Lumiera
Lumiera

The journal

Advice, behind the scenes and inspiration for your renovation.

Chambres de bonne and the Sixth Floor: The History and Renaissance of a Parisian Square Metre

Chambres de bonne and the Sixth Floor: The History and Renaissance of a Parisian Square Metre

Beneath the rooftops of Paris, the chambre de bonne tells the story of a vertical society. History, constraints and practical ways to bring these compact spaces back to life.

Read article
Parquet, Mouldings, Fireplace: Restoring the Heritage Trio (and Finding the Right Craftspeople)

Parquet, Mouldings, Fireplace: Restoring the Heritage Trio (and Finding the Right Craftspeople)

Restoring parquet, mouldings and a fireplace in a period Paris apartment: diagnosis, heritage craft techniques, specialist artisans and the coordinator’s role.

Read article
MaPrimeRénov' and 2026 grants: what Paris property owners can claim

MaPrimeRénov' and 2026 grants: what Paris property owners can claim

MaPrimeRénov', éco-PTZ, reduced-rate TVA, Paris grants and MaPrimeRénov' Copro: a clear overview of 2026 renovation aid for property owners in Paris.

Read article
Reading a Parisian Building’s Age in Its Details: A Quick Dating Guide

Reading a Parisian Building’s Age in Its Details: A Quick Dating Guide

Ironwork, stairwells, tiling, crémones: learn to date a Parisian building by its details and recognise its period through a few reliable clues.

Read article
Project Manager, Interior Architect, General Contractor: Who Does What?

Project Manager, Interior Architect, General Contractor: Who Does What?

Project manager, interior architect or general contractor: who should you hire for a Paris renovation? Roles, differences and a clear method for choosing the right partner.

Read article
Renovating a Period Apartment Without Stripping Away Its Character: What to Preserve, What to Modernise

Renovating a Period Apartment Without Stripping Away Its Character: What to Preserve, What to Modernise

How to renovate a period apartment without losing its charm: what to preserve, what to modernise first, and the irreversible mistakes to avoid in Paris.

Read article
Improving the DPE of a Period Apartment: Insulation, Windows and Heating

Improving the DPE of a Period Apartment: Insulation, Windows and Heating

Gain energy ratings without compromising period character: moulding-friendly insulation, heritage double glazing, heating and ventilation in Paris.

Read article
Renovating a Studio or Chambre de Bonne in Paris: Optimising Every Square Metre

Renovating a Studio or Chambre de Bonne in Paris: Optimising Every Square Metre

Renovating a Paris studio or chambre de bonne: rethinking the layout, creating space with mezzanines and bespoke joinery, budgets and micro-space pitfalls.

Read article
Renovating in a Paris Co-Owned Building: Approvals, the Syndic and Common Areas

Renovating in a Paris Co-Owned Building: Approvals, the Syndic and Common Areas

Renovating in a Paris co-owned building: what is your responsibility, what falls to the syndic or the general meeting, which works require approval, and how to secure your project.

Read article