“What consistently amazes me about residing in Paris is the sense of freedom I enjoy,” shares opera vocalist Sophie Arama, who shares her home with her spouse, Felix, and their two young daughters, Zoé and Pia. “It feels like my world — as if I can dance or sing in any part of the city. I can’t see myself living elsewhere.” Here, Sophie offers a glimpse into her family’s apartment…
LIVING ROOM
Sofa: Blou. Rug: Color Therapis.
On cultivating a gallery-like setting: I enjoy leaving magazines open, along with significant books scattered on tables. I want anyone entering our home to feel at ease picking things up, lounging on the rug, or exploring the space. I despise the idea of guests feeling restricted to the sofa as if trapped in formality.
Sofa: “old Ikea sofa reupholstered by Color Therapis.”
On finding our apartment: The day we viewed this apartment, the city was hit by a major public transport strike. Our daughters were quite young, but we decided to face the commotion and proceed with the visit. Ultimately, we were the only ones at the viewing! The agent told us it was fate.
Chairs: Baumann, similar.
On entertaining guests: When friends visit, I enjoy setting up a buffet on the table. I prepare various salads and sweet potato chips. Cheese boards with smoked salmon, bread, focaccia, roasted veggies, and crudités are common. Our drinks selection includes available wines and gin and tonics. For guests who avoid alcohol, I serve sparkling or lemonade in cocktail glasses with a lemon slice or raspberry.
DINING ROOM
Dining table: “from Portobello Décoration, a furniture shop in Le Marais.” Dining chairs: thrifted on leboncoin.
On celebrating birthdays: For my kids’ birthdays, I enjoy crafting homemade garlands and placing large coloring sheets and felt-tips on the floor. For my daughter’s second birthday, I excitedly organized a bingo game for the children, which was ambitious given the toddlers’ inability to read.
Egg candle: Merci.
On family time: Most family moments are spent at this table. We cherish extended breakfast times. We might linger for an hour, even on school days, enjoying simple breakfasts like cereal, or baguettes with butter and fruit. Weekend mornings are for trips to the bakery for croissants and pain au chocolat.
On a family heirloom: I began piano at age 15. The piano belonged to my brother, who learned before me. Nowadays, it serves for playing scales and warming up my voice.
On discovering a passion: As children, our neighbor taught classical singing. We often heard singing from their apartment. My parents signed me for lessons as a teen, where my teacher introduced me to another student, a dramatic soprano named Marjorie Muray. Her powerful voice opened a world to me, making me sure singing was my life’s path.
KITCHEN
On a lesser-known job aspect: Opera signing demands physical fitness. We adhere to regimens just like athletes and remain ever-conscious of voice care and respectful of our neighbors during practice!
On party tunes: During dinner gatherings, I often play my running playlists. Song styles range widely — an opera aria might follow rap — which leads to quirky changes. Still, I appreciate how the variety injects a surprise, slightly surreal vibe into the room.
GIRLS’ BEDROOM
Bunkbed: La Redoute. Rug: Color Therapis.
On favorite children’s stores: The girls’ room is my most loved in our home. For decor and clothing, I adore Parisian shops like Bonton, Le Petite Souk, and Merci.
On sibling personalities: My older daughter is thoughtful, observant, and responsive. Once, while I textured a poster by crumpling it, she later approached me with a purposely crumpled drawing, ‘For you, Mom, because you love crumples.’ My younger daughter is equally artistic but more outgoing — it seems like she’s perpetually in motion!
On a worth-every-penny party decoration: I can’t recall where I found the swan piñata, but I do know it was costly. Yet, I loved it and purchased it for a birthday. We set it on the party floor, allowing the kids to enjoy its treats inside. Since then, it’s been used as decor all over our home — it was a worthwhile buy.
Desk: vintage. Mirror: thrifted.
On exploring Paris with children: I began museum visits with my daughters early. They are ideal for children due to their quiet allure and spaciousness for roaming. Some fear kids might be noisy, but I believe museums thrive on life — I favor taking them to contemporary ones like Lafayette Anticipations and the Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
On genuine bedtime routines: Once the girls sleep, I often work from bed. It’s uncool, but right now, spare time is scarce. When not working, Felix and I may relax in the living room to watch a film via projector.
On seeing beauty in the mundane: My daughter once created a ‘ugly-artistic’ drawing for me, asserting its appeal would lie in its intentional flaws — and she was spot on! When they make their own homes, I hope my daughters notice ordinary beauty, like a mere fork. Challenges abound, but so does beauty — we must simply seek these delightful moments.
Many thanks, Sophie!
P.S. More lovely home tours, including an empty-nester’s calming sanctuary, and a colorful 430-square-foot Stockholm apartment.
(Photos by Leela Cyd.)
Title: An Opera Singer’s Gorgeous Paris Abode Tour
Nestled within the vibrant city of Paris, the home of acclaimed opera singer, Isabelle Dupont, exudes a seamless blend of timeless charm and modern finesse. Situated in the illustrious Marais district, this exquisite dwelling unveils the world of an artist whose musical passion radiates through every room.
Upon entering the apartment, visitors are welcomed by a majestic foyer embellished with vintage chandeliers and intricate moldings that celebrate the edifice’s 19th-century heritage. The muted wall palette fosters a tranquil and inviting ambiance with a touch of class.
Isabelle’s affinity for music and art manifests in the living room. At its heart, a grand piano is surrounded by luxuriant velvet sofas and diverse artworks collected during her global sojourns. Vast windows bathe the space with light and deliver stunning panoramic sights of Paris.
Adjoining the living space, a snug library houses an expansive music score, literary troves, and rare early editions within floor-reaching shelves. An inviting chair beside the window presents Isabelle with an ideal spot for relaxation or recital preparation.
Designed for entertaining, the dining area showcases a lengthy, antique wooden table for up to twelve. The elegance of candelabras and an ornate crystal chandelier graces the room, cultivating an aura of ageless sophistication. It often hosts Isabelle’s intimate gatherings, where conversation flows as freely as the premium French wine.
Despite its size, the kitchen is a culinary haven. Outfitted with cutting-edge appliances and marble surfaces, it marries utility with aesthetics. Isabelle’s passion for cooking is reflected in the spices and fresh provisions awaiting culinary transformation.
A quiet haven, the master bedroom features gentle neutral hues and plush textiles, offering a serene escape from city life. Centered by an opulent four-poster bed, the room extends to a private balcony with enchanting Eiffel Tower views.
Lastly, the bathroom is reminiscent of a spa, complete with a classic clawfoot tub, a roomy walk-in shower, and lavish marble detailing. Vintage fixtures and soft towels heighten the luxury experience.
Isabelle Dupont’s Parisian home transcends mere living space; it mirrors her artistic essence. Every curated decor piece and harmonious design element reflects her aesthetic love and artistic dedication. It’s a harmonious convergence of music, art, and existence that unveils the realm of a seasoned opera diva.
