Historic Estate's Modern Rebirth
Architect Pauline Percheron orchestrated a sensitive renovation of a historic Montpellier estate, transforming a 120-square-meter maison de maître into a vibrant family retreat. The project balanced modernization with preserving historical elements, creating open, light-filled spaces while maintaining the home's original character for its empty-nester owners and their extended family. The renovation unified fragmented areas and integrated contemporary living with traditional charm.
A Timeless Transformation: The Långedrag Villa's Evolving Design
Discover the story of Artilleriet co-founder Christian Duivenvoorden's 19th-century Jugend villa in Långedrag. This article explores how the home, shared with his partner, Björn, and son, Niko, embodies a philosophy of continuous evolution. Through subtle design adjustments, natural palettes, and Farrow & Ball hues, the house reflects a dynamic and ever-refined living space, mirroring the ethos of his renowned design shop.
Revitalized Arctic Hub: Trevarefabrikken's Sustainable Rebirth
Perched above the Arctic Circle in Norway's Lofoten archipelago, the former cod liver oil factory, Trevarefabrikken, has undergone a remarkable transformation. This once-abandoned industrial site on Henningsvær island has been reborn as a vibrant hotel, restaurant, and cultural center. Driven by a communal spirit and meticulous design from London's Tuckey Design Studio, its revival emphasizes sustainable practices and local craftsmanship, breathing new life into a historic structure while preserving its inherent character.
In a remarkable fusion of architectural heritage and contemporary vision, designer Francesco Balzano, through his studio After Bach, has meticulously crafted an exceptional apartment interior. Situated within a venerable 17th-century structure overlooking the tranquil Seine River on the iconic Place Dauphine, this residence exemplifies a harmonious blend of sophisticated Parisian aesthetics and the soulful essence of Roman artistry. Conceived for an discerning art collector, the renovation delicately balances grandiosity with refined simplicity, featuring a captivating array of materials such as verdant lacquer, luminous ivory lime plaster, warm bronze accents, and elegant beige stone, all drawing inspiration from the artistic echoes of Cy Twombly's Roman atelier and the dramatic chiaroscuro prevalent in Balthus's works, thereby transforming artistic poetry into a tangible living experience.
Balzano, whose foundational training at École Penninghen and Joseph Dirand Architecture preceded the establishment of his Parisian studio in 2020, views design as an eloquent medium for engaging with the world, a philosophy profoundly manifested in this project through meticulous precision and the selection of noble materials. Within this 180-square-meter dwelling, comprising two bedrooms and two bathrooms, minimal structural alterations were undertaken, primarily focusing on enhancing the existing layout with sophisticated applications of new oak parquet flooring, refreshing lime plaster finishes, and rich wood lacquer by After Bach, complemented by distinguished pieces from designers like Paolo Buffa, Floris Wubben, and Frédéric Imbert, which serve as refined counterpoints within the apartment's thoughtfully composed environment.
This design narrative not only elevates the living space into a sanctuary of beauty and tranquility but also underscores the enduring power of thoughtful design to inspire and uplift. It demonstrates how historical context can be gracefully interwoven with modern sensibilities, creating spaces that are both deeply personal and universally appealing. Balzano's work stands as a testament to the idea that our surroundings can, and should, reflect the highest aspirations of art and human ingenuity, fostering an atmosphere of positive engagement and sophisticated living.