Interior: A Royal Bath

An exquisite restoration.

These special and incredible bathrooms were originally designed for King George VI, (recently portrayed in The King's Speech) and his wife Elizabeth, for their stay in the palace during an official visit back in 1938. Indeed, they are located in the Quai d'Orsay, in the building that houses the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Paris. The inspiration for the design of these rooms was Apollo, god of sun, and Diana, goddess of the moon—and in reflection of such, as you see, the King's has been outfitted in gold, and the Queen's, in silver...

For the occasion of the King and Queen's arrival, one-thousand workmen and 37 companies were hired to complete the restoration, bathrooms included. And it was only more recently (in 2003) that the two rooms you see were restored yet again, so that they might be appreciated. In fact, the bathrooms are open to the public just once a year, for European Heritage Days—most recently, from September 17-18, just days ago! Click here for a few additional captures.

Images: The World of Interiors, May 2011, by: Adrien Dirand