A Boston high-rise condo now channels the elegance of a Parisian salon, its modern shell transformed into a space where antique opulence meets contemporary design.
The project, led by interior designer Josh Linder of Evolve Residential, began with what he called “one of the most bare bones” condos he’d ever worked on. The unit, purchased as a second home by owners who live about an hour outside the city, had contemporary kitchens and baths, a blank hole for a fireplace, and sweeping views of Boston Harbor. The layout, however, was ideal for customization.
From blank slate to Parisian escape
Linder said the owners wanted a retreat, not just another residence. That freedom allowed for a design that emphasized luxury, antiques, and a blend of old and new.
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The homeowner, whose father was a collector, said the vision came from how Paris mixes history with modernity. “We check auctions, we look for treasures when we travel,” they said. “We love a French neoclassical chandelier, but we’re also drawn to Fornasetti, the Italian brand known for its whimsical, surrealist designs.” The result is a space where gilded moldings and hand-applied trim, all finished in automotive paint, create a layered effect.
Linder described the approach as additive. “We didn’t want to take away from what was working,” he said. Instead, the design added mirrored treatments, a chic fireplace mantel, and ornate doors to soften the condo’s contemporary edges. The goal was to evoke the art deco era of French decor—modern silhouettes with an effortless feel.
One standout piece is a pair of bronzed sculpted chairs in waterfall-cut velvet, which Linder said best captures the mood: balancing current trends with Parisian inspiration. The challenge extended to materials. The owners initially wanted traditional Oushak rugs, but Linder guided them toward bold, contemporary designs with a playful edge. “It’s a departure, but it works against all the antiques,” he said.
The design also had to work within high-rise constraints. Every square inch was maximized with custom solutions. A curved banquette was built to fit snugly into a window recess, while the entry—a space often overlooked—became a focal point. A backlit marble console with a mirror and drawer now greets visitors with a warm glow, setting the tone for the rest of the unit.
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This care continued into the bedrooms. Each room reflects the owners’ interests. The husband, an audiophile, has a space that doubles as an office and guest bedroom. A sleeper sofa, upholstered in silk velvet with a deep fringed skirt, hides its dual purpose.
The finished condo feels like a European luxury hotel suite. The design doesn’t just mimic Paris—it transports you there, turning a Boston high-rise into a posh dreamscape.
For Linder, the project went beyond aesthetics. It created a space that feels personal, even if used part-time. “The owners have a real eye for detail,” he said. “They’re not afraid to mix periods or take risks, and that’s what makes this condo special.”
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The materials list reflects meticulous curation: Benjamin Moore’s Iceberg walls with gold leaf trim, a Romo Herbaria printed velvet ottoman in cinnabar, and a Scalamandré Tiberius silk velvet in Bordeaux for an empire side chair. Even the ceiling wallpaper—Armani/Casa’s Plain Nabucco in steel—adds a subtle sheen.
The unit could have been a generic glass box. Instead, it feels like a home with history, where every piece serves a purpose. The condo isn’t just a place to stay; it offers an experience that blends Boston and Paris, modern convenience and old-world charm.
Its design proves how thoughtful details can transform a space into something far greater than its parts.
