Carine. First of all, a big thank you for opening the doors of your “home sweet home” to us. You are the sales director of a famous group in the organic sector. But you are also a decoration enthusiast. Every detail in your house is particularly thought out, considered, inspired. And when you enter your home, you really get the feeling of stepping into the pages of a magazine, and at the same time, it’s unique because there are objects you don’t see anywhere else.
How did this passion for decoration come to you?
There were two triggers. The first is linked to my first job at an advertising agency. We were always in search of Beauty. We had to study every detail, weigh every word, examine the layouts, choose the pantone with particular care. We played with words but especially with the aesthetics, the visuals where everything was scrutinized.
The second trigger came from the decorating magazines that I regularly leaf through again and again. I keep them all and I must admit they inspire me a lot. Then, the accelerator was a visit to the Maison et Objet Fair. At the time, I was still working in advertising for a garden furniture manufacturer. And there, I discovered a world I was unaware of, a universe of shapes and materials that truly sharpened my curiosity. This fair opened me up to something I had never been educated about at all. The fair is made up of several modules, and the one that really struck me brought together furniture designers; Italian, Belgian, French. I then turned to much more specialized magazines like AD or Ideat. And the passion was born!
How do you experience this passion?
We bought a house at the foot of Sainte Victoire for which we kept only the walls and completely redesigned the interior volumes. And a few months before buying this house, I had seen an article in Coté Sud that really struck me, and I was inspired by it. Our budget was limited, but I had made three wishes, three desires for which we decided not to compromise: polished concrete, a large opening with bay windows, and a pool at the level of the house so that it would be an integral part of the decor. I’m also lucky to have a husband who fully shares my tastes and supports my ideas.
We also have a house on Île de Ré that we completely renovated and transformed. The two decorations have nothing in common, but it’s a real pleasure to bring them to life.
Decoration is a complex process that is not just about an object or simply “decor.” On the contrary, it’s an arrangement, a choice of materials and textures. It can involve wallpaper, paint, porcelain, furniture. But above all, it takes time. I always move forward step by step in a gradual approach. It’s a process that matures. When I need an object, I take the time necessary to find the right one. Sometimes it can take several months. I also spend a lot of time browsing decoration stores. I have very eclectic tastes.
I also really enjoy flea market hunting. The flea markets of Île-sur-la-Sorgue are magical places where you can find unique objects.
https://lile-aux-brocantes.business.site
What will be the most important thing in a house in terms of decoration?
Lighting fixtures and seating without hesitation. You take an empty room and put a light and a chair in it, and the style is there. You take the same room with a table and some frames, and the whole picture will be completely different. There will be fewer tones.
The most important thing is the lighting fixtures, not to mention that you can play with shapes, sizes, and atmospheres; floor lamps, pendants, lamps, wall sconces, ...
What do you expect from decoration? What do you think it can be used for?
There isn’t one idea of beauty; it’s completely personal. However, the important thing is to feel good in your home, comfortable and inspired. I would even go further and say that it gives me emotions. A place, a setting, a beautiful object, it really moves me.
Which people or styles inspire you?
Under construction, Tadao Ando, who plays with concrete and glass in a rather contemporary style.
http://www.tadao-ando.com/projects/
I also really like “Petite Friture,” Kartell, and Bertoya. Eames, Christian Werner, and of course Gae Aulenti and her coffee table on wheels. And finally, Patricia Urquiola, an essential figure in this world, very trendy, whose work I greatly appreciate.
This question might be difficult to answer. If you had to choose only one, which decorative object holds a special place in your home?
My first reaction: a light fixture from Maison Vibia, a Spanish company that makes extremely sleek and contemporary lighting, which I patiently chose, waited for, and saved up for a long time! Because, as I said about decoration, it takes time and a little money too, you have to admit. But after thinking it over, I would rather choose a thrifted item: a small “art deco” clock lamp from the 1930s, an impossible-to-find object that therefore has real sentimental value.
What are your latest musical favorites?
“The Girl from Ipanema” by Astrud, a real favorite!
In the kitchen, what is your favorite dish?
An Italian dish due to my origins: “pasta al ragù.” Pasta with a meat sauce similar to Bolognese but much better, with finely chopped small vegetables.
https://www.ricardocuisine.com/recettes/5176-sauce-ragu-a-l-italienne
A website to share?
I have little time with a very demanding job, but Pinterest inspires me a lot. And especially Instagram, which I admit I check three times a day. It’s my little daily break and gives me plenty of ideas.
Interviews collected by Edith SELLIER PASCAL
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