We are always excited to connect with our readers, who are scattered around the world, and to be invited to peek inside their lovingly designed homes. Rahila Asfa’s Paris apartment is an absolute gem. Constructed in the 1850s, the building is in the Haussmann style of architecture which is prevalent in central Paris. The apartment building nestles in the heart of the city and embodies the Parisian ethos. It is, in fact, housed behind one of those charming Parisian facades, with pretty balconies, that line the city streets and have tourists like me imagining what lies within.
An academician by training and a free-lancer by choice, Rahila shares the apartment with her husband. “Ever since we found out we were moving to Paris, I dreamed of living out our full Parisian dream in a classic Haussmann-style-apartment and here we are, making it real.”
How long have you lived in this beautiful apartment?
I have been living in this apartment for a little over two years now, long enough to know exactly how and when the sunlight hits our bedroom and kitchen in the morning. And which parquet floorboard creaks when you walk in the middle of the night. Honestly, it still feels surreal, as if we are living inside a vintage podcast with wi-fi. And I still look at the ceiling mouldings like it’s the first time.
Share the history of the apartment with us.
Well Paris city is all about culture and culture is all history here from structures to lifestyle. We are living in a Haussmannian apartment, right in the heart of Paris on a quintessential street lined with musical shops at the ground level. This quarter is known for its artistic atmosphere, where creativity seems to flow through every corner.
The building itself was featured in one of Claude Monet’s paintings, titled La Gare Saint-Lazare. In this he reflected on the transformations brought on by the industrial revolution. Today, this iconic painting is displayed at the Musée Marmottan.
Haussmannian architecture, which reshaped Paris during the great urban renovation, was led by Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann under Napoleon III.
This apartment is a classic example of the mid-19th century Haussmannian style, built during the sweeping urban transformation of Paris in the 1850s. Haussmann’s vision emphasised harmony and grandeur: uniform stone façades, wrought iron balconies, tall French windows, and intricate interior details.
Inside, the high ceilings are framed with decorative mouldings, parquet flooring in herringbone patterns, and spacious rooms arranged with both symmetry and elegance. Apartments of this period were designed not just for functionality but also to reflect refinement and social prestige.
What is your personal design style or aesthetic? Did it fit the home?
My personal style is a mix of vintage and contemporary, in which different eras and cultures, specially Pakistani and French, meet in harmony. When I moved to Paris, I brought my Pakistani furniture pieces with me. I truly believe every piece of home anchors the space we occupy and brings harmony to both, oneself and the space.
Was it difficult to adapt your Pakistani pieces to the home?
For me styling the apartment was about creating a dialogue between my own furniture and the French Haussmannian space. I wanted to understand the apartment, feel its character, and arrange each piece so it complimented its new home. Harmony and balance are essentials to connect the structure of the space and pieces with each other. That’s what I tried my best to practice in this apartment.
One of my most cherished pieces is the coffee table designed by Zahra Ibrahim, which I love to style and play around with using different decorative accents. Likewise, all my big furniture pieces are mostly Pakistani. I have layered objects collected from my travels across the world, each carrying its own story. These sit beautifully alongside the timeless elegance of Haussmannian architecture, creating a dialogue between South Asian warmth and French European refinement. I truly cherish the space that feels both worldly and personal, rooted in heritage yet open to modern expression.
Are there any challenges living in such an old building?
Oh yes! Life in a historic French apartment comes with charm and character along with various challenges peculiar to old structures. This includes ancient drainage installations, which are very complicated to understand if something happens. The bathrooms are too small and maintenance of the old features like mouldings, parquet floors, wrought iron balconies need special attention and extra care.
One very unique and cute challenge is the small-improvised-elevator of the building. We live on the fourth floor and the classic spiral staircase is also very elegant. But when the elevator isn’t working, its takes ages to bring one’s suitcases to fourth floor.
Describe any unique features of the home?
One particularly unique feature of our apartment is a small female bust integrated into the detail on the ceiling in one corner of the living room – a female statue that adds a touch of mystery and personal history to the space. I have heard two different versions of its origin: some say she represents the wife of the first owner of the apartment. Others believe she might depict an old queen, though certainly not Marie Antoinette. Whether private muse or symbolic royalty, I really admire the blended architectural order in this Haussmannian apartment.
What is your favourite area or room?
My most favourite spot in the apartment has to be the living room for sure! It’s where I feel most at home, surrounded by the soaring high ceilings and the carefully curated furniture that tells stories of both Paris and my own journey. Every time I tap in, the space wraps me in a warm embrace, giving me a sense of completion. It’s not just a room – it’s a mood booster. A place where I can pause, breathe, and truly feel connected to the heart of my home.
Do you entertain often? How do you use the space then?
I do love to entertain, though I usually keep it intimate and personal. The living room and dinning area together become the heart of these gatherings. The high ceilings and open layout create a sense of space as well as warmth. I arrange the furniture to encourage conversation, while decorative touches add personality and invite people to linger. Whether it’s a quiet evening with close friends over tea or a lively dinner where laughter flows across both spaces, the apartment adapts beautifully. It feels elegant, welcoming, and effortlessly alive.
Do you have a favourite object in the home?
One of the most treasured pieces in my home is my grandmother’s crockery cabinet; a relic from the 1940s pre-partition era in Punjab. This is was once a staple in Punjabi households, crafted from solid wood, often teak or rosewood. When we relocated to Paris, I ensured this piece accompanied us, as it holds not just utility but also sentimental value.
In our Haussmannian apartment, with its high ceilings and classic architecture, the cabinet fits beautifully, blending the warmth of South Asian heritage with French elegance. It stands as a testament to the fusion of cultures; a constant reminder of home, and a conversation starter for guests who appreciate its history and design.
I also adore the Chinioti woodwork chairs, with their intricate carving and craftsmanship. I love how they complement the elegance of the French apartment. Every piece in this home tells a story, making the apartment not just a space to live in, but a place that truly feels like home.
