Interior design firm Wilson Associates has revealed hotel Le Scribe in the City of Lights. The iconic hotel Le Scribe has long been a part of the heartbeat of Paris, once situated amidst the bustling nightlife of the Opéra Garnier during the Second Empire—when it was the seat of the Jockey Club. An institution of Parisian opulence and brilliant artistry, Le Scribe began an extensive, three-phase renovation in April 2018, led by Tristan Auer, principal at Wilson Associates. The Wilson team restored the hotel to its former glory, drawing inspiration from its historic setting. The hotel aims to embody the spirit of Paris by emphasizing its core assets, namely its location in the Opéra district, as well as its new interiors and food & beverage offering.
Since its construction in 1863, Le Scribe’s walls have echoed the conversations, encounters and laughter witnessed throughout history. Recalling that rich legacy, Auer and his team at Wilson Associates created a design scheme that places guests at the center of Le Scribe’s spirit, creating a thoroughly Parisian experience. Moreover, Le Scribe’s interiors revive the intense ambiance of Paris nightlife centered around the Opéra Garnier during the Second Empire, when it was the seat of the Jockey Club. The design team skillfully recreated the spirit of a “men’s club” with subtle, refined touches. To contrast with the masculine side, the hotel renovation features guest rooms and a tearoom that are more feminine, angelic and sensitive while revisiting the mood of a Haussmannian apartment typical of Paris.
“There were a few different sources of inspiration. For one, we looked at the time period in which the building was constructed (1853) as well as the Opera Garnier in the neighborhood. We also looked at the first, original Louis Vuitton shop that was inside the building and in all the codes found in the typical Parisian apartment of all this period,” said Marc Foschia, design director, Wilson Associates.
Guestrooms invite the charming atmosphere of a traditional Parisian apartment in, complete with warm fireplaces, distinct moldings, wainscoting and fabric headboards. Drawing inspiration from the city’s distinct interior aesthetic, Le Scribe’s new guestrooms are well suited to the discerning tastes of the brilliant minds and eccentric spirits that frequent the hotel. Private bathrooms feature terrazzo floors, upper wooden molding evoking a typical 19th-century washroom, superimposed materials, folding screens, ceramics and tiling.
“In the bedroom, hints can be found in the traditional fireplace and marble TV unit, which is hidden behind a mirror,” Foschia said. “In the bathroom, the ceiling is covered by fresco which refers to the fresco painting by Chagall in the Opera. Additionally, in the main entrance of the hotel, the ‘treillage’ materials we found originally on the terrace are now on two columns made to light and the bench is referred to as the Thonet style typical from the 1900s.”
Infusing masculine design elements into the theme reserved for private spaces, the team specially designed dressing gown hooks to resemble picture rails. Rose gold faucets were selected to contrast the hotel’s “men’s club” spirit with a soft, feminine touch.
“The design is cozy and Parisian influenced as the original men’s club was. We kept the carpet floor throughout to create the warm atmosphere,” Foschia said.
The bas-reliefs, medallions and vases evoke artists’ studios, a nod to Parisian museums. A selection of vibrant, colorful works in various abstract styles by young French artists decorates the bathroom walls.
Travelers will be invited to discover Le Scribe’s new design highlights with additional renovations to follow. In keeping with the design team’s curated choices—evoking the historic Paris hotel while embracing modernity—Le Scribe will encourage a collaborative spirit in creating further spaces, allowing guests, neighborhood residents and hotel staff to participate in surveys with an eye to co-building the hotel’s new offerings.
