With two artists in residence the space could run easily in any direction, yet the couple tailor whimsy with neutrality. They balance color and proportion in a nimble, elegant adaptation of their creative lives. As Bruno describes, it was his intention to design “a house with modern sensibilities but not as hard and empty as some contemporary homes have become.” This desire, paired with their innate understanding of architecture and nature, offers an immediate impression. One is greeted through the entry gate by a striking montage wall of “Martyr” stone—a typically ingenious Lafourcade creation where enormous pieces of limestone from the ancient quarry at Les Bauxareformedintoasculpturalscreenoffascinatingtextured surfaces. Beyond the simple gable façade, the house comes into view—painted in horizontal stripes of grey and white—inspired by “a sub-conscious feeling of Italian church decoration.” Large glass doors provide entryway into the almost double-
volume space where a pair of square arches leads one from
the living room and dining area to the kitchen. “We wanted as
few doors as possible on the ground floor,” says Bruno. Partly
divided by a fireplace and chimneybreast, a raised library feels
Bruno has created an impressive change in rhythm between
the lofty, open-plan living areas, and the more intimate private
quarters—five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a master suite—
gracefully concealed although open.
On the opposite side of the library are floor lamps that mark
the living area’s perimeter, which encompass a boxy dark wood
sofa and chairs (with secret drawers) designed by Alexandre. The
pieces blend with luscious red exclamations found in the striped
that includes a dressing area that forms a lobby between the
landing and the bedroom.
The Lafourcades design furniture and lighting for themselves,
and for clients. A stellar collaboration can be seen in the pair
of bedroom cupboards—which Dominique decorated in a
wool curtains, lampshades, and sofa and chair upholstery. This
siren hue was chosen “because it is an old traditional Provence
color, and works perfectly here,” Bruno says. A pair of Eero
Saarinen Womb chairs accompanies the choice of seating, and
accents the feeling of open space.
mosaic of cut-up Hermès carrier bags—as well as the classic
orange Hermès boxes stacked and brilliantly recreated as
bedside lamps.
The home has subtle detailing throughout—oak framed doors
that are clad in a subtle black check pattern melamine, handrails
Old white-painted structural beams delineate the dining area
adjacent to the kitchen. Though over scaled, the pendant light
made of paper and bamboo by Paola Navone, remains a
quite statement, a lively coterie of busts keep court with a china
collection from the Cliousclat region.
finished in ‘crocodile’ leather, and custom handles on all the
doors. In the kitchen, the finishes and lighting have the feel of a
semi-industrial space but as Bruno determined at the beginning it
was never to be too hard.
Everything about the house and gardens illustrates the
Behind the kitchen is Dominique’s studio, where she spreads
Lafourcades' sensibilities, and their passion for craftsmanship and
her work—she is renowned for her hand drawn and colored
personality in modern design. Equally, the interiors are original,
garden plans for clients across Provence—across an oak slab
individual and comfortable—a good case of triumphant family
worktop on a trestle table. Also on the lower level is a warehouse,
teamwork n Architecture and interior design by Bruno Lafourcade;
apr + may
seen through a wall of internal windows that serves as a workshop
garden design and planting by Dominique Lafourcade
and garage.
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