How did you choose these two spaces?
The bed & breakfast first:
I do a lot on impulse and instinct, but you could also say that life put them in my path. As for the bed & breakfast, it all started seven years ago. The owner is none other than my client and friend, Lionel Jadot, who is himself an interior designer and film director. He and his wife, Astrid, who is an actress, regularly bought pieces from me. I decorated part of the spacious house when it was still their vacation home. Later they agreed to rent it to me so I could bring my plans for a unique kind of bed & breakfast—every last piece of furniture and all the decorations are for sale—to life. I like replacing the objects that have sold. I’m full of ideas.
And your seaside home:
In May 2015, a client called me to say, “We’re selling our house. Would you like to buy it?” I’m always on the lookout for signs, and I often think “Why not?” Two friends and I got together and bought it! I took charge of the decorating; I spend a lot of time there. Everything there is for sale, too.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I live alone: no husband, no kids, no dog. My job is my passion. I love buying things. As soon as I see a beautiful object I can already picture selling it. I travel a lot, too, and that’s an excellent source of inspiration. I’m always hoping to find something to purchase and resell (fabric, rugs, decorative objects, etc.) It’s part of who I am. When I like something, it inspires me.
What do you like about your career?
It’s so much fun! When people find and buy beautiful things, they’re happy. I like making people happy. And décor and furniture bring spaces to life with personal touches. A house without a rug is just sad. People often ask for my advice. I like sharing my ideas and my passion.
How do you approach your work? How do you strike the right balance between timeless and more geometrical, contemporary pieces?
It happens naturally. I don’t have a clearly defined method. I buy every object that speaks to me. And, of course, I know my clients well. Not long ago, I bought a heavy alpaca rug with broad stripes in Paris with a particular client’s vacation home in mind. It was a good decision; she bought it from me as soon as she saw it!
How and where do you do your shopping?
Anywhere and everywhere! Online, at flea markets, at people’s homes, in stores. I even have a few contacts that send me photos. I love the Design Flea Market (Puces du Design) in Paris, and go every time it takes place. I also do a lot of shopping in Germany, in Cologne and Düsseldorf, and in the Netherlands, in Amsterdam. It’s also an opportunity to go look for new inspiration.
How do you go about embodying the soul of a space that belongs to a client?
I know my clients well, and they trust me. I quickly come to understand their taste, their personality and—most importantly—the spirit of their homes. I always visit the space in person, to take it all in. When I walk into a room, I often have an instantaneous reaction; I think, “We’ll put this piece of furniture here, that lamp there, etc.”
How do you handle specific orders?
I work mostly on instinct. I almost never take notes. I walk into a room and immediately imagine what I can do with the space. If a person has hired me, it’s because he or she likes my style. We share ideas and opinions throughout the project.
