An Apartment in the Center of Paris, Inspired by Venice

When Nathan Litera and Lyatt Samama began looking for a new home in the heart of Paris, they needed a place that would serve as more than just as a residence. The couple also wanted something that would double as a showroom for their interior design firm, where they could put the full breadth of their talents on display.

Mr. Litera, 41, is an architect, and Ms. Samama, 40, is a former lawyer. Together they are the married principals of a design firm also named Nathan Litera. At the same time they were looking to grow their business, they also decided to have a child, Shay, now 3, which made their old apartment feel a little tight.

The creation of their new home began when they saw an Haussmann-style apartment stretching out over 2,400 square feet on the fourth floor of a 1910 building near Paris’s Parc Monceau. The space got great natural light, but was in rundown condition after being abused as an office for years. That made it perfect for Mr. Litera and Ms. Samama.

“When you buy something in bad condition, you feel free to do whatever you want,” Mr. Litera said. “The possibilities are larger.”