Discover the Art of Crafting the Perfect Office: A Personal Journey in Transforming an Old Parisian Space
Transforming a worn-down Parisian flat into the perfect office was my ultimate mission. I wanted to create a space where I could thrive in my writing career, while maintaining both happiness and optimal productivity. With the rise of remote work, I’m just one of the many individuals configuring their home offices to suit their needs.
Let me start by sharing the story of how I stumbled upon this extraordinary flat. Back in 2001, the inexplicable affordability of apartments in Paris caught my attention. On a whim, I hopped on the Eurostar from London and within days, I had secured a 37 sq m flat in one of those iconic cream-colored stone buildings, complete with wrought-iron balconies and a slate-blue roof. Built in 1890 in the Haussmannian style, my flat was a stroke of luck. I managed to acquire it just before the great cities closed their doors to journalists. Had I been 33 today instead of 53, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to own this work flat. Ironically, at that time, I didn’t particularly like Paris, nor did I plan to live there. I simply saw it as a worthwhile investment. Little did I know that my temporary stay in 2002 would turn into a permanent move. I got married in Paris, had a family with three kids, and eventually settled into a larger flat. The original purchase became my designated work space. Let’s clarify something: it’s not my “second home.” I have one home where I lack the necessary space and tranquility to work. Like other Parisian professionals such as notaries, accountants, and dentists, I repurpose an apartment as my office. Haussmannian buildings offer such flexibility, which is why they continue to thrive throughout the ages. In Paris, there are no zoning laws that prevent converting apartments into offices, and vice versa.
For the past 20 years, I’ve worked diligently in this flat, writing journalism and books at the same wooden desk that my engineer grandfather lovingly crafted for me. Every room is graced with big windows that open, providing something that I sorely missed in the horrendous Financial Times headquarters where I worked in the 1990s. Moreover, it’s perfectly situated—a mere 10-minute bike ride away from my home. Filled with natural light and a quiet ambiance, it offers a serene yet lively atmosphere. Even with my occasional screen addiction, I manage to achieve uninterrupted moments of deep thought. However, after years of use, I had to admit that the space was in dire need of renovation.
Renovating a Haussmannian apartment calls for a delicate balance of preservation and adaptation. It’s essential to retain the essence of the space. Much like the cheesy watch ad says: you never truly own a Parisian flat, you merely care for it on behalf of future generations. Fortunately, this flat had been passed down to me relatively intact. I engaged the services of architect Marine de Beaupuy, who committed to creating a “comfortable, elegant, and functional” space. In this particular case, the power dynamic between us skewed even more heavily in her favor. I possess no eye for design or practical skills and had never even purchased a design magazine. I leaned on my wife to select lamps and furniture. Together, we focused on predominantly French brands to maintain the authentic Parisian ambiance. My wife later expressed how satisfying it was to engage in a joint project without any conflicts. My main contribution to the design was the choice of colors. I aimed for subtlety and peacefulness, opting for off-white, blue, and khaki tones for the walls.
The cost of renovations far exceeded my expectations—over €100,000, equivalent to the price of the flat itself. However, I resolved to spend whatever was necessary, as I have no intention of renovating again in the future. For a space that hadn’t seen any updates for well over 50 years—there were no signs of previous renovations discovered by the builders—I refused to skimp on the preservation of its original features. The need for space in Parisian properties prompted me to seize this opportunity to sort through two decades’ worth of accumulated possessions. I discarded several items, while others found their place in marked boxes in the cellar for future use. Storage and organization became my ally in making the most of limited space.
Throughout the three months of renovations, I found myself working in a WeWork office surrounded by noisy coworkers. It served as a reminder of how much less productive I would have been during the past two decades if I had operated in a shared workspace. Occasionally, I would visit the flat to assist the builders with logistical matters, providing me with valuable insights into the inner workings of Parisian buildings. One notable experience involved accompanying an electrician in search of the building’s electrical junction box. To our surprise, we discovered it hidden inside a wall in the courtyard. Upon opening the panel, we noticed its ancient state. “From the 1960s?” I inquired. The electrician shook his head and replied, “Much earlier.”
In May, I finally reclaimed the renovated flat—a space in which I sit and write this very article. I can confidently say that it is close to being the perfect office I had envisioned. The guiding principle throughout the redesign process was to create distinct spaces within this compact flat to accommodate different types of work. One room is dedicated to writing, which I do on the very same desk that my grandfather crafted, adding a touch of homely warmth. Illuminating the desk is a Spanish-made orange terracotta-colored wall lamp by Marset. It cost €228 but brings a vibrant splash of color to the room. To keep costs down, we were mindful of the expenses associated with lighting. The main light fixture in each room is a Brera hanging lamp, priced at €320 from The Socialite Family. This filtered light suffuses the entire space, making additional floor lamps unnecessary.
The custom-made shelves surrounding my desk, crafted by skilled builders, house the books that I regularly consult for my work. These include my politics library, books on France and Britain, as well as Orwelliana. Behind closed cupboard doors lie necessary but unsightly items such as old archives, files, and stationery. By the window, there’s a sofa that serves as my post-lunch 15-minute nap spot (which occasionally extends to 20 minutes on particularly challenging days). It cost €1,299 from the Convertible Centre—a French company that delivers on its promise as the sofa effortlessly transforms into a bed when I have visiting friends or relatives.
The other room houses my expansive football library among other treasures. With close to a thousand books, I dare say it’s one of the best football libraries in the world. It played a pivotal role in researching my recent book on FC Barcelona. To ensure easy access to even the highest shelves, I keep a step ladder nearby. Otherwise, those books would serve no functional purpose.
One of the major challenges was creating sufficient space for most of my books without feeling overwhelmed by their sheer presence. De Beaupuy couldn’t fathom the extent of space I required for my collection, and I still had to leave numerous books in the cellar. Previously, I had relied on a hodgepodge of bookcases from IKEA or second-hand shops. Now, with all the shelves designed in a cohesive style, the overall effect exudes a sense of calm.
The library room also boasts a custom-sized cabinet to house my A5 reporters’ notebooks. I’ve diligently kept these notebooks since 1998, aspiring to be a historian among journalists. Each notebook is meticulously indexed, enabling me to locate past interviews with ease. These notebooks have been a valuable source of material for all my recent books.
In conclusion, the journey of creating the perfect office has been an enriching one. By preserving the essence of a Haussmannian flat while injecting personal touches, I have crafted a space that pays homage to the past while meeting the demands of the present. Even in a small Parisian flat, it’s crucial to have designated spaces for varying work requirements. The harmony and functionality that exude from this renovated space serve as a testament to the blend of history and contemporary needs.
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