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January 17.2026
2 Minutes Read

Curves and Cutouts: Transforming Apartment Living in Marseille

Marseille apartment building renovation with wooden beams and hexagonal tiles.

Discovering Design in Marseille's Urban Landscape

The city of Marseille, with its rich heritage and vibrant culture, stands as a canvas for innovative architectural expressions. The recent renovation of an old apartment building by architects Suleïma Ben Achour and Antoine Lallement showcases a unique approach that marries practicality with artistic flair. Within this five-story structure, the duo has imbued life into a previously modest living space, turning it into a visual feast through the clever use of curves and cutouts.

Curves: A Playful Touch

Often overlooked in conventional design, curves serve as a charming element that softens the rigidity of traditional architecture. In this Marseille building, the architects embraced existing curves while introducing new ones, creating a harmony that encourages a sense of continuity and comfort. This thoughtful design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a flow of movement within the space.

Artistry Meets Functionality

One of the standout features of this renovation is the use of handcrafted materials. From sculpted plaster fireplace surrounds to custom-built furniture, the project reflects a dedication to craftsmanship. Suleïma and Antoine’s choice to utilize non-luxurious materials in expressive ways reinforces the notion that beauty can stem from simplicity, inspiring future designers to rethink material use in their own projects.

A Bright Future for Apartment Living

With the rise of vacation rentals and the short-term housing market, innovative renovations like this one open up discussions about sustainable urban living. The special focus on design within these spaces can encourage community interaction and enhance the quality of life for residents. As the demand for unique living experiences continues to grow, such revitalized structures could redefine how we view apartment living.

Key Takeaways and Inspiration

  • Explore the potential of curves in architectural design to foster comfort and style.
  • Consider utilizing handcrafted elements and non-traditional materials to create distinctive spaces.
  • Recognize the important role that thoughtful design plays in modern, sustainable living environments.

As designers and architects draw inspiration from transformative projects like Suleïma and Antoine's work, we can anticipate a thriving future for the architectural landscape in not just Marseille but cities across the globe. Renovations such as these demonstrate that through creativity and a commitment to quality, it's possible to craft more than just buildings; it's possible to create vibrant, livable art.

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01.16.2026

Explore Œuvres Sensibles: A Unique Embroidery Atelier in Marseille

Update Discovering the Artistic Haven of Œuvres Sensibles In the vibrant city of Marseille, there lies a gem of creativity known as Œuvres Sensibles, led by the talented Sarah Espeute. A former graphic designer who explored various artistic avenues, Sarah returned to her childhood passion for embroidery and transformed it into a flourishing brand. The journey that led her to create this unique atelier and shop is both inspiring and telling of the rich artistic community that thrives in Marseille. The Fusion of Art and Functionality At Œuvres Sensibles, the art of embroidery goes beyond mere decorative motifs. Sarah's creations, such as trompe-l’œil tablecloths and personalized textiles, merge functionality with aesthetic appeal. The studio produces not only table linens but also a variety of works—including curtains and pillows—that celebrate the tactile nature of fabric and the creativity of design. This innovative approach reflects a growing trend in home decor that values both beauty and practicality. The Heart of the Atelier: A Dedicated Space The 300-square-meter studio situated at 7 Rue Villeneuve serves as a workshop and showroom, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the world of handcrafted textiles. Designed to facilitate both art and interaction, the space features elements like a DIY kitchen reinvented from a previous showroom. Highlights include vintage finds and custom-built furniture that reflect Sarah's personal style and commitment to sustainability. Provenance and Community Connection One of the appealing aspects of Œuvres Sensibles is its commitment to local craftsmanship. Each item is thoughtfully produced in collaboration with trained embroiderers and artists, creating job opportunities and fostering a sense of community. This emphasis on local talent resonates in today's design landscape, where consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that prioritize ethical practices and sustainability. Future Trends in Home Design As we move towards more sustainable living, studios like Œuvres Sensibles illustrate a significant shift in how we view home decor. With Sarah’s creations celebrating manual craftsmanship, there’s a re-emergence of personalized home items that tell a story. As younger generations begin to invest in home aesthetics, the preference for unique, handcrafted work is likely to drive more artisans to consider establishing spaces similar to Sarah’s atelier. So, if you are ever in Marseille, make sure to visit Œuvres Sensibles for not just a shopping experience, but a chance to see art in action. For the young and curious, the stories behind each piece provide insight into a world where creativity knows no bounds.

