AT HOME WITH LAUREN KENNEDY MALPAS
Lauren makes up the other half of The House that Jack Built along with Alison, whose flat I visited previously this month. Lauren's apartment came with her boyfriend Jeff, and she moved in Christmas 2012. It's fair to say she hit the jackpot with Jeff - I only met him briefly, but judging by his flat he's quite the catch. The apartment is unusually large for Paris - I could have easily cart-wheeled around the open living space (had I been so inclined), and on top of that it's located over looking Canal Saint Martin, possibly one of the best positions in Paris.
Situated on the fourth floor it's a light-filled space with three floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden floors and the furniture is a mix of modernist and vintage design pieces, such as an Eames lounge chair and ottoman, Knoll chairs, a vintage traffic light, an old stage light and a beautiful cream Krauss piano. Unsurprisingly it's been used before for various photo shoots, so I was glad to get in there and have a good nose around.
Scroll down for the full interview!
How would you describe your interior style?
Eclectic, verging on schizophrenic. I love it all.
Favourite piece of furniture?
Jeff’s childhood piano. Especially when it’s being played – this week’s soundtrack has been Hey Jude.
Favourite places/shops to buy for your home?
Every Sunday growing up, my parents would drag my brother and I begrudgingly all over town to find antiques, we used to hate it with a passion. Now, it’s one of my favourite things to do. Going to St Ouen is an endless swoon.
I also often pop into gallery and bookshop, OFR. They have ever-changing exhibitions and all the fashion, art, design books you could dream of. That’s where Jeff and I bought our first artwork together, a photograph by Mark Borthwick. For house plants, Bleuet Coquelicot in the 10th. And for organising the ‘behind closed doors’ side to our lives, I swear by Muji.
Interiors/style that have inspired you?
Born in Australia, growing up in South-East Asia, with an English father, now living in Paris – in some way or another, I’m inspired by a plethora of styles, eras, materials, textures & designs from these different cultures.
If your flat was burning down, what three things would you take with you?
We have a safety rope in case of a fire, so living on the 4th floor, I guess that would be useful. Then, I would take Jeff, because that’s the only way I would know how to use the rope. 3rd thing? Irreplaceable family photos.
Favourite sources for inspiration?
I am a sucker for Pinterest, I could spend hours dreaming my life away on that thing.
Last good book you read?
Breakfast or dinner?
Before going to sleep, I’m already excited for breakfast. I love breakfast so much that I sometimes eat it for dinner.
Evening drink of choice?
Tonight, an Aperol Spritz. But mostly, an Amaretto Sour.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee all the way!!! A single shot quartado. I can never win with tea - it’s always too scorching hot to drink, and then by the time I remember to drink it, it’s too cold.
Bedside table essentials?
A good book, papaw lip balm, hotel slippers, body cream.
How did you find your flat? Any advice for people searching for a flat in Paris?
The flat came with the boy! So find a boy/girl? If all else fails, spread the word. Word of mouth is the best way to find the best secret deals in Paris.
And finally you favourite places in Paris?
Favourite Cafe :The BrokenArm, place to drink :L’Avant Comptoir in the 6th. I’m still thinking about the Rosé, croquette jambon & porc caramelisé I had there 3 weeks ago and I think the best brunch spot in Paris is: Le Marché des Enfants Rouges.