# Inside the Parisian Hotel Renovation Where British Club Culture Meets Haussmannian Architecture Hotel Westminster blends historic French architecture with British heritage following an extensive multi-year restoration project. - **Source:** [architecture archives | designboom | architecture & design magazine](https://brifing.si/source/1e716da2-18e6-4704-96a6-818e7860b99f) - **Published:** 2026-10-28 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/1217c9b4-3287-407f-861c-7f46ac7d389c ## Historic Parisian Landmark Restoration Located at 13 rue de la Paix, Hotel Westminster has undergone a major restoration led by architect Laurent Maugoust. The project, completed one year ago, successfully preserves architectural elements from the building's two-century history. In 2025, the property officially received its fifth star, marking a new chapter for this historic Parisian address. ## Architectural Evolution Since 1807 The site originated as the Hôtel Wagram in 1807 following Napoleon Bonaparte's land sales. Architect Jacques Marcel Aubertin later defined its current silhouette between 1905 and 1907, establishing the iconic Haussmannian style. The building has survived multiple extensions, evolving from a convent site into a sophisticated hub for international travelers in central Paris. ## Design Strategy for Interior Spaces Laurent Maugoust focused on creating a dialogue between different historical eras across 102 rooms and 20 suites. The intervention retains original marble fireplaces, decorative mouldings, and herringbone oak parquet floors. These classic features are now paired with contemporary textiles in beige, green, and violet, balancing historical craftsmanship with modern comfort requirements. ## Preserving Heritage Through Artifacts The renovation maintains the hotel's accumulated collection of historical objects, including 19th-century antique clocks and period-specific furnishings. These items are scattered throughout the suites, providing a tangible connection to the property's past. By integrating these pieces, the design team avoids a generic aesthetic, ensuring the building's long history remains visible to guests. ## Duke's Bar Cultural Legacy Duke's Bar serves as the primary anchor for the hotel's British identity, featuring dark wood panelling and an original fireplace. Historically, it hosted figures like Winston Churchill, Coco Chanel, and Agatha Christie during the 1920s. Today, portraits of these notable past visitors line the walls, preserving the atmosphere of a traditional English club. ## Le Céladon Restaurant Redesign British designer Helen Stephens led the redesign of Le Céladon to establish a visual link with Duke's Bar. The color palette utilizes shades of green, referencing both the nearby Tuileries Garden and the bronze of the Vendôme Column. This approach brings the surrounding Parisian landscape directly into the restaurant's updated dining environment. ## Cultural Programming and Partnerships Beyond physical renovations, the hotel continues its engagement with Parisian cultural life through curated events. Collaborations with Galignani, the city's historic English-language bookshop, bring literary evenings to the property. These activities reinforce the Westminster's unique position as a meeting point between French architectural grandeur and the enduring influence of British cultural traditions. ## Synthesis of Two Identities The Westminster stands as a rare example of how hospitality brands can merge distinct national identities within a single structure. By combining Haussmannian architecture with British club culture, the hotel offers a unique guest experience. This renovation proves that historic properties can successfully modernize while honoring the complex layers of their past. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.designboom.com/architecture/hotel-westminster-paris-restoration-british-heritage-haussmannian-architecture/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._