interiors - August/September 2014

THE GROUND FLOOR IS COMPOSED OF A SERIES OF INDOOR-OUTDOOR living spaces that open to decks and terraces overlooking an idyllic bay. “It was important for the client to enjoy the gentle trade winds while being sheltered from the sun and rain,” explains Raffeneau. The central dining area features a large custom-made dining table with wenge and lacquered-larch tripod legs. The dining chairs surrounding the table are from the Campana brothers’ collection for Edra. Visible through a virtine on one side of the room is a cantilevered wenge-wood staircase that leads to the second floor, while an imposing Lady Jane floor lamp from Serralunga and a branch-like coat rack from Driade accent the space.

The living room, an indoor-outdoor space adjacent to the dining area, lets in light but not the elements. White Philippe Starck sofas from Cassina, Flos lamps and custom coffee tables designed by Raffeneau reinforce a crisp modernity, set off by the gray-washed ipe wood flooring, which continues into the ample outdoor living areas. The outdoor kitchen/bar has enameled metal bar stools from Blue, and another playful outdoor sitting area features slouchy Paola Lenti chairs and driftwood side tables from Blue Sea arranged as if around a beach bonfire. B&B Italia outdoor chaise lounges and tables are set near the house’s two pools.

Perhaps the most fascinating space in the house is the
otherworldly guest bedroom. “This is the one room that’s
different from the others,” says Raffeneau. “It’s located in the
center of the house, and it’s made with unique materials that
cannot be found in the rest of the house. The idea is a space
shuttle or a UFO that strikes a completely traditional house.
The shuttle enters the roof diagonally to optimize the view of
the beach. The interior of this bedroom is completely different
from the rustic chic aesthetic. It’s a futuristic interior where the
white resin floor turns into a bed, the Corian covering the walls
morphs into curves to create the opening to the room and the
wardrobe doors. The TV comes out of the end of the bed, and
night tables are retractable to avoid the look of cumbersome
bedside tables.” Rosewood slats rise from either side of the
bed in an undulating form that becomes the back wall of the
dressing room and leads seamlessly to his and hers Duravit sinks
tucked away at the rear of the room.

Two other guest bedrooms on the second floor follow more of the rustic chic design mandate. The woodwork there is more traditional, exposed and painted white, while the floor is white-painted wood. At the center of each room sits a large volume that hides the shower and the entrance. Cantilevered desktops are made of wenge, as are the drawers in the dressing rooms. Closet doors are larch wood that has been brushed, sanded and painted white. In each room, the base of the bed is recessed to enhance the sensation of floating on a cloud high above the tropical treetops of St. Barts.