Imagine stepping into a Parisian townhouse brimming with art and bathed in natural light. This isn’t just any home; it’s a meticulously crafted sanctuary designed by the talented duo Le Berre Vevaud. Nestled in the 16th arrondissement, a district famed for its artistic heritage, this hôtel particulier is the cherished home of a French couple and their children.
The homeowners, art enthusiasts themselves, entrusted Le Berre Vevaud with transforming their residence. Their vision was clear: to showcase their extensive art collection within a contemporary interior that exuded a sense of calm and sophistication.
A Fusion of Art and Design
The designers embraced the challenge, weaving a narrative where art wasn’t just displayed but became an integral part of the design.
“We aimed to create a space that reflected the owners’ unique aesthetic and lifestyle, a place where the art of living and comfort intertwined,” shared Raphaël Le Berre and Thomas Vevaud, the founders of Le Berre Vevaud.
The home’s original architecture, with its grand spaces and abundant natural light, inspired the designers. However, they recognized the need for a complete transformation to unlock its true potential.
“The owners’ passion for art was evident in their treasured paintings and sculptures, which became a guiding force in our design process,” explained Le Berre. “We carefully considered the perfect placement for each piece, and the design evolved around those considerations. The owners also introduced new pieces, prompting us to adapt and find ideal spaces to display them.”
Le Berre Vevaud seamlessly integrated bold, modern elements, like a mezzanine level, into the historic townhouse. This clever design breaks up the six-meter-high ceiling, creating a sense of openness and adding a staircase landing and study overlooking the kitchen and dining area. The curved steps at the entrance lead to the mezzanine as well as the bedrooms on the upper floor.
An Open-Plan Oasis
To maximize the natural light and showcase the home’s grand scale, Le Berre Vevaud opted for an open-plan layout. However, they recognized the need for distinct zones. Decorative screens in black brushed oak were strategically employed to divide the entranceway from the living area, creating a sense of flow while maintaining visual separation.
“We were inspired by the home’s spaciousness and large windows,” Le Berre elaborated. “Our design uses partitions and divisions to delineate distinct areas within the open space, enhancing the natural light that flows throughout.”
The interior palette is a symphony of light and off-white tones, providing the perfect backdrop for a thoughtfully curated collection of monochromatic furnishings. The staircase, a focal point in the home, was reimagined in anthracite-grey waxed concrete, complemented by a wrought iron handrail. Bold accents in cobalt blue, burnt umber, copper green, and baby blue create a sense of vibrancy, echoing the tones found in the artwork.
A Memphis-Inspired Sanctuary
The designers skillfully blended their signature Memphis and art deco influences throughout the home, creating a layered and elegant atmosphere.
“We draw inspiration from the vibrant colors, shapes, and forms of the Memphis movement, as well as the materials and textures of the art deco era,” Vevaud revealed. “We love to combine fine essences, mixing lacquered and waxed materials and enhancing them with soft marble and deep lacquer.”
The courtyard received a transformative makeover, now partially enclosed to create a covered terrace. This outdoor space connects seamlessly with the kitchen and a newly-designed wellness zone. The terrace’s translucent glass floor, doubling as the glass ceiling of the wellness area, allows abundant natural light to flood the spa area, which also connects to a guest room and adjoining office.
“The translucent glass ceiling provides the space with beautiful light and enhances the size of this relaxing private zone, while bringing an element of the outdoors in,” Le Berre remarked.
A Wellness Haven
The wellness room, a remarkable 1,076 square feet, is a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. It features a jacuzzi, hammam (Turkish-style bath), and a gym. The jacuzzi, embedded into an asymmetrical platform, is a perfect spot for a revitalizing soak. The adjoining hammam, clad in shimmering glass-mosaic tiles, catches the light through a glass partition and features a monochromatic palette accented by pops of tangerine orange and gold, echoing the color scheme from the upper floors.
“We aimed to create a space that would transport the owners to a tranquil and serene environment within their own home,” Vevaud shared. “We wanted the space to immediately evoke the ambience of a spa, so we designed the staircase leading down to the area with dark materials to create a subdued atmosphere and decorated the space with waxed concrete to mimic the natural textures of stone.”
The courtyard’s transformation posed a challenge but proved to be the most rewarding aspect of the project. The designers collaborated with engineers to adapt the existing structures and create entirely new spaces.
“We used concrete as the main material for this wellness space,” explained Le Berre. “It’s a material we often enjoy using in our projects, as it’s structurally beneficial and enhances the natural lighting and vision of the space.”
A Collaborative Journey
The client’s trust in Le Berre Vevaud’s vision was crucial to the project’s success. The designers worked closely with the homeowners throughout the process, fine-tuning ideas and ensuring the final design perfectly reflected their preferences.
“The harmonious relationship between the artwork and the design was essential to both the clients and us,” Vevaud emphasized. “The clients trusted us and our vision, giving us great creative freedom. We met regularly to refine ideas and fully understand their needs.”
This extraordinary Parisian townhouse is a testament to the power of collaboration and the beauty of blending art and design. It’s a place where art enthusiasts can live amidst their treasured collection, and where a family can find respite and rejuvenation in their own personal wellness sanctuary.
“The greatest challenge was to imbue each space with its own character and personality,” Vevaud concluded. “The intertwining worlds of art and design have always been central to our ethos, so the opportunity to work closely with these clients and their incredible art collection was an inspiring challenge for us.”
