TODAYS INSPIRATION - Haussmann apartment

Architects Karin and Francis Leopold Fauconnet transformed this Haussmann-apartment into a serene zen-inspired space. The pale-toned living areas retain their beautiful ceiling moldings. However, the engineer client not only wanted to preserve the old but also to have the latest in technology. Not on view — heating is under the floor and devices and switches have been discreetly hidden away. Read more about the project here on Marie Claire Maison.
(photography by vincent leroux)

Georges-Eugène HAUSSMANN, commonly known as Baron Haussmann 27 March 1809 – 11 January 1891), was a French civic planner whose name is associated with the REBUILDING of PARIS.

Georges-Eugène Haussmann was hired by NAPOLEON III on 22 June 1852 to "modernize" Paris. Napoleon hoped in hiring Haussmann that Paris could be moulded into a city with safer streets, better housing, more sanitary, hospitable, shopper-friendly communities as well as better traffic flow.
Between the Revolution of 1789 and Haussmann's renovation of Paris in the 1860s, IDEALS CHANGED from those of a politically motivated city to those of an economically and SOCIALLY centered CITY. Modern technology such as RAILROADS and gas lamps were conveniences which the rising bourgeoisie could enjoy in their leisurely lifestyle. New spaces that were created during the renovation encouraged the bourgeoisie to flaunt their new wealth, creating a booming economy.