Located on the banks of the river in Villennes-sur-Seine, 20 miles west of Paris, a traditional house enters the modern age thanks to an overhaul by Parisian architect and furniture designer Olivier Chabaud.
Chabaud believes that architects should create homes that withstand design trends; for him, this means being attentive to the innate characteristics of a space and using the varying intensities of light to select his materials. In this project Chabaud added a new poolhouse and swimming pool very much in keeping with the original structure; throughout, he used simple materials such as wood and concrete and their contemporary detailing that bind the old and new together.
Photography via Olivier Chabaud.
Above: Chabaud opened the living room into a double-height space.
Above: Contemporary metal railings with the original fireplace and its surrounding architectural features. Minimalist woodblock tables sit on dark stone floors.
Above: New bookshelves line the gallery around the living area.
Above: Wood, metal, and stone create a simple palette in the open kitchen.
Above: Subway tiles add texture above the stainless steel backsplash that continues up from the cooker. For more ways to use subway tiles, see Remodeling 101: White Tile Pattern Glossary.
Above: "For environmental reasons and detailing flexibility, I never tire of using wood and metal," Chabaud says.
Above: A wall-mounted light has a lampshade with an animal print.
Above L: A game room looks over the double-height living area. Above R: In the new pavilion, a glazed wall takes the shape of a building, offering expansive views and bringing light in.
Above: Chabaud fits a bedroom into the eaves of the attic space. A platform bed with a carpeted surface keeps things warm and low.
Above: A splash of bright color on the wainscot brings a contemporary look to a traditional bathroom with a claw-foot tub.
Above: The new pool and pool house, while contemporary in materials and detailing, complement the original house.
Above: A one-story modern addition connects the two older structures. (Interested in similar design solutions? See Fill in the Blank: A Floating Cabin in France.)
Above: Out in the back, a wooden deck supports a river view.
More family living in France:
- The Power of Pastels: A Color-Blocked Family Loft in France
- A Stone Farmhouse in France Gets an Artful Update
- A Place for Everything: A 900-Square-Foot Loft for a Family of Four
- A Scandi Furniture Designer at Home in Paris
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