WHEN THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS ARE OPEN, you can
catch a whiff of salty ocean air. From the terrace, you can even
watch the waves crash along the coast of Normandy. But this
isn’t your typical beach abode, because this home belongs to
interior designer Laure Ardouin Marie, whose personal style
goes far beyond breezy linens and a neutral colour palette.
DECO BEACH In fact, this Art Deco apartment was just what
Laure and her husband Thomas were after – a holiday retreat
a few hours away from their home in Paris where they live with
their two daughters. Tucked away in an historic part of France,
the property was “a modern manifesto, with its white structure,
pure lines, big windows and panoramic terrace”, Laure says.
Not to mention the interior, which gets lots of natural light. “The
four-metre-high ceilings, volumes and big doors seduced us.”
IN FASHION What it lacked was style, but luckily, Laure has
that in spades. After working with luxury fashion brands for 12
years, she poured her talent into interior design and started her
own studio, Stiletta. Today, she runs her eponymous design
company. As Laure puts it, “I like to combine architecture and
atmosphere. Decorating isn’t just about cushions on a sofa, it
is a question of style choices.” From the vintage furniture to the
herringbone floors, Laure’s home reflects her love of Art Deco.
“It’s a jigsaw, mixing vintage goods and contemporary pieces.
A sign of the Art Deco movement, but with my personal touch.”
NEW WAVE Laure spent four months renovating, followed by
two months of decorating. “There was a new story to tell, but
I was careful to keep the spirit.” A kitchen was built inside the
living room, and a bedroom replaced the old kitchen. She even
redesigned the bathrooms, mezzanines and doors. “I wanted
something out of the box, light years away from typical seaside
decor,” she says. “With subtle graphic codes and bold patterns,
I wanted to create an atmosphere reminiscent of Art Deco.” RNatural highlight Because the property faces north, south and west, light
streams in throughout the day. It illuminates the living area, which is layered
with La Redoute rugs, an Ercol sofa and fluffy accessories by Bloomingville.