Before/After: This Apartment Seemed Destined to Stay Dark – The Result Is Spectacular

A practical yet aesthetic, Brune’s Lyon apartment asserts a strong identity guided by the liberation of spaces and the subtle balance between colors, materials, and organic shapes.

A 50-square-meter apartment that lacked light

Composed of four rooms arranged along a long blind corridor, the dwelling was dark. The evident lack of light resulted from a constricted layout that reduced the fluidity of circulation. A complete restructuring was necessary. The openings bordered in black visually emphasized the division of volumes and conveyed an outdated décor.

With the help of architect Aude Dumont, Brune completely rethought this 50 m² home. On the dining side, the curved lines play with their contours. Table “Adriano” and chairs “Maia,” NV Gallery; tableware Kave Home; a custom banquette painted in the Split Pink 341 color by Little Greene and covered, in harmony with the cushions, in fabrics “Nimbus” and “Raito” from Casamance; wall lamps “Orr Nordique,” Las Sola.

Before/After: a brighter living room, thanks to color

The fireplace and the parquet needed a serious cleansing to restore their original luster. Nestled between the window and the fireplace, the full-height cabinet was imposing.

Painted in the color “Light Bronze Green No. 123” by Little Greene, the custom desk fits perfectly into the living space. It becomes a decorative element again in the evening thanks to sliding doors that conceal the technical area. Lounge chair “Baron,” NV Gallery. The thread running through the space is a natural color palette that found strong expression in the living room. Warm textures and rounded shapes complete this soothing ambiance. Coffee table “Rodi” and rug “Leygil,” La Redoute Intérieurs; curtains AM.PM; cushions Casamance. On the mantel, lamp “Dejsa” Ikea; vase “Le Dôme,” Cosin.

Open to the living area, the linear kitchen benefits from the brightness of the two windows. Light wood subtly highlights the beige façades and echoes the original oak parquet. Brass details bring a chic touch. Kitchen Ikea; handles La Quincaillerie; cutting board “Temira” and plate “Mireni,” Kave Home. On the sofa, cushions “Raito” and “Nimbus,” Casamance; throw “Oreli,” Kave Home.

Before/After: a bedroom conducive to rest

The room, divided by partitions, included a blind area whose function wasn’t defined. This configuration significantly limited the possibilities for layout. The long corridor hinted at the apartment through a sequence of small spaces whose distribution followed a convoluted footprint. This arrangement caused a noticeable loss of space due to the numerous partitions.

Dressed in delicate tones and subtle patterns, the bedroom invites rest and daydreaming. The existing niche was given a makeover with Farrow & Ball’s Green French Gray. Wallpaper “Ressemblance,” Lelièvre; bedding and coverlet, Bonsoirs; pendant light “Victor Rod,” TossB; pair of candlesticks “Ganache” black and white, Cosin. The circulation space leading to the bedroom was transformed into a dressing room whose doors and ceiling were clad in a very dark indigo blue. Paint “Dock Blue,” Little Greene; dressing unit Ikea; handles La Quincaillerie. By the window, the niche framing the bed includes a desk that benefits from natural light. Chair “Maia,” NV Gallery.

Now adjacent to the bedroom, the bathroom sinks into a marine-inspired atmosphere thanks to the use of light blue. Tile “Plein Ciel Glossy,” Surface; geometric Scandinavian tile “Scandy Blue,” As de Carreaux. The black details graphically emphasize the overall look. Faucetry Masalledebain.com; liquid soap Fer à Cheval.