In renovating three levels of a converted 19th century workshop in Paris, designer Marie Deroudilhe ended up developing a futuristic look–with a somewhat accidental palette. (She showed her clients a computer model of the kitchen in white and they happened to love it.) The results are practically monastic, which suits them just fine.

To begin with, Deroudilhe upgraded built-ins and finishes. To correct for too little direct sunlight, she installed skylights, painted the walls bright white, and sanded the pale oak floor planks. In the dining area, Danish 1970’s chairs in rosewood and blackened steel surround a glass-topped table.