Lenny Kravitz, the legendary rock musician, has long considered Paris his home, forging a deep connection with the city over nearly three decades. For the past 13 years, he has lived in a grand townhouse in the city’s prestigious 16th arrondissement. While the exterior reflects classic Parisian architecture, the interior is a bold, artistic statement that showcases Kravitz’s eclectic taste and passion for design.
At the heart of the townhouse is a grand reception room with soaring ceilings, illuminated by a dazzling Swarovski chandelier designed by Kravitz Design, the interior and furniture design firm he founded in 2003. The room serves as an homage to his childhood heroes, Muhammad Ali and James Brown, with a pair of each of their boots displayed on either end of the mantelpiece. Across the hall, the moody, mirror-ceilinged library houses another 25 pairs of Brown’s boots, a testament to Kravitz’s admiration for the Godfather of Soul. Framing the mantelpiece are two enormous faux elephant tusks designed by Pucci in the 1960s, adding to the space’s dramatic aesthetic.
In the center of the room, a striking red panther sculpture by contemporary artist Richard Orlinski prowls atop a gold and ivory lacquered Elisse coffee table by Gabriella Crespi. “That’s a museum piece,” Kravitz says. “I can’t remember where I got it, but it’s rare.” This carefully curated combination of contemporary and vintage design elements reflects his ability to seamlessly blend different eras and styles into a cohesive artistic vision.
What isn’t rare, however, is the sheer number of museum-quality pieces scattered throughout the townhouse. Warhols, pop culture artifacts, and an impressive Basquiat dominate the walls, with the latter taking pride of place in the entrance hall, directly across from the sweeping staircase. “Lots of his art came my way,” Kravitz admits. “I could have had so many more and I just didn’t make the move back in the day—I know, I know. Idiot! We weren’t friends, but I was roommates with a guy he’d lived with. His last girlfriend was best friends with my girlfriend at the time, so when he died, we had one of the first calls. Anyway, I have this one, and I’m happy to have it.”
The dining room continues the theme of blending art and design, featuring a 1960s table by the Italian designer Willy Rizzo, surrounded by plush velvet dining chairs. The walls are adorned with black-and-white photography, including images taken by Kravitz’s mother, actress Roxie Roker. This personal touch adds depth to the home, connecting his artistic sensibilities to his family legacy.
Even the basement of the townhouse is infused with artistic character. What was once a boiler room has been transformed into a speakeasy-style lounge, featuring vintage film posters and bistro-style seating. The space is a contrast to the formal elegance of the upper floors, offering an intimate retreat where Kravitz often entertains guests.
Kravitz’s love affair with Paris began in 1989, when his debut album, Let Love Rule, gained acclaim in Europe before finding success in the United States. “When I started out, they didn’t know what to do with me in the US,” Kravitz recalls. “So they sent me to Europe—the Europeans will deal with it!” His bond with the city deepened when he discovered this townhouse 13 years ago. Initially searching for a modest apartment, he was captivated by the grandeur of the property and instantly envisioned it as his future home.
While Paris is a cornerstone of his life, Kravitz also spends time in the Bahamas, where he resides in a customized Airstream trailer. This duality—between the sophisticated elegance of his Parisian home and the laid-back simplicity of island life—reflects his multifaceted personality and creative spirit.
Kravitz’s Parisian home is not just a residence; it’s a living gallery. From Avedon’s striking portrait of James Brown to Orlinski’s bold red panther sculpture, and from Basquiat’s raw energy to Warhol’s pop culture brilliance, every piece in his collection tells a story. His ability to blend contemporary art with mid-century design and personal memorabilia creates a space that is both deeply personal and profoundly inspiring—a true testament to his artistic vision.
