- The Sleeping Beauty -
- The Sleeping Beauty -
Nestled near the Bois de Vincennes, this house had stood still in time—featuring vintage mosaics, parquet floors, ornate moldings, and an overgrown garden. Recognizing its exceptional potential, interior architect Véronique Cotrel undertook a comprehensive renovation to reimagine the space for contemporary living.
The transformation involved rethinking the home's structure, including an outdated glass-roofed extension that was both leaky and undersized. This area was expanded to align with the façade and complemented with a new terrace. An unused basement was converted into a pottery studio, while the ground floor was opened up to enhance light flow, create fluid circulation, and optimize storage.
A central feature of the renovation is the redesigned conservatory, aimed at opening the house to its garden. Given the home's slight elevation, the space extends onto a terrace, with continuous flooring that draws the eye outward.
In the kitchen, a custom mosaic floor was installed, featuring an olive leaf frieze crafted from marble tesserae.
The garden plays a pivotal role in the project's success. Collaboration with landscape designer Fabien Caumont was essential to harmonize the outdoor space with the interior. Technical aspects like lighting, irrigation, and pathways were meticulously planned. Each garden area serves a purpose, whether for specific activities or serene contemplation.From the terrace, a generous staircase aligned with the door leads to the garden. All elements were constructed using noble, natural materials. The project was realized in collaboration with skilled artisans specializing in stone, steel, aluminum, and zinc (used for the summer kitchen). Working with natural materials ensures a timeless quality that gracefully ages over time.
The kitchen's dark tones, balanced by ample natural light, contrast with the home's softer hues. A quartzite "Calacatta" countertop brightens the cabinetry and walls, offering durability ideal for wet areas.
Situated in the extension, the kitchen and dining room are separated from the living area by the former façade, now featuring large openings. This historical separation allows for a built-in dining bench and additional storage. The living room is structured around a custom walnut and steel bookshelf, with glass panels inlaid with fabric.
Adjacent to the living room is a dedicated music room, centered around a grand piano and equipped with high-quality audio systems—an ideal retreat for the musically inclined homeowners.
The original cement tiles in the entrance were preserved and restored. Wall paneling, either damaged or missing, was recreated based on original designs, including the staircase, which required meticulous craftsmanship. A "boot room" with custom green English-style bench and wardrobes provides a chic space to store outerwear.
The staircase underwent significant modifications, removing intermediate landings that housed restrooms and creating new floors at each level—a substantial structural endeavor that now seamlessly integrates into the home's design.
The first floor is dedicated to the parents, featuring a master suite with a dressing room and a luminous bathroom. The bathroom, situated on a newly created landing, includes a custom walnut vanity and a Corian bathtub. Natural tiling allows light and materials to take center stage.
The second floor, accessible via the light-filled staircase, is reserved for children and guests, offering comfortable and thoughtfully designed spaces for family and visitors alike. This project exemplifies the harmonious blend of historical charm and modern functionality, a hallmark of Véronique Cotrel's interior design philosophy. For those seeking inspiration in interior design, whether in Paris or New York, this renovation serves as a testament to timeless elegance and thoughtful craftsmanship.
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