An Alchemy of Neoclassicism & Minimalism in Paris

Architectural…

writing frequently emphasizes the idea of a “seamless indoor and outdoor transition” in homes, where the building’s design and interior reflect the local environment, creating a sense of freedom and connection with nature. This concept is beautifully embodied in the plans for an apartment block in Paris’ 7th arrondissement. Here, the integration of indoor and outdoor living is approached in a distinctive and literal manner: the building’s own 18th-century facade has significantly influenced the design of the living spaces. The result is a stately and refined aesthetic that harmonizes the interior and exterior, characterized by a palette of white and minimalist elements, yet rich in tonal variations and textures.

The original…

façade of the Belvedere Apartments was the primary source of inspiration for interior designer Brent Lee, whose studio operates in Sydney, Australia, with an additional office in Los Angeles. The young firm has a strong reputation for elevating residential interiors to places of peace and tranquillity, boldly stripping back extraneous elements and carefully adding delicate ornamentation to places that harness natural light – such as ceilings, fireplaces and shelving – to stretch the limits of vision and articulate artistic individuality.

This large-scale…

project, still in its conceptual stage, calls for the renovation and development of all the Belvedere’s residential apartments, along with the building’s own restaurant/bar. In response to this ambitious brief, Studio Brent Lee has drawn inspiration from a variety of styles across a broad timeline of art history, including the scale and grandeur of classic Roman architecture, the subtlety and restraint of mid-to-late 18th-century French Neoclassical design, and the holistic sensitivity of Belgian minimalist philosophy.

Sculptural Interior Architecture | DPAGES

Throughout…

each apartment, graceful sweeping curves are matched with bold, square-edged volumes in a way that creates coalescence rather than tension. Organic and irregular forms, artworks and furniture pieces create a sense of movement and excitement within living spaces. Contrasting textures including natural wood grain, supple boucle wool, soft linen, and rough-cut stone – enhance this visual spectacle in a stringently neutral and earthy environment that fully encourages tactile exploration.

Belvedere Apartments by Brent Lee | DPAGES

For Brent Lee…

the general structure and layout of an interior space should instill a strong sense of artistry. His extensive use of arches is not merely pragmatic; they serve as structural supports and ‘room openers’ while being strategically incorporated as visual devices that bring new perspectives into focus—whether it be a grand dining room, a quiet bedroom, or a panoramic view of the Eiffel Tower.

This notion…

of ‘framing’ areas of interest is a defining feature of the design project, achieved not only through dramatic arches but also emphasized by smaller handcrafted elements such as fluted architraves, sculpted cornices, and chamfered skirting, all echoing the decorative aspects of the building’s historic Neoclassical facade. Raw ‘as found’ surfaces contribute significantly to a sense of history and authenticity. While a bathroom may feature a monumental rough-cut solid stone sink, the public restaurant elevates this texture with raw, ‘crumbling’ stone walls, evoking the feeling of being nestled within hidden historical ruins. An amber-lit cavernous nook, adorned with oak-paneled walls and modern recessed lighting, adds a touch of signature decadence to the studio’s classic vision, expertly introducing warmth, comfort, and innovation into purist architectural principles. As the designer notes, “All rooms are tailored specifically for their individual layouts, making every residence an absolute one-off.”