By Johnson 
The recently formed architectural duo of Inès Deschodt and Johanne Le Griffon has quickly proved itself to be an impressive pair. Both graduated from prestigious Paris design schools (the former from Penninghen, and the latter from the École Boulle.) Now, they are already presenting one of their first projects to AD. It’s no small feat, given that it involved the renovation of an 18th-century mansion in the south of Paris.
For his Versailles apartment, the owner, who is a chef and pastry chef, wanted “a cocoon” that subtly evokes the style of the Palace of Versailles, located nearby. “We didn’t want to fall into the trap of hyper-classicism, and instead wanted to do something completely different,” explain the interior designers. “It was important to create a contemporary space.” The first time they visited the pied-à-terre, the walls were yellow with red tapestries—case in point. “We wanted to give the home a new, stronger identity.” the designer duo explain. But the whole project needed to be carried out in accordance with strict French regulations covering historic buildings, as the one where the apartment is located is protected.
The period moldings had to be preserved given these restrictions; no matter, they proved to be an asset for the duo. “We chose to highlight them and they became a motif of the apartment; they make a statement. The constraint of having to keep them led to aesthetic choices,” they explain. Working within the parameters set by French authorities, Deschodt and Le Griffon played on the duality between the original classicism of the space and a more contemporary style. The aim was to create a home that would work both for entertaining and also when the owner wanted some time to himself. “He wanted to be able to recharge his batteries by spending a few days alone here each month, but he also wanted to be able to entertain guests whenever necessary.” Among the other features shaping the renovation was a garden, measuring roughly 1,450 square feet, which needed to be redesigned.
“Starting with the entrance, we staged the arrival with a large carpet to create a theatrical atmosphere.” The kitchen was then designed like a framed work of art: its moldings surrounded the furniture selected by the duo. “You can see the moldings running down to the floor. Since we had to design around them, we responded to this constraint by creating a space with very high ceilings, clean lines, and simple materials such as stainless steel and marble.” A contemporary practical touch came in the form of a bar where people can gather and relax, to the delight of the owner.
In the apartment’s enfilade series of spaces, a more formal dining room adjoins the kitchen. Framed by large, molded doorways, it lends a sense of grandeur to the home. To capitalize on these unique features, Deschodt and Le Griffon once again played with the room’s layout adding a large contemporary black wooden table, a bench, and sculptural chairs. “We wanted the rooms for entertaining to be unusual, while remaining timeless,” they explain.
“A little more rock, a little more chill,” the designers say about the living room, which extends an invitation to kick back. Note the painted floor and the objects deliberately placed on it to continue the theatrical sensibility of the house. “In the style of model Betty Catroux or Yves Saint Laurent, it’s like a tuxedo—classic and timeless,” the designers say. “We’re in Versailles, we’re working with classic French design, and breaking out of a rigid approach makes you feel more at home.” They also added a few curves with the sofa and coffee table, softening the lines of the moldings.
In contrast to the open living areas of the apartment, the bedroom is hidden behind two large, concealed doors in the bathroom. “Sort of like a contemporary version of the hidden doors you might find in the Palace of Versailles,” the designers say, as they took the owner’s desire for privacy very seriously. Access to the principal bathroom is only possible from the bedroom. “It’s really his own space,” they emphasize. They chose raw, contrasting materials, like the glass block screen from which you can glimpse movement behind. The Japanese-style pendant lights, which contrast with the warm Sapelli wood and stainless steel in the background, add an exotic touch to the room.