The journal
Advice, behind the scenes and inspiration for your renovation.
The History of the Haussmannien Apartment: Origins, Codes and Why It Still Captivates
How the haussmannien apartment came to be, the architectural codes that define it, and what its history means when renovating in Paris today.
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The Parisian Artist’s Studio: A History of Verrières and North Light
The rise of artists’ studios in Montmartre and Montparnasse, the secret of the verrière and north light, and how to renovate a studio without betraying its soul.
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The 7 Steps to a Successful Renovation: From First Visit to Key Handover
The 7 steps of an apartment renovation in Paris, from the first visit to key handover: a clear roadmap for approaching each phase of the project with confidence.
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Tracking Your Renovation with Complete Transparency: What Digital Tools Change
Real-time photos, schedules and messaging: how digital tracking brings opaque renovation sites to an end and transforms the renovation experience in Paris.
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Prior Declaration, Building Permit, Mandatory Architect: The Steps in Paris
Prior declaration or building permit in Paris? Surface-area thresholds, mandatory architect, protected districts and ABF: a clear guide to approvals before works.
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How Long Does a Full Renovation Take? A Realistic Room-by-Room Schedule
How long does a full apartment renovation in Paris take? Realistic timelines by project, a typical works schedule, causes of delay and advice for staying on track.
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Zinc Roofs and Mansardes: A History of Paris’s Vertical Landscape
Zinc, mansardes and the craft of Parisian roofers: the story of the city’s blue-grey vertical landscape, and what it means for renovation.
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Opening Up the Kitchen in a haussmannien Apartment: Load-Bearing Walls, Constraints and Preserved Charm
Opening up the kitchen in a haussmannien apartment without compromising its charm: load-bearing wall survey, IPN beam installation, copropriété approval, extractor hoods in period buildings, budget and timelines.
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Soundproofing in Paris: Restoring Calm to Period Apartments
Neighbour noise, creaking parquet, busy streets: how to soundproof an old Paris apartment without compromising parquet or mouldings. 2026 solutions and budgets.
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