Architectural Cases

Experience Parisian Grandeur: Your Chance to Own a Piece of 'Emily in Paris' History

Embracing the Parisian Dream: A Property with Fictional Allure

For those captivated by the romanticized Parisian lifestyle depicted in the hit series Emily in Paris, an extraordinary opportunity has arisen. An exclusive residence within the very building where the show's protagonist, Lily Collins's character, Emily Cooper, resides, is now available for purchase. This rare offering provides fans and discerning buyers alike the chance to immerse themselves in the elegance of Parisian living, albeit in a more spacious and opulent setting than the on-screen portrayal.

Beyond the Screen: An Apartment of Unrivaled Scale and Splendor

While Emily Cooper's on-screen abode is a charming, yet petite, fifth-floor walk-up, this newly listed unit offers a dramatic contrast. Spanning just under 2,000 square feet, this three-bedroom apartment occupies the third floor of the esteemed building on Place de L'Estrapade in Paris's prestigious fifth arrondissement. Its generous proportions and commanding views overlooking the picturesque square, a location central to memorable scenes like Emily's birthday dinner in the second season, set it apart as a truly remarkable property.

A Canvas of History and Modern Comfort: Architectural Highlights

The interior of this sun-drenched residence beautifully marries historical elegance with contemporary conveniences. Boasting classic Parisian details such as an ornate fireplace, rich parquet flooring, and distinctive cast iron radiators, the apartment exudes timeless charm. The kitchen is a study in minimalist sophistication, equipped with sleek white cabinetry and high-end appliances, while the primary suite offers a private sanctuary complete with a dressing room and a luxurious en-suite bathroom featuring a deep soaking tub, a chic black shower, and a double-sink vanity. Furthermore, the inclusion of a separate studio apartment presents versatile options, whether for expansion, guest accommodation, or a dedicated workspace.

A Spacious Sanctuary: Contrasting Fictional and Real-Life Paris Living

This expansive dwelling marks a significant departure from the quaint, top-floor unit inhabited by Emily in the series. Darren Star, the creator of Emily in Paris, has previously shed light on the inspiration behind Emily's fictional apartment, noting its design as a nod to the traditional "chambre de bonne" or maids' rooms found on the uppermost floors of Parisian buildings. These spaces, while often offering stunning views and a romantic, pitched-ceiling aesthetic, are inherently compact. In stark contrast, this third-floor apartment offers abundant space, making it a perfect setting for luxurious living or even accommodating a film crew, should one desire to capture their own Parisian narrative.

In Los Angeles, Peter Harper and Michael Breland, the creative minds behind the design firm Breland-Harper, have meticulously revitalized a historic Mediterranean Revival residence. Their approach to transforming their own home encapsulates a deep respect for the structure's past, while simultaneously integrating modern design sensibilities. This balance is evident in their careful preservation of original features and the thoughtful incorporation of both antique and custom-made elements, creating a space that feels both timeless and distinctly contemporary.

A Symphony of Past and Present: Inside Breland-Harper's Los Angeles Abode

In the vibrant city of Los Angeles, designers Peter Harper and Michael Breland embarked on a journey to transform a historic Mediterranean Revival home into a testament to their unique design philosophy. The duo, partners in both life and their firm Breland-Harper, infused the residence with a blend of classical influences and modern aesthetics, all while honoring its rich past.

Their collaboration began in architecture school at the University of Southern California, leading them to establish their own design practice in 2019. This particular home, originally owned by a dedicated preservationist, presented a rare opportunity to acquire a property with deep historical roots, a rarity in Los Angeles's ever-evolving landscape. The previous owner, Patricia Adler-Ingram, left behind a terraced garden flourishing with ancient oak trees, a productive vineyard, and climbing white roses, elements that Harper and Breland were committed to preserving.

Upon acquiring the residence, the designers discovered hidden treasures beneath layers of more recent alterations. A pink carpet in the entryway gave way to an indigo terrazzo floor adorned with mother-of-pearl inlays, while 1980s white tiles in the breakfast room concealed a diamond-patterned terrazzo. These unearthed details became foundational to their renovation, guiding their efforts to restore the home's original character. Furthermore, removing heavy window coverings allowed natural light to flood the interiors, transforming the ambiance and highlighting the surrounding picturesque vistas.

While embracing modern conveniences such as updated electrical systems, air conditioning, and a second dishwasher for entertaining, the couple adhered to a "do no harm" principle. This ethos ensured that any contemporary additions complemented the house's original spirit without compromising its historical integrity. For instance, the home's Prohibition-era speakeasy was thoughtfully reimagined into an open bar area, equipped with Mexican recycled glass barware, perfect for gatherings. The original basket-weave tiled floors in the bathrooms were retained, and the overall layout remained largely untouched, demonstrating their belief that excessive intervention can unravel a home's inherent charm.

The interiors are a curated blend of eras and origins. The living room features the custom-designed Henry Sofa, named after their beloved poodle, alongside a 19th-century Neapolitan Mecca mirror and 18th-century Mexican silver altar candlesticks, creating a dialogue between different historical periods. In the library, a wall of bookshelves provides a cozy retreat, offering views of both the meticulously maintained garden and the distant modern skyline, prompting reflection on Los Angeles's evolving history. The inclusion of contemporary art, such as a Donald Judd chair and a Catherine Opie photograph, alongside a diverse collection of indigenous baskets from various Californian tribes, underscores their appreciation for both modern design and the cultural heritage of the region. Harper eloquently describes Los Angeles as a "beautifully complex milieu," a crossroads of cultures that is vividly reflected in their thoughtfully designed home.

This architectural narrative beautifully illustrates how careful preservation and thoughtful contemporary design can coexist, creating a living space that tells a compelling story of history, personal style, and a deep connection to its locale. It serves as an inspiring example for those looking to honor the past while embracing the present in their own living environments.