DÉCOR
ABOVE, LEFT A study to the right of the entrance to the home does double duty as a library. The sofa that integrates with the desk behind it was custom designed by the architect, its simplicity exemplary of his approach RIGHT A long, low bookshelf forms a subtle division between the living room and the TV area, where natural textures, neutral colours and a sisal rug contrast with sleek black accents
‘I see my work mostly in creating soft places, to protect people from [the world] outside,’ he explains, in reference to projects in cities where the information overload and pace of change erode peace of mind. ‘I try to create environments where you feel peaceful, with your family, friends or alone, where you can be yourself, disconnect from all that, and take a breath.’ And so it was with this apartment. Beginning with the base of a white box, he enriched it and humanised it with layers of natural and classically Parisian materials: beautiful oak floors, abundant Carrara marble and furniture that celebrates both nature and classicism in its simplicity and proportions. ‘I think we are really peaceful when we connect with nature,’ says Berthier. It’s a connection he celebrates in his understated, neutral design. ‘There is really a lack of nature in Paris. I try to [bring back] some nature with the materials I use.’
NATURAL SELECTION ‘Materials as they are in nature, or almost, are the best for me,’ says Berthier. The wooden floors, the marble in the kitchen and bathrooms, and the ingenious low ledge in the living room for the display of art also underpin nature’s art. ‘It’s always impressive to know that on earth you can find a perfectly white marble with just a perfect grey pattern on it, or an almost black wood. I try to show these kinds of things in my projects.’ The greenery on the balcony adds to this serene atmosphere. ‘You are in the centre of Paris, but you live with the windows open and you see only green,’ Berthier observes. The white walls have another advantage. ‘At the end of the day, when you have an orange sunset, all the white walls take this orange colour,’ he says. ‘You can’t have this if your walls are too dark.’
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‘I try to create environments where you feel peaceful, with your family, friends or alone, where you can be yourself, disconnect from all that, and take a breath’