A stylish room featuring a stone desk, a modern brown chair, art, a sculpture, and a glass, with warm, natural lighting.

A Harmonious Tapestry of Craft and Design: The Renovation of a Parisian Gem

Words by Yatzer

Paris, France

French architect Jonathan Stene Burger and Greek-French architect Elena Alexopoulos, the duo behind the Paris-based studio STENE ALEXOPOULOS may have been practicing together for only a few years but they have already established a reputation thanks to their dedication to craftsmanship and materiality. Working in collaboration with local artisans, the duo imbues each project with a profound appreciation for natural materials and bespoke design. Case in point, this 1940s apartment in the heart of Paris' 2nd arrondissement which they reimagined by marrying the building's mid-century roots with a deeply artisanal, contemporary sensibility.

A stylish workspace featuring a framed artwork, a glass of water, and a bust sculpture, all set against flowing curtains.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A modern kitchen featuring a unique stone table, wooden cabinets, and vintage-style chairs under copper pendant lights.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A cozy dining area features a table with a textured base, copper pendant lights, vintage chairs, and decorative art pieces.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A clear wine glass with a gold base sits on a textured tabletop, with a colorful framed artwork in the background.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

Cozy workspace featuring a brown chair, a textured table, art pieces, a glass, and soft natural light filtering through sheer curtains.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

The renovation takes its cues from the legendary architect Carlo Scarpa, whose work often blurred the lines between sculpture and space. Underpinning the scheme is an earthy palette of warm walnut wood, verdant Indian marble, raw concrete, and solid oak parquet that combines warmth and modernity. The beauty of these raw natural materials is enhanced by the bespoke furnishings that Alexopoulos and Burger custom-designed for the project, most prominently a concrete dining table that serves as both a functional piece and a work of art. Cast on-site and inlaid with green marble, the table features rounded corners and a fluted, column-like base, comprising a bold interplay of weight and fluidity. A green marble bench and bathroom washbasin, also crafted on site, further underscore the meticulous, handcrafted approach.

A close-up of a modern table with a textured green surface and a beige stone edge, accompanied by a curved brown chair.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A wooden cabinet features a green marble niche displaying a white bust and books, showcasing modern design elements.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

Modern kitchen featuring wood cabinetry, green stone accents, a copper pendant light, and a sculptural bust on a shelf.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

Modern kitchen featuring wooden cabinetry, green stone hood, minimalist sink, and artistic shelves with books and sculptures.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

Modern kitchen featuring a dark green stone hood, wooden cabinets, a white countertop, and open shelving with minimal decor.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A modern living space featuring a cozy beige sofa, a sleek wooden kitchen, and a stylish globe lamp on a tripod stand.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A stylish wooden shelf displays stacked books and two elegant glass goblets, creating a cozy, refined atmosphere.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A cozy interior featuring a beige tufted sofa, wooden shelves with books and sculptures, a sleek lamp, and walnut cabinetry.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

The fusion of bespoke furnishings with carefully curated pieces adds layers of character to the interior. Artisanal chairs from Greece's Skyros Island sit alongside Florentine plasterwork, while vintage Eames chairs and iconic Grundig spherical speakers introduce elements of mid-century modern flair. A painting by renowned Greek artist Fassianos and a Roche Bobois sofa further enrich the space, creating a dialogue between art and design. This eclectic approach honours the past while confidently embracing the future, exemplifying STENE ALEXOPOULOS' dedication to creating environments that are not only aesthetically pleasing but deeply personal.

  • A cozy beige sofa with tufted fabric sits beside a round black coffee table stacked with magazines in a softly lit room.

    Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

  • Cozy living room featuring a plush beige sectional sofa, a round black coffee table with magazines, and two wooden chairs beside a window.

    Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

  • A cozy beige tufted sofa with a round glass-top coffee table and a sleek metallic lamp in a minimalistic, warmly lit room.

    Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

Three stacked books on a dark green marble ledge, with "Le petit matin" on top, bathed in soft natural light.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A cozy bedroom corner featuring a marble headboard, a sculptural bust, gold sconce, and soft linen curtains.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A modern bathroom featuring a white sink, wall-mounted storage, and a green marble wall, enhancing the minimalist aesthetic.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A minimalist bathroom featuring a green stone vanity, wood cabinetry, and artistic accents, illuminated by a modern light fixture.

Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

  • A modern bathroom corner featuring green marble walls, a wooden panel, and a small framed artwork on a white wall.

    Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

  • A luxurious shower featuring rich dark green marble walls and sleek stainless steel fixtures, creating a modern spa-like ambiance.

    Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

  • A white bust sculpture sits atop stacked design books beside a dark green textured wall, partially obscured by sheer curtains.

    Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

  • A modern bathroom corner featuring green marble walls, a wooden panel, and a small framed artwork on a white wall.

    Photography by Clément Gérard (Oracle Paris).

A Harmonious Tapestry of Craft and Design: The Renovation of a Parisian Gem