When asked to undertake a demanding project outside Paris, interior designers Corinne Sachot and Gabriel Kowalski jumped at the chance. The customer are very spontaneous and enthusiastic, So, they visited the house, which was built in 1968.The massive project, which began in 2017, was meant to accommodate the needs of each family member. The final product includes an art studio, office, and an adorable playroom for two girls, both of whom are under the age of five.

Located on a charming, tree-lined private street in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a Paris suburb known for its greenery and quiet luxury, the abode had undeniably great bones but was in serious need of an upgrade. The new owners were excited about making a family home and enlarging the original structure. This meant adding two stories and an indoor pool. They are a young couple with little children and wanted this to be a house to entertain family and friends.

The two designers have never worked together on such a big project before. Although they share an office space, they all have their own practices, clients and aesthetic sensibilities. The challenge they face is to find a balanced and continuous thread of 7,500 square feet that is more than just an accumulation of ideas. They have to work together as a team to align with the wishes of our clients and find a balance.

One might think that such a large home—spread across over five floors—could be over the top in terms of its design. In fact, quite the opposite is true of this calm and quiet abode. The interest of this project was the great modesty and discretion throughout. Also, the clients were not interested in hot pieces of furniture or in being fashionable. Gabriel Kowalski designed 95% of the furniture. The clients were involved every step of the way.

The final result is practically zen in its muted palette and variety of different textured finishes. As for the easy indoor-outdoor access, made possible thanks to sliding doors and glass walls, Gabriel Kowalski were looking for the best way to respond to the family’s desires.