When it comes to Lenny Kravitz, the Internet knows a few things for certain. Each year, as winter approaches, photos of him wrapped in an enormous brown blanket scarf resurface, signaling the changing of the seasons. And then there are the leather pants, a staple of his style that he showcased last year in a TikTok video, where he bench-pressed while doing sit-ups at the gym, clad in black leather, a sheer mesh tank, and sunglasses. His daughter, actress Zoë Kravitz, responded to the video with a question for "The Tonight Show" host Jimmy Fallon: "This isn't how everyone's dad works out?"
But beyond his iconic style, Lenny Kravitz has also given us a glimpse into his life through his homes. From the idyllic Brazilian ranch featured in Architectural Digest (AD) in 2019 to the beachside Airstream trailer he occupies part-time on the Bahamian island of Eleuthera, his residences are as eclectic and fascinating as the man himself. For AD's "Star Power" issue, published today, Kravitz is revealing his grand Paris townhouse, a residence he has owned for two decades and which once belonged to a countess.
The Paris Townhouse: A Home of Grandeur and Personal Touch
Kravitz's Paris townhouse, located in the 16th arrondissement, is a testament to his unique aesthetic and creative energy. The area, known for its embassies, museums, and luxury shopping, is a fitting backdrop for such an opulent home. In the early 2000s, Kravitz, already a multi-platinum artist, had envisioned something more modest: "a little apartment, maybe on the Seine— one bedroom, two bedrooms, maximum—where I could write and hang out," he recalled to AD. It was his real estate agent who insisted he see the "once-in-a-generation" listing.
When Kravitz first arrived at the property, he thought he was only touring a single floor, not the entire townhouse. "I said, 'No, no, no, no, absolutely not,'" he remembered. But as he walked through the space, his feelings changed dramatically. "I walked in and said, 'This is my house.' Spiritually, I knew," he explained. Over the years, the home has become an undeniable reflection of his personality, described by Marina Hemonet, head of editorial content for AD France, as "a true reflection of his personality and creative energy."
A Home Filled with Art and History
The townhouse is a study in contrasts, blending airy interiors with works by blue-chip artists, traditional African art, and furniture designed by Kravitz himself through his company, Kravitz Design. In 2023, Kravitz Design was included in the prestigious AD100 list, a testament to his talents beyond music. The home features an eccentric wine room and a red-lit subterranean party space known as "The Chaufferie," which has become a favorite spot for Kravitz and his daughter Zoë, who has "been having a lot of soirées" there, he told AD.
Amy Astley, AD's global editorial director, described the home as "an astounding feast of the dreamily recherché," highlighting the mix of Andy Warhol masterpieces, African artifacts, major music memorabilia, and rare furnishings by designers like Paul Evans, Karl Springer, Afra and Tobia Scarpa, and Joe Colombo. This eclectic collection reflects Kravitz's upbringing, which was marked by moving between his parents' Upper East Side apartment in Manhattan and his grandparents' home in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. "Two completely different worlds," he said.
Soulful Elegance: Kravitz's Unique Aesthetic
Kravitz calls his aesthetic "soulful elegance," a style that is "comfortable, clearly. But also chic." He loves the balance of African, European, and Afrofuturism elements mixed with midcentury pieces. "I love things that are extremely glamorous and also extremely brutal," he explained. This unique blend is evident throughout his Paris townhouse, where high art and personal memorabilia coexist in harmony.
One of the most cherished pieces in his home is a portrait by photographer Ruven Afanador of Kravitz's late grandfather, Albert Roker. Afanador, who photographed the cover for Kravitz's fourth album, "Circus," released in 1995, captured a series of portraits of Kravitz's grandfather during the shoot. "I put my grandfather in one of my suits, and Ruven took a bunch of portraits of him," Kravitz said. "He is why I am here, and why I’m in this house, why my mom went to Howard University in DC and studied at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon and became who she became, then I became who I became, and Zoë became who she became. It’s all him. So he presides over the table at all times."
A Home That Tells a Story
Kravitz's Paris townhouse is more than just a residence; it is a living testament to his life, his art, and his heritage. Each room tells a story, from the grandeur of the wine room to the intimate, subterranean party space. The home is a reflection of his journey, a blend of cultures, and a celebration of his creative spirit.
In a world where trends come and go, Kravitz's style remains timeless. His ability to blend high art with personal memorabilia, and to create spaces that are both luxurious and deeply personal, sets him apart. His Paris townhouse is not just a place to live; it is an extension of himself, a canvas on which he has painted his life's story.
Lenny Kravitz's Paris townhouse is a masterpiece of design, a home filled with art, history, and personal significance. It reflects his unique aesthetic of "soulful elegance," a style that is both comfortable and chic, blending African, European, and Afrofuturism elements with midcentury pieces. Each room tells a story, from the grandeur of the wine room to the intimate, subterranean party space. The home is a testament to his life, his art, and his heritage, a place where he can be himself and share his world with others.
As we step into Kravitz's Paris townhouse, we are not just entering a physical space; we are stepping into his life, his memories, and his dreams. This home is a reflection of his journey, a blend of cultures, and a celebration of his creative spirit. It is a place where art and history coexist, where luxury and comfort blend seamlessly, and where every detail tells a story.
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