< Previous58 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN A FAMILY HOME IN PARIS ELEGANCE BEHIND HISTORIC WALLS Hidden away behind elegant façades in Paris’s 9th arrondisse- ment lies an architectural rarity. This is where the renowned photography historian Emmanuelle de l'Ecotais, together with her husband and four children, has created a home that combines art, architecture and family life in a very special way.VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 59 Home story – Paris The red velvet sofa is an eye-catching feature in the entrance hall with its 19th-century stucco ceiling. The inner courtyard with antique garden furniture and Provençal flower pots is a haven of peace in the heart of Paris. View of the corridor connect- ing the entrance with the living area – lined with vintage mirrors and works of art. building from the early 19th century forms the impres- sive backdrop for an ex- traordinary residence: Art Deco architecture with arches, stucco and majestic vaults meets contemporary design and a lively family atmosphere. Designed by Jean-François Chalgrin, the architect of the Arc de Triomphe, the property is tucked away behind a cob- bled driveway – an oasis that retains the charm of bygone times while allowing you to feel the pulse of the present. Photography takes centre stage “Photography has always been my great passion,” says Emmanuelle, who found- ed the Paris photo festival Photo Days in 2020 and managed the photographic collection at the Musée d’Art Moderne for several years. Even as an art history student, she scoured flea markets and fairs in search of special pieces. Later, she spent several years at the Centre Pompidou looking after the archives of Man Ray – an artist who continues to influence her to this day. Some of his works now hang in her Parisian home, alongside photographs by Elger Esser, Pierre Gonnord and Valérie Belin. Space for surprises The interior was designed to reflect this artistic heritage. French architect Marie Deroudilhe, known for her clear, time- less style, was commissioned for the project. She restored the historical ele- ments, retained the polished concrete floor, had the ceilings and walls painted a matt white and opened up the rooms to let in new light. The real magic lies in the spatial com- position. Deroudilhe moved the en- trance beneath the six-metre-high vaults of the carriage portico. Behind it, a corridor leads to the spacious living and dining area – both are located in the inner courtyard under a glass roof. The result was a “room under the A60 | VON POLL IMMOBILIENVON POLL REAL ESTATE | 61 Home story – Paris open sky”: with no traditional windows, but with impressive landscape photo- graphs on the walls that bring nature into the house. “It was meant to be a place where art and everyday life merge,” Emmanuelle says. In fact, the living area looks like a gallery – and yet like a cosy family living room. Courage and balance The furniture is a mix of classics and iconic design pieces. Pierre Paulin’s or- ange Mushroom Chair stands on a mon- umental carpet by Michel Boyer, flanked by armchairs from the 1960s. They’re joined by a neutral sofa by Cassina, the legendary coffee table by Pierre Chapo, and the filigree Arco lamp by the Cas- tiglioni brothers. Exciting contrasts also dominate the dining area – with a specially designed table in XXL format and elegant chairs by Patrick Jouin, accompanied by a brass and steel shelf. Photos by Elger Esser and ceramics by Picasso hang on the walls. “It’s this two-way dialogue between con- trasts that inspires me,” Emmanuelle tells us. “It was meant to be a place where art and everyday life can merge with each other.” Beneath the glass roof, a bright living space unfolds in which design classics, works of art and family life interact in lively harmony.Bar area with historic bistro counter made of wood and zinc; stools based on a design by Pierre Chapo.VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 63 Home story – Paris Retreats full of character The house extends over several levels covering around 300 m². The basement houses a spa, gym and private cinema. Upstairs are the family’s private rooms. The master bedroom overlooks the gar- den and the bathroom is clad in shim- mering bluish marble. A staircase leads to the mezzanine, where there is a min- imalist wardrobe and a studio featuring designs by Philippe Starck and Patrick Jouin. The garden itself is a haven of peace with antique furniture, Provençal vases and an atmosphere reminiscent of summers in the south of France. This is where the family enjoys sunny afternoons and convivial evenings with friends. A home that inspires Despite all the art and design icons, the house remains one thing above all else: a vibrant family home. Children’s laugh- ter mingles with the silence of the stu- dio, and among original works by Man Ray and Ansel Adams, the everyday is as much at home as the extraordinary. “Art is no museum piece; it’s part of life,” Emmanuelle says. Her Parisian home is the best proof of this: a place that com- bines history and modernity, full of in- spiration, warmth and spirit. Custom-built kitchen with marble counter- top; photographs by Man Ray and contemporary artists on the walls. “It’s this two-way dialogue between contrasts that inspires me.”64 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN 1 Floor lamp “Gold Sphere” from maisonsdumonde.com, approx. €129 2 Candle holder by Stoff Nagel via connox.de, approx. €200 3 Serum “Golden Lift” by Lancaster via flaconi.de, approx. €71 4 Side table “Uno” by Kare Design via westwing.de approx. €179 5 Perfume by Maison Francis Kurkdjian via flaconi.de, approx. €115 6 Body mist by Dr Vranjes Firenze via raumconceptstore.com, approx. €59 EXQUISITE GIFTS FOR LADIES Gift ideas 5 2 3 1 4 6VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 65 Gift ideas VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 65 1 Portable table lamp by &Tradition via connox.de, approx. €170 2 Wine decanter by eto via raumconceptstore.com, approx. €169 3 Poker set by Printworks via raumconceptstore.com, approx. €79 4 Perfume “MYSLF L’Absolu” by Yves Saint Laurent via flaconi.de, approx. €84 5 Ice bucket by GioBagnara via raumconceptstore.com, approx. €365 6 Bar trolley “S179” by chairmondo, via thonet.de, approx. €2,350 STYLISH IDEAS FOR GENTS 5 2 3 1 4 666 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN66 | VON POLL IMMOBILIEN Gift ideas 1 Pullover by Scotch & Soda via nickis.com, approx. €78 2 Children’s chair “S 43 K” by Thonet via connox.de, approx. €300 3 Chest of drawers “Spacious” by HKLIVING via westwing.de, approx. €1,350 4 Hand-woven viscose rug “Jane” via westwing.de, approx. €1,299 5 Table lamp “Emendo LED” from Eva Solo via connox.de, approx. €220 6 Modular play sofa for children “Mila” by Funzy via über westwing.de, approx. €400 7 Beanbag “Essaouira” by Nobodinoz via connox.de, approx. €130 TRENDS & IDEAS FOR BOYS 1 2 3 4 6 7 5VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 67VON POLL REAL ESTATE | 67 Gift ideas 1 Blanket by freistil via connox.de, approx. €419 2 Children’s rug “Gobi” by benuta via westwing.de, approx. €65 3 Single bed “Tayla” from westwing.de, approx. €1,849 4 Table lamp “Funiculi” by marset via connox.de, approx. €239 5 Pouf by Normann Copenhagen via connox.de, approx. €446 6 Bum bag “Portofino” by Nobodinoz via connox.de, approx. €50 HIGHLIGHTS FOR GIRLS 1 2 3 5 4 6Next >