PARISIAN BRUTALISM

Interior architect Chadi Abou Jaoude explains to KARINE MONIE what made him fall in love with this apartment in the French capital, and how he revealed its charm and full potential.

It is in the bohemian 20th arrondissement of Paris that interior architect Chadi Abou Jaoude found the space that he transformed into his personal refuge. The exterior of the building, which dates back to the 1980s, didn't initially convince the creative mind. What made Abou Jaoude take the leap is the organisation of the apartment itself - especially its outdoor area, as he has taken to gardening a lot lately. As in all big cities, finding a home with a terrace is almost an impossible task, even more so when it comes to old buildings. Abou Jaoude was persistent, however, and after a long search period, he found the right one.

Spread over 75 square meters, this apartment is accessible via the third floor and is distributed on three levels. "You enter directly in the living space, then you go down to arrive to the two bedrooms with a bathroom and an independent toilet while you go up to the terrace," describes Abou Jaoude. Overlooking the roofs of Paris, the terrace is where the magic happens. "I designed the dining area and kitchen in the veranda," he says. Ideal for gathering friends and enjoying a breath of fresh air in the middle of an urban environment, this space is a true gem surrounded by greenery.