W
e set the scene: a luxury maisonette in Le Touquet, northern France. During the late Nineteen century, this little resort town rapidly grew in popularity due to the construction of the first “big” hotels. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, this is its full name, is, even now, one of the favourite holiday destinations of the Parisian elite. The entrance hall has a scenic feel. Visitors are greeted by bold wallpaper printed with images of hats, which look like they are almost floating in mid air. Print inspired by traditional panama hats once worn at the beach.
Le Touquet is on the Northern French coast, commanding splendid views overs the Channel. As a matter of fact, it's also very close to where our couple lives and works throughout the year. For them, Le Touquet is a very special place to summer with family and close friends.
This maisonette occupies the last two floors of a modern apartment building. The original décor was simple with a gentle nod to “country style”, not at all suited to our modern and sophisticated couple. Therefore, a total refurb was in order. The entrance hall had a traditional-looking timber framed staircase and stark walls painted in white. Now, the staircase is an integral part of the surrounding walls: boxed-in, painted in white and with no bannister on the first three steps. And this, creates the illusion of a much larger space. A needed improvement.
The living room is undoubtedly the heart of this home, decorated in perfect modern-classic style. One of the main project specifications was to create a true family environment. An informal family room opens up on to the entrance hall, kitchen and roof terrace. This is a space for family and friends to relax, chat and watch tv together, after a long day at the beach. Two large armchairs and two large sofas: everybody is welcome here!
One corner of the living room is set up as a study; this is for the man of the house who often brings his work back home, so he can follow his projects even when on holiday. The feature wall is fitted with modular storage and lateral home office.
The design aesthetic is sleek and up-to-date. Then: traditional French doors. Now: sliding doors with glass panels. Flat radiators by Acova instead of standard components. These details add a dynamic and light feel to the environment.
In the summer, you definitely cannot do without a roof terrace. Leading onto it are the kitchen, living room and study. And there is all the space you could possibly need to eat outdoors.
This is a large family. The lady of the house is also a great cook, she really knows her stuff and enjoys throwing large dinner parties and events. Most of the top floor has been set aside for the dining room and the kitchen; this space is open plan, ideal for entertaining and chatting with friends and family, while on the hob sauces are cooking and pots are boiling.
In the kitchen, there's a lot of room for storage, a large worktop and even the chance to covert the dining table into an extra preparation area. And this, is definitely what you want if you're the one cooking. The dining table, between kitchen and living room, seats up to nine people and is the natural extension of the island.
On the top floor, underneath the rafters; the master bedroom. This room has been remodelled to house a large built-in wardrobe and to create a large family bathroom.
Last but not least: the roof terrace. And almost 150 square metres, is exactly the right space to share with children and grandchildren. Even if sand dunes are not exactly on their doorstep, the sea breeze still fills the house. All this, added to the typical je ne sais quoi which Parisians bring to Le Touquet each summer. Now, this family can really start their holidays!
Design project
Refurb of a two-story maisonette in a luxury apartment building by the sea
Location: Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, France.
Client: Private
Floors: 2 Size: 148 mq
Interior design and furniture: Carré des Oyats, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Francia
Photos: Copyright Studio Jany
