Redecoration of our Building Stairwell

 We have often talked about our apartment in Lyon – in a building dating, so we have been told, from the 1880s. [see this year’s first post for a repeat look at the building exterior.]  For the past few years, a number of improvements to the structure have been undertaken.  The gas lines and meters to each apartment have all been replaced, as has the electrical wiring to each apartment.  Now underway is a project to repaint the stairwell.  

Our Apartment's New Gas Line and
Meter in the Stairwell

There are number of features in the old decoration of the stairwell that we have been hoping will be preserved.  Below are some examples of these attractive features.  Included are decorative indications of which floor you are on.  As you may notice, the style of these decorative features is very similar to Art Nouveau, which incorporated sinuous flower and female shapes, and was popular between about 1890 and 1920.

A Beautiful Decoration Midway up the Wall

Entresol Floor- Just above Ground Floor

3rd Floor, outside our Apartment,
actually the 4th above the Ground Floor

                                                                                                                                                                 

Covering the Stairs Outside our Apartment

We have also observed sample swatches on the walls, showing some of the new colors [see below].  Included were penciled descriptions of the colors, seeming to indicate that, indeed, at least some of the decorations will be redone!

Paint Sample Describing Colors for
the Wall Decorations

Approved Green Paint Sample

Stay tuned for an update on this fascinating project!