The not too long ago fashioned architectural duo of Inès Deschodt and Johanne Le Griffon has rapidly proved itself to be a powerful pair. Each graduated from prestigious Paris design colleges (the previous from Penninghen, and the latter from the École Boulle.) Now, they’re already presenting certainly one of their first initiatives to AD. It’s no small feat, on condition that it concerned the renovation of an 18th-century mansion within the south of Paris.
For his Versailles condo, the proprietor, who’s a chef and pastry chef, wished “a cocoon” that subtly evokes the type of the Palace of Versailles, positioned close by. “We didn’t need to fall into the lure of hyper-classicism, and as an alternative wished to do one thing utterly totally different,” clarify the inside designers. “It was vital to create a recent house.” The primary time they visited the pied-à-terre, the partitions have been yellow with purple tapestries—living proof. “We wished to offer the house a brand new, stronger identification.” the designer duo clarify. However the entire mission wanted to be carried out in accordance with strict French laws masking historic buildings, because the one the place the condo is positioned is protected.
The interval moldings needed to be preserved given these restrictions; irrespective of, they proved to be an asset for the duo. “We selected to focus on them and so they turned a motif of the condo; they make an announcement. The constraint of getting to maintain them led to aesthetic decisions,” they clarify. Working inside the parameters set by French authorities, Deschodt and Le Griffon performed on the duality between the unique classicism of the house and a extra up to date type. The purpose was to create a house that might work each for entertaining and in addition when the proprietor wished a while to himself. “He wished to have the ability to recharge his batteries by spending a couple of days alone right here every month, however he additionally wished to have the ability to entertain friends each time needed.” Among the many different options shaping the renovation was a backyard, measuring roughly 1,450 sq. ft, which wanted to be redesigned.
“Beginning with the doorway, we staged the arrival with a big carpet to create a theatrical ambiance.” The kitchen was then designed like a framed murals: its moldings surrounded the furnishings chosen by the duo. “You possibly can see the moldings operating all the way down to the ground. Since we needed to design round them, we responded to this constraint by creating an area with very excessive ceilings, clear traces, and easy supplies akin to stainless-steel and marble.” A recent sensible contact got here within the type of a bar the place folks can collect and calm down, to the delight of the proprietor.
Within the condo’s enfilade collection of areas, a extra formal eating room adjoins the kitchen. Framed by giant, molded doorways, it lends a way of grandeur to the house. To capitalize on these distinctive options, Deschodt and Le Griffon as soon as once more performed with the room’s structure including a big up to date black wood desk, a bench, and sculptural chairs. “We wished the rooms for entertaining to be uncommon, whereas remaining timeless,” they clarify.
“A bit of extra rock, a little bit extra chill,” the designers say about the lounge, which extends an invite to relax. Observe the painted flooring and the objects intentionally positioned on it to proceed the theatrical sensibility of the home. “Within the type of mannequin Betty Catroux or Yves Saint Laurent, it’s like a tuxedo—traditional and timeless,” the designers say. “We’re in Versailles, we’re working with traditional French design, and breaking out of a inflexible strategy makes you’re feeling extra at dwelling.” In addition they added a couple of curves with the couch and low desk, softening the traces of the moldings.
In distinction to the open residing areas of the condo, the bed room is hidden behind two giant, hid doorways within the rest room. “Form of like a recent model of the hidden doorways you would possibly discover within the Palace of Versailles,” the designers say, as they took the proprietor’s need for privateness very severely. Entry to the principal rest room is just potential from the bed room. “It’s actually his personal house,” they emphasize. They selected uncooked, contrasting supplies, just like the glass block display screen from which you’ll be able to glimpse motion behind. The Japanese-style pendant lights, which distinction with the nice and cozy Sapelli wooden and stainless-steel within the background, add an unique contact to the room.
