilayered environment that felt effortlessly luxurious and deeply personal.
To achieve this, he brought in European‑style elements while working in harmony with the tower’s architecture and skyline views; floor‑to‑ceiling windows played a major role in shaping the design, so he opted for low‑profile furniture, muted tones and sculptural lighting that enhance rather than distract from the natural backdrop. Coutheillas defined Parisian style as understated luxury and a curated mix of past and present, and applied that sensibility here, sourcing vintage furniture from France and Italy and pairing it with contemporary collectibles. Custom limewash paints in earthy tones add warmth and textural richness; vintage pieces from 1stDibs, Chairish and Etsy sit comfortably alongside modern designs from the frenchCalifornia collection. Click here for a full home tour. – Jessica Doyle
Design tip: Pair limewashed walls and vintage furniture with low‑profile, muted‑tone pieces and sculptural lighting so that dramatic floor‑to‑ceiling views remain the star of the room.
Orior’s Craft‑Forward Penthouse – Brooklyn
The design team from Orior had carte blanche to bring an Orior environment to life in their first interior design project. The penthouse overlooks iconic Brooklyn bridges and the East River, and the designers introduced organic materials—oak, walnut, Irish green marble, Portuguese limestone, brass, bronze and Irish crystal—to the space. Curved silhouettes, neutral tones and soft textures were used to create a warm, inviting interior that contrasts with rigid geometric lines. Referencing Ireland and nature with curves and organic forms, they aimed for a calm interior. Custom rugs and sculptural lighting were chosen for their low profiles, allowing pale oak floors and a spiralling staircase to stand out. Layers of chocolate browns, mossy green, mustard, pinks and reds introduce dynamism. In the main bedroom, a brown velvet and pink leather trimmed bed, olive velvet chair, and custom oak stools sit alongside triple layers of window treatments. Click here for a full home tour. – Hannah Newton