The renovation is wrapping up. We still have a few things to do, like hang the chandeliers and curtains and reupholster a few pieces. And add some decoration, though that will always be a work in progress.
Welcome to the salon of what we are calling la Suite Barbès, because it faces rue Barbès in the Bastide of Carcassonne.


Because our building, inside and out, is historically protected, the color scheme was dictated by the Bâtiments de France. They decided our window frames and shutters would be RAL 3075, a light gray. The shutters are unusual because they’re on the inside, rather than the outside. Once they were regulation gray, the previous ecru tones just looked dirty rather than off-white. So we decided to roll with Gustavian, which is fine with me.

It was perfectly nice before, except that there was too much furniture–what happens when a family is in the same place for several generations. And the wiring was a fire hazard. And the windows all had to be replaced. And the floors redone.

The dining table is on the other side, in the same spot as before. For closeups, see here.



Between the windows, the beautiful cupboard was a family heirloom so alas we didn’t get to buy it.


We expect them to be ready for rental by Jan. 1 on AirBnB.
A beautiful renovation. Give me the nod the minute they are ready and I will put them on my blog and contact network.
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Thank you!
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I love the color choices and can’t wait to see the final look!
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Thanks! That means a lot–your place is so beautiful.
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Beautiful!! Can’t believe I am looking at a similar style mirror for my bedroom!!
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Lucky you! It’s hard to find such big, decorated mirrors. The previous owner wanted to include those two mirrors with the apartment because she thought they went so well with the decoration above.
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What a wonderful job you are doing, I love the grey it is such a light bright clean colour, hope you meet your deadline.
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The front apartment faces south and is so drenched with light that we could go pretty dark on the gray without it being oppressive.
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It is a pity one of the mirrors did not fit in my luggage…I can imagine you running down the street yelling at me to return it….
Ali
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Ha! It probably weighs twice (or thrice) what you do. And it’s taller. When they’re up on the wall, you don’t realize how huge they are, but they’re about 2 meters.
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The architecture looks firmly 18th century and somehow the Louis Philippe & Henri II furniture look perfectly at home. Lovely! You’ve not only done a wonderful job, you’ve done a *good thing*. It’s so great to see old buildings being given new life.
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Yes, the architect of Bâtiments de France said it must have been renovated in the 18th century. I have a list of the residents in 1624, so I know it was there then.
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How fabulous! Did you get that from the cadastre or other research?
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Cadastre
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So you know what the street was named then… Excellent! If one day you’re bored, try searching through google books for the address. Or for the people who lived there through geneanet. Sometimes you can find all sorts of amusing things 🙂
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The street originally was rue des Cordeliers, after the Franciscan church a block away.
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Beautiful renovation! Love this style, especially the mirror!
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Thank you! We were so lucky to get the mirrors.
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You’ve succeeded in giving a new life to a wonderful piece of history. Well done!
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Thanks! More to come.
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It’s great to see that an interior is being done well. Did you have much import or even hassle from The Powers That Be?
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The Authorities came before the work began and had to approve everything. As I said, they dictated the color of the exteriors of the windows and the shutters. We weren’t allowed to change walls or to put, say, a bathroom anyplace but in the former service hallway. They will be back to inspect when it’s done.
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Gorgeous!
I just recently moved to a new place in Paris, and I need to do pretty much the same… paint, change the floors, change the windows and fix the wiring cause it’s just awful!
We can’t wait to be done, but it’s totally worth it!
Looking forward to see the place finished 😉
x
Ylenia
Ambitieuse Paris
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Good luck! Too bad you’re too far to use my wonderful painter and electrician.
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The place looks great!! Just saw the finished product and it is AMAZING! Great job!
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Thank you! It’s for rent!!!
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absolutely stunning, pinterest inspiration worthy for sure!
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