Following our post on merging old and new interiors successfully, we started thinking about inspiration from other countries. We realised that the French (so chic in every way) always manage this blend - whether it be in a grand Parisian apartment that they fit with modern furniture or, as in this post, a rustic apartment renovated and brought bang up to date.

This 3-level apartment, renovated by Stirnberg Esteve Architects in Paris' Marais district features exposed original beams and brickwork sitting alongside new oak floors and modern furniture. We love how they have blended all the materials and invigorated it all with those bold blue walls.