Architectural Digest
United States
Allen Kirsch
Paris VII
Where Architecture Meets Artistry
7th Arrondissement, Paris
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Introduction
Where centuries
converge
Steps from Les Invalides and facing the Musée Rodin in Paris's prestigious 7th arrondissement, this Haussmann-era apartment from 1860 became the personal canvas for American interior designer and artist Allen Kirsch. Within walls that have remained architecturally untouched for over 160 years, Kirsch orchestrated a dialogue between 19th-century ornament and contemporary expression—where pristine plasterwork frames oversized abstract paintings and antique portraits observe modern furnishings in quiet conversation.
The building's six floors each house a single apartment, preserving the intimate scale of Second Empire residential life. Kirsch saw the space only once before purchasing it—during an early morning visit when eastern light flooded through four floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the original plaster moldings. That moment of light and craftsmanship sealed his vision for what this space would become.
"That moment of light and craftsmanship sealed his vision."
"With bright eastern sunlight pouring through four floor-to-ceiling windows, together with the pristine plaster moldings and large walls for my oversized artwork, it was the perfect place."
Allen Kirsch
Photo EssayA Visual Journey
A Visual Journey
Through Light and Form
A choreographed sequence of spaces where morning light becomes a design element, antique and modern engage in quiet dialogue, and every surface tells two stories—one of 1860s Paris, another of contemporary expression.
In the DetailsIn the Details
In the Details
Four Perspectives
01
The Grand Building
Architecture and Legacy
Located in the heart of the 7th arrondissement, the building dates to 1860 and exemplifies classic Haussmannian architecture—elaborate plasterwork, soaring ceilings, and the characteristic attention to proportion that defines Paris's most prestigious residential streets. The structure remains unaltered since its construction, each of its six floors containing a single apartment that preserves the original vision of 19th-century Parisian living.
02
The Atmosphere
Tone and Intention
A neutral palette of cool and warm tones—beiges, grays, and taupe—creates a serene foundation that allows the artwork to command attention while honoring the architectural bones. The exception: a chocolate-brown foyer that introduces drama upon entry and establishes a clear threshold between the building's shared spaces and the private world within.
03
The Choices
Craft and Curation
Custom furniture designed by Kirsch and fabricated by Frugier sits alongside pieces from Christian Liaigre, Maison Leleu, and Philippe Hurel. Antiques sourced from Parisian flea markets and auction houses punctuate the contemporary, while Scott Group rugs and textiles designed by Kirsch and crafted by Atelier Frances Stephenson weave continuity through every room.
04
The Wonder
Art and Observation
Throughout the apartment, a collection of antique portraits observes and endorses the abstract expressionist paintings by Kirsch himself—large-format works that find their natural home against walls built for scale. Classical sculptures rest on stone pedestals, creating moments of pause between the rhythm of old and new.
The Designer
Portrait of Allen Kirsch
Allen Kirsch
Designer & Artist
Allen Kirsch has been redefining space, light, and form for over 20 years. Known for his clean, sophisticated lines and architectural approach to design—from transforming large residential estates to designing acclaimed Chicago restaurants—Kirsch is personally involved in every step from conception to installation.
He is also a sought-after painter of multilayered abstracts whose work appears in collections from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
The Transformation
The renovation respected the architecture while refining its function for contemporary life. A partition between salon and dining room was removed to open the reception spaces. One bedroom became a dressing room; another, a study. The original bathroom was converted to a guest powder room—its walls clad in 19th-century French landscape-inspired wallpaper—while a new master bath was created in travertine marble.
New windows improved insulation, and air conditioning was discretely integrated, all without disturbing a single historic molding.
"
In every photograph, the apartment speaks. We merely listen.
Lucas Soubigou-Marie, Photographer
Vignettes
Moments in Residence
01 / 04
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01
Morning Light
The Salon
Eastern sunlight floods through four floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating pristine plaster moldings that have remained untouched for over 160 years.
Natural LightCrown MoldingsHeritage
02
Quiet Dialogue
The Reception
Antique portraits observe modern furnishings in quiet conversation—a dialogue between 19th-century ornament and contemporary expression.
Art CollectionPeriod DetailsContrast
03
Walls Built for Scale
The Gallery
Large-format abstract expressionist works by Kirsch find their natural home against walls built for scale, where pristine plasterwork frames oversized paintings.
Abstract ArtGrand ScalePlasterwork
04
Old and New
The Study
Classical sculptures rest on stone pedestals, creating moments of pause between the rhythm of old and new. Custom furniture by Kirsch sits alongside antiques from Parisian flea markets.
SculpturesCustom FurnitureAntiques
International Recognition
As Seen In
Featured in the world's most prestigious design publications
Distinguished Honor
"The 7 Most Beautiful Haussmannian Apartments in Paris"
AD France
AD France
France
AD Poland
Poland
AD Italy
Italy
AD Mexico
Mexico
Elle Decor
Spain
House & Garden
United Kingdom
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