AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

For a couple who split time between France and the USA, it had to be designer Lichelle Silvestry who crafted their très chic bolthole

- Karine Monie

For married couple Eva Smith and Louis Dubois, who hail from the United States and France respectively, deciding to live between the two countries was the obvious choice. ‘We agreed to split the year between Paris and our ranch house near Lake Michigan, where we recharge and enjoy nature ,’ says Eva. When in the French capital, the couple like to make the most of what urban life has to offer, including trying new restaurants and going out with friends, so the location of their home was key. ‘We had strict criteria in terms of neighbourhood, size and layout,’ says Eva. ‘This apartment was only the third property we saw.’ It was the arched windows that convinced them that this was the one for them. ‘They spark joy every time I look at them,’ Eva adds.

Located in the 9th arrondissement and only a few steps from the historic Rue des Martyrs, the flat is in a typical Haussmann building dating from the 1850s. The couple quickly decided they needed to do a full renovation to suit their taste. ‘I was on the hunt for someone who would understand our aesthetic,’ says Eva. ‘I spent a few weeks hunting all over social media and when I came across Lichelle Silvestry’s portfolio, I instantly fell in love.’