As with clothes, the way you decorate a room expresses your personality. In its most ideal form, it signals to guests how you interpret yourself. In this round of Real Cool People, Real Cool Apartments, we check out the Paris home of jewelry designer Annelise Michelson. Our intentions behind the creeping: to learn what she’s all about.
Neighborhood, # of rooms:
11th Arrondissement of Paris, 2 rooms
How long have you lived here?
Two years
What do you like about the neighborhood?
Initially, I didn’t love the neighborhood that much. But when I went to visit the apartment for the first time, I saw it was on a square that was so peaceful and green. You can hear the sound of children playing through the window, it’s a very warm sound. I’m on the second floor so I can see only trees through my window, which I love. And now the neighborhood has changed a lot, with many more cool restaurants!
Who do you live with (animals included)?
I live by myself with my books and my sculptures. They are like my friends!
What did you think about when decorating?
I’m very intuitive when it comes to decoration. I have no specific vision. I like the space I’m in to feel airy. When I was 20, I was the opposite — I packed in everything I could! Now, I like to be able to breathe. It gives me the space to think, create and imagine things. I like to bring color into the space through flowers, and I change them every week. When it comes to the walls, I prefer to keep them empty or with abstract art in a light palette. No figuratism, that’s important, because I like to have art that I can see new things in every day. There’s more freedom for the imagination.
What do you do for work?
I’m a jewelry designer, and I also make sculptures.
If we were a fly on the wall of your home for a weekend, what would we typically see?
I usually go out until late on Friday night so you would probably see me sleeping in. I try to do everything on Saturday, so what should be a relaxing day is actually quite stressful! Laundry, supermarket, gym, brunch with a friend, manicure and pedicure, then hopefully a chill dinner with friends. Sunday is about culture: I wake up and go to the farmer’s market to get fresh vegetables, then usually try to see one exhibition, if not two. And 8 p.m. every Sunday night you’ll find me at the movies. It’s my little treat. If I’m up for it, I get a Bloody Mary afterward. Another treat 🙂
What do you think your home says about you?
The first room in my flat is kind of what you’d expect from an typical Parisian apartment. Then the second room and bathroom is a complete surprise. A little bit decadent, very ’70s, sexy, with smoked mirrors, bamboo floors and the bathroom is Studio 54 personified. It looks like the film Emmanuelle (the story of a woman who has many lovers. If you don’t know it, look it up!).
Where is your favorite place in your home and why?
The bathroom! It makes me feel glamorous.
What are your favorite home “scores”?
My ceramic plates from the south of Italy because each piece is unique. The seven chairs from Niels Jorgen HAUGESEN and edited by Magis in the ‘70s. And finally my lights. They’re from Michael Anastassiades and were my biggest investment; they’re like light sculptures. I also love the store Merci, they have a mix of very different things such as Italian ceramics and great pieces of furniture. The things they sell are chic but very subtle, all handmade and limited edition.
What’s something about your home you want to change and why?
The kitchen. I think it’s dull — and it doesn’t make me want to cook!
What’s something you’ve been looking for forever but still have yet to find?
A chair to read in. It has to be comfortable but also a beautiful piece of design. When it comes to furniture, I’m very particular!
Where do you look for decorating inspiration?
I actually get a lot of information from Instagram. I love this designer Sabine Marcelis. I would get anything from her.
What’s the best piece of decorating wisdom you’ve ever heard?
The first time I moved into my own apartment when I was 18, I wanted everything to be perfect and in full harmony, and I was stressing out about how to achieve it. Overthinking per usual! My friend Violette told me: Just buy what you deeply love, and it will look like you. It’s that simple.
Photos by Bertrand Fompeyrine.
