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Curator's Note: As a Paris-based studio, most edits highlight some of my favorite European-accessible design houses...

If you are a fan of luxury real estate shows, you might have caught a fleeting glimpse of this extraordinary home on L’Agence (the chic French equivalent to Selling Sunset). At the time of filming, the renovation wasn't even fully completed, but the Parisian agents were already mesmerized by its raw potential.

Fast forward to today, and the finished masterpiece is gracing the glossy pages of international design bibles, from Elle Decor Spain to Living Etc UK and Residence Netherlands.

Located near Aix-en-Provence, this project by high-end interior architect Helena Monnet Plat is a masterclass in spatial transformation. She took a rather banal, uninspired 1980s house and elevated it into a breathtaking Mediterranean refuge.

As a scenographer, I am deeply inspired by how this home balances grand architectural gestures with an intimate, slow-living atmosphere. Let’s break down the design secrets of this Neo-Provencal sanctuary.

THE ARCHITECTURE: CURVES & RAW MATERIALS

The foundation of this home's rebirth relies on majestic, neo-classical volumes. The mundane 80s layout was cracked open to welcome immense arched glass doors that flood the space with Southern French sunlight.

But the true architectural anchor of the house is the sculptural, sweeping limewash staircase. It brings a raw, tactile wabi-sabi energy to the space, beautifully contrasting with the highly polished, luxurious accents scattered throughout the home—like the striking touches of red onyx in the kitchen. It is the perfect embodiment of the Kraft & Carat philosophy: the raw meeting the precious.

A BESPOKE APPROACH TO FURNITURE & ART

What makes this interior feel so exclusive and cohesive? Almost everything is custom-made.

Helena Monnet Plat didn't just source furniture; she designed the majority of it. From the monumental, enveloping living room sofa to the elegant consoles framing the arched windows, and the spectacular dining room set. She even designed the intricate moldings on the kitchen cabinetry. To bring these designs to life, she collaborated with Maison Nicole, relying on the exquisite, slow-crafted handiwork of Moroccan artisans.

A Classic Reimagined: The Wicker Medici Vase
Amidst the bespoke modern pieces, the designer wove in traditional Mediterranean references. My absolute favorite detail? The spectacular woven rattan Medici vase elevated on a matching column, crafted by the iconic French artisans at Atelier Vime. It brings an unmatched historical poetry and texture to the room.
The Art of Symmetry: Straw Marquetry & Metal
Another brilliant scenographic detail lies in the symmetrical framing of the main arched window. Here, two striking artworks by artisan Marika M are displayed. They masterfully combine raw straw marquetry (marqueterie de paille) with sleek brass accents. This pairing is the literal embodiment of our Kraft & Carat philosophy: the meticulous, earthy warmth of the straw elevating the precious nature of the metal. Placed symmetrically, these pieces act as visual anchors, adding a layer of sophisticated, tactile geometry to the sun-drenched room without fighting the view outside.

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN

To soften the mineral tones of the stone, plaster, and onyx, the designer utilized a brilliant color strategy. A vibrant, natural "meadow green" (vert prairie) is used as a unifying thread throughout the interior. This specific shade visually erases the boundaries between the indoor spaces and the lush Provencal nature surrounding the house.

THE SCENOGRAPHER’S TAKEWAY: LIVABLE LUXURY

It is easy to design a house that looks beautiful on glossy magazine pages but feels as stiff as a museum. The true genius of Helena Monnet Plat’s work here is the balance between high-end aesthetics and genuine art de vivre.

Despite the grand arches and the bespoke Moroccan craftsmanship, the house feels incredibly inviting. You instantly want to sink deep into that massive custom sofa or sit at the cozy breakfast nook with a morning coffee, simply gazing out at the surrounding nature. It is not just a showcase of luxury; it is a sanctuary designed for well-being.

all images from Helena Monnet Plat website (photos by Gaelle Le Boulicaut)

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