Homes: Better out than in - in pictures

Housed in an 1860s Haussmann building, close to the Gare du Nord, this spacious family apartment mixes old-school Parisian glamour with contemporary touches. Owners Ivan Duval – one half of cool design duo Atypyk – and Bridgette Comazzi, former creative director of chic fashion emporium Comptoir des Cotonniers, ripped out the dated 60s decor when they moved in four years ago with their 12-year-old twin boys. The original parquet in the living room had been patched with concrete and painted brown, when central heating pipes had been laid years earlier. Duval stripped back the paint and left the concrete as it was, injecting a rustic edge to the refined surroundings. Bistro chairs from eBay sit beside rusting antique signs found on the street and a Rosy Angelis lamp by Philippe Starck.
Photograph: Paul Raeside

As you step into the hallway, the curved deco walls darken to a thundery grey. “The apartment is light,” Duval says, “so it can really take darker shades.” (Farrow & Ball’s Downpipe is a good match). Another wall has been coated in blackboard paint (try Rust-Oleum’s chalkboard spray paint) and is adorned with scribbles in various languages from visitors.
Photograph: Paul Raeside

In the boys' bedroom, twin beds sit underneath a montage of family photographs that run the length of the room. The steel-grey walls continue even in here.
Photograph: Paul Raeside

Duval and Comazzi trawl flea markets for antique glassware, books and curios, but they are mindful not to overfill their home with “stuff”. They have kept the decor simple (ample storage in the form of built-in cupboards helps) and are selective about what to display, giving away brightly coloured lamps, cushions and furniture that no longer suit their lifestyle. This pared-back aesthetic allows the grand architectural features to breathe and leaves plenty of room for visitors – the couple even held their wedding reception here two years ago. “Our previous home was far smaller and it took us a while to get used to the size when we moved in,” Duval says. “We behaved like guests for a few weeks. We love the space now, but would rather fill it with people than things.” Photograph: Paul Raeside