When looking for a photography location for a brand with a distinctive Parisian aesthetic, a friend introduced me to Kelly and said you just HAVE to see her apartment.

Opening the door to Kelly’s home is like stepping through an armoire, and into a French fever dream.
Saint Paul is filled with historic homes, but none quite like this. And Kelly herself is a delight, the perfect steward to lend her curated but carefree aesthetic to what could be (in other more traditional hands) a stuffy / formal interior.
But her home exudes her personality. She keeps everything light, lovely and lived-in, and avoids the cliché’s of what it means to live in a Paris apartment.

Architectural Provenance

 

Originally designed in 1862 by Chicago architect Otis L. Wheelock for a wealthy transportation entrepreneur, James Crawford Burbank, the mansion was home to several prominent families, including Crawford Livingston and Theodore Wright Griggs, who between them worked with four local architects to make their mark.



It wasn’t until 1925, however, when Mary Livingston Griggs inherited the property from her parents, that it began its transformation into the architectural unicorn it is today. A lover of travel, antiques and history, Mary journeyed throughout Europe, collecting objects that caught her eye. She soon began purchasing entire rooms from late 18th-century French and Italian residences, which she then had disassembled, shipped by boat to Minnesota and reassembled in the mansion.



Architects Allen H. Stem and Magnus Jemne worked alongside Mary Livingston Griggs on a variety of projects including a two-story limestone addition and living room remodel in the style of a 17th-century English Renaissance Chamber, but the majority of the painstakingly intricate task of reassembling and retrofitting these historic interiors piece-by-piece was the handiwork of prominent Minnesotan architect, Edwin Hugh Lundie. Under Lundie’s guidance, craftsman meticulously matched the hardwood floors, fireplace mantels, fixtures, and mirrored walls.

What was your first thought when you saw these rooms?

I’m in love! It’s been a dream to live here… I feel like anything is possible in the Paris apartment.

 

What’s the most fun aspect of living here?

Besides living in a truly unique and beautiful space, the best aspect for me is its proximity to the University Club, which is basically where my daughter Penelope has grown up. She went from attending the summer camps as a young girl to being a counselor and a real fixture there year-round. I’ve loved watching her be surrounded by the community there.

Have there been any design challenges working with this aesthetic? It’s not exactly a neutral palette!

You can’t hang any art, so most of my creativity gets expressed through tabletop curations. This is true for everyday living and for entertaining.

How have you worked in your own aesthetic?

I love a mixture of objects with character and history, combined with natural elements and found objects. You can spark curiosity or tell a story with the right collection of items.

What do you think makes a great interior space? What’s your design philosophy?

Simplicity, sophistication, and storytelling. Every day gives us so many opportunities to create an aesthetic that enhances each moment. Why not have your coffee from your favorite antique cup? Why not put your take-out Indian food in silver dishes and throw a tablecloth and a few candles down, whether you’re in the backyard or about to watch Netflix. And on that note, why watch a movie on a laptop or tv when you can project it on the wall and lounge with the comfiest mismatched pillows and coziest cashmere throw? I keep things simple but try to always have the right things on hand so that being spontaneous is easy. Depending on the season, an impromptu day at the beach, cocktail party, or ice-skating outing is always within reach.

Tell us about your new product! What inspired you to do this? What’s the timeline and where available?

My wonderfully talented friend Carrie Valentine and I have launched Maison Charest Faye, the brand under which we collaborate on all kinds of delightful design projects. Our current focus is creative direction for events and photo or video shoots and our own events. We’ve had a great time working together on a variety of projects, both locally and on-site, around the U.S. and in Mexico. We have lots of plans for a product line but have been too busy to get into production mode on that—hopefully in 2025. Stay tuned!

— By Montana Scheff
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This interview is a part of Whittier Friends, a conversation series where we sit down with fellow creatives to dig deep and discuss what it’s like to live a creative life. Subscribe to follow along.

 

Follow Kelly on Instagram: @penelopepaloma
All photography by Montana Scheff: @thepassingshow

 

Are you an interesting person doing interesting things? Or does this describe someone you know? Message me! I’d love to hear from you. We are always looking for more people and more stories to inspire.

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