Opera singer Sophie Arama finds a unique sense of freedom in her Parisian home, a feeling she cherishes deeply. Living with her husband, Felix and their two daughters, Zoé and Pia their apartment in Le Marais is a vibrant stage for their family life. Sophie shares her journey of creating a home that is both an exhibition of art and a sanctuary for her family.
Living Room: A Stage for Creativity
The living room is a testament to Sophie’s love for open, inviting spaces. She prefers an exhibition-like environment with magazines and meaningful books scattered across tables. This setup encourages guests to explore and feel at home, rather than being confined to the sofa. The old Ikea sofa reupholstered by Color Therapis adds a touch of elegance and comfort.
Sophie’s journey to finding this apartment is a memorable one. On the day of the open house, a major public transport strike paralyzed the city. Despite the chaos, Sophie and her family braved the journey, arriving to find they were the only ones present. The agent’s remark that it was meant to be resonated with them, and they knew they had found their home.
Hosting friends is a joy for Sophie. She prepares a buffet spread with a variety of salads, sweet potato crisps, a cheese board, and an assortment of breads and roast vegetables. Drinks range from wine to gin and tonics, with sparkling water or lemonade in cocktail glasses for those who prefer non-alcoholic options.
Dining Room: The Heart of Family Life
The dining room is where the family spends most of their time together. Sophie’s dining table from Portobello Décoration in Le Marais is the centerpiece of their long, leisurely breakfasts. They enjoy simple meals like cereal, baguette with butter, and fruit, with weekend treats of croissants and pains au chocolates from their neighborhood bakery.
Birthday celebrations are a highlight in the dining room. Sophie hangs homemade garlands and sets out large coloring papers and felt pens. For her daughter’s second birthday she organized a bingo game, adding a touch of whimsy to the festivities.
The family’s piano a cherished heirloom, holds a special place in the room. Sophie started piano lessons at 15 and the piano has been a constant companion in her musical journey. It serves as a warm-up spot for her voice and a reminder of her passion for singing.
Kitchen: Where Music and Memories Blend
The kitchen is more than just a place for cooking; it’s where Sophie’s love for music comes alive. Opera singing is an intensely physical profession requiring discipline and care for her voice. When hosting dinner parties, Sophie plays her running playlists, which feature a mix of opera arias and rap, creating a slightly surreal atmosphere.
Girls’ Bedroom: A Playground of Imagination
The girls’ bedroom is Sophie’s favorite room in the apartment. She adorns it with pieces from her favorite children’s shops in Paris, including BontonLe Petite Souk and Merci. The room reflects the personalities of her daughters—Zoé who is reflective and sensitive, and Pia who is expressive and extroverted.
A memorable moment in the girls’ bedroom was when Zoé, noticing Sophie’s love for crumpled paper, presented her with a deliberately crumpled drawing, saying, Here, Mom, I crumpled it for you because I know you like crumpled things.
The room also features a swan piñata a party decoration that turned out to be a worthwhile investment. Initially used for a birthday party, it has since become a beloved decoration in the apartment.
Sophie believes in the importance of exposing children to art and culture. She takes her daughters to museums from a young age, finding contemporary spaces like Lafayette Anticipations and the Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection particularly suitable for children.
Primary Bedroom: A Sanctuary for Reflection
The primary bedroom is where Sophie finds solace after the girls go to sleep. She often works in bed, a testament to her busy life as an opera singer and mother. When she has the time, she and Felix enjoy watching films on their projector, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Sophie’s philosophy of finding beauty in ordinary things is evident in her daughters’ drawings. One day, her daughter presented her with a drawing, explaining it was drawn ugly in an artistic way knowing Sophie would appreciate it. This moment encapsulates Sophie’s belief in looking for beauty in everyday life.
As Sophie’s daughters grow and eventually move out, she hopes they will carry this appreciation for the beauty in ordinary things with them, remembering the joy and challenges of life in their Parisian home.
