It’s not often that we get to share a before-and-after story twice. But every now and then, inspiration strikes again! That’s just what happened with the charming Saumur apartment, a studio with a beautiful balcony overlooking the Rue Cler market street. Our guests have always loved its clever layout, which originally featured a Murphy bed that folded down over the sofa. But we had a feeling we could take the design one step further. What if we could transform Saumur into a true one-bedroom with separate living and sleeping spaces? Paris Perfect founder Madelyn couldn’t resist the challenge!
This isn’t the first time Saumur has undergone a dramatic redesign. Back in 2018, we shared its first remodel – and now we’re back for the encore. Come along as we reveal Saumur’s latest transformation to the perfect one bedroom pied-à-terre in Paris.
Creating a New Living Room
BEFORE: Combined living room and sleeping area.
The first step in turning Saumur into a one-bedroom was creating a dedicated living space. After our first renovation, the studio layout had a clever Murphy bed, but what caught Madelyn’s attention was that the apartment was already partially divided. By replacing the closet wall with a standard wall, it would be possible to shift the layout and carve out a larger, open-plan living area.
AFTER: A new separate living space – everything needed for relaxing at home in Paris!
Saumur has always been beautifully bright thanks to its top-floor location and three sets of French doors opening onto a long balcony. In the new living area, this natural light pours in, making the space feel instantly open and inviting. We took advantage of this by incorporating mirrors—a favorite Paris Perfect design touch—to reflect the light and create a sense of depth. A large wall mirror above the sofa not only makes the room feel more spacious but also bounces light throughout the space.
AFTER: A mirrored wall is a great way to create a sense of space.
To make the most of every inch, we added a new closet at the entrance for practical storage and built-in shelving around a Paris Perfect signature detail – a framed Hermès scarf. For this remodel, we selected a scarf with colorful tones, which became the inspiration for the pink color accents in the room. Take a closer look at the Hermés scarf on this walk through tour of the Saumur with Madelyn.
AFTER: An inviting open plan living room.
To make the most of the living area space, we added an L-shaped sofa. Now you can sit back and enjoy a movie on the TV or simply take in the view through the French doors to the balcony. The layout feels more relaxed and versatile, perfect for unwinding after a day in Paris.
Decorating a Beautiful Bedroom
BEFORE: The Murphy bed opened to transform the living area into a sleeping space.
With a separate bedroom at last, the design was kept simple and elegant, making the most of both space and light. The bedroom benefits from the same top-floor location as the living room, with another set of French doors that open to the balcony. This keeps the room bright during the day and provides a charming Parisian view.
AFTER: Moving the wall created more space in the living area.
For this remodel, we also streamlined the bedroom design. The look is cleaner, the palette softer and the layout more functional, creating a calm and uncluttered atmosphere that feels distinctly Parisian.
BEFORE: The living room was full of charm and Parisian touches.
We leaned into the natural light by continuing the mirror theme here as well. A mirrored wall, centered with a striking starburst antique mirror, creates a sense of spaciousness and reflects the daylight beautifully. The mirrors also give the room a touch of glamour while maintaining a soft, welcoming feel.
AFTER: Beautiful antique touches in the bedroom.
The rest of the design focuses on comfort and practicality. Classic paneling frames the walls, while an antique chandelier adds a warm glow. Built-in shelving and a wardrobe cleverly tucked under the eaves provide storage without crowding the room. The palette of muted tones enhances the light and creates a peaceful space to unwind after a day in Paris.
AFTER: New sofa bed in the living room.
Thanks to the new layout, Saumur now offers two sleeping areas. The sofa bed in the living room opens into a comfortable double bed, giving guests the flexibility of a second sleeping space. Very versatile!
Bright Kitchen & Dining Area
BEFORE: The well-designed kitchen at Saumur after the first renovation.
The kitchen and dining area in Saumur stayed in their original footprint, but with only some small changes we were able to make a remarkable difference in the overall feeling of the space. While the layout was always efficient, the updates brought in a new sense of brightness and warmth that perfectly complements the apartment’s refreshed style.
AFTER: Simply adding new chairs can make a big change in a room.
Another key change was adding a mirrored backsplash. This is one of our favorite design tricks, especially in compact kitchens, as it reflects light and adds depth. In Saumur, it works beautifully to visually open the kitchen while echoing the apartment’s overall design theme of maximizing brightness and space.
AFTER: The mirrored backsplash makes all the difference!
We also refreshed the cabinetry in the kitchen to harmonize with the lighter palette. The updated cabinets have a crisp, clean look that feels timeless while also blending beautifully with the apartment’s Parisian charm. Subtle hardware and a refined finish add just the right amount of detail without overwhelming the small space.
BEFORE: Guests love the charming dining table in Saumur.
One of the smallest yet most impactful changes was the shift in color palette. The previous taupe paint was replaced with a rich yet bright ivory, which instantly lifted the room’s atmosphere. This change, combined with the lighter tones used throughout the apartment, created a more open environment.
AFTER: A lovely space whether you’re dining indoors our outside on the balcony.
The dining area also received a thoughtful refresh. The table stayed perfectly positioned next to the kitchen, but the dining chairs were updated in lighter colors to match the new airy palette. This simple change creates a cohesive flow from the kitchen into the dining space, making it a welcoming place to enjoy a leisurely meal or a glass of wine after a day exploring Paris.
The Balcony – As Charming as Ever!
AFTER: Step out onto the long balcony.
Some things simply can’t be improved – and Saumur’s balcony is one of them! Stretching the length of the apartment, it opens from three sets of French doors, filling the interior with light and connecting each room to the lively Rue Cler market street below. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee or sampling the day’s finds from the shops below, the view is as charming as ever. With the apartment’s new layout and refreshed interiors, the balcony feels like an extension of the living space. It’s a quintessential Parisian touch that makes Saumur so special.
AFTER: A postcard view overlooking the rooftops of Paris.
With its clever new layout and beautifully refreshed design, Saumur has entered an exciting new chapter. It’s rare for us to redesign an apartment twice, but when inspiration strikes, the results are worth sharing. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve stayed here before, you’ll love experiencing the new one-bedroom design. Plan your stay at Saumur and see why this Parisian favorite keeps inspiring us—and our guests—time and again.
Beautiful apartments and renovations!
I would like the newsletter for London and Italy as well.
Lillian Wauthier
My dad was in real estate for 50 years.
All aspects. He trained his 3 girls. We did not follow. But I love before and after!
Thanks
CO
So happy to hear you enjoy the before and after stories, Claudia!
Merci Lillian! You can sign up to our newsletter here. All three locations are in one Vacation Perfect newsletter. So if you’ve already signed up for one location, you’ll receive our combined newsletter.