01.15.2026

Experience the Unique Charm of Hotel Massé in Pigalle, Paris

Update The Unique Charm of Hotel Massé in Pigalle Welcome to Hotel Massé, a delightful gem nestled in the lively streets of Pigalle, Paris. Located in a classic Haussmannian building on Rue Victor Massé, this hotel is not just a place to stay; it's a journey through collaborative art and design. Crafted by two siblings, Éole and Corto Peyron, this 40-room hotel is a testament to teamwork and creativity, featuring contributions from a variety of designers and artists. A Narrative Built by Many Hands Unlike typical hotels that often have a uniform design, Hotel Massé showcases a narrative formed by the distinct styles and ideas of many talented individuals. The Airbnb-like atmosphere is intentional: the design team, Juliette Gasparetto and Julie Parenti from Gasparetto Parenti, aimed to create a space that feels more like a cozy local apartment than a mere hotel. Each room tells its own story, making every guest's experience unique. Exploring the Evolving Design Upon entering Hotel Massé, guests are greeted by rich burgundy corridors leading to bright rooms adorned with okoumé wood, maritime pine, and carefully chosen vintage furnishings. The aesthetic blends modern design elements with a nostalgic nod to 1970s style, with velvety seating, vintage carpets, and artwork from local artists. It's not just about the rooms; this hotel embodies a thoughtful curation of pieces, such as art deco sconces from Galerie44 and custom tables made from reclaimed wood by craftsman Alexis Mazin. Layers of Local Artistry The artistic contributions don't stop at interiors; each bathroom features unique tiles by artist Héloïse Rival, ensuring that even the most private spaces radiate creative charm. Each detail has been curated to combine functionality with aesthetic appeal. The choice of lighting, furniture, and even the layout of each room works harmoniously to immerse guests in a cultural experience that is distinctly Parisian. Balancing Modern Needs with Classic Styles This thoughtful blend extends to the amenities and services offered, making the hotel not only luxurious but practical for today's traveler. Guests can enjoy quiet mornings on their personal balconies and cozy evenings in individually styled lounges that promise comfort and warmth. The integration of various artistic styles also invites guests to engage with the hotel’s offerings—making every moment spent memorable. A Future of Collaborative Design in Hospitality As Hotel Massé paves the way for innovative hotel designs, it sets a standard for others within the industry to follow. The understanding that collaboration can lead to more fulfilling and diverse environments may inspire other hotels to embrace unique stories told through the voices of multiple designers and artists. Whether you're planning a stay or simply curious about design, Hotel Massé serves as a striking example of how collective creativity can turn a hotel into a home away from home.

01.14.2026

Transform Your Space: Embrace a Tranquil French Riviera Kitchen Style

Update Discovering the Charm of a French Riviera Kitchen Have you ever imagined cooking in a kitchen that feels like a serene escape? The recent renovation of a kitchen in a historic 1927 villa on the French Riviera, designed by French architect Sabine Bell and British designer Lauren Jennings, showcases how to blend modern functionality with traditional charm. The new addition is complemented by original elements that give the space a peaceful yet striking finish. Key Features of the Tranquil Kitchen To capture the French country aesthetic, the newly extended kitchen features a luxurious slate floor that flows from the living room, accented with hand-painted cabinetry that brings a personal touch. These cabinets come from Jennings’ family business, Neptune by Closa, and are painted in a subtle pale gray from Mylands, perfectly balancing modernity with the rustic feel typical of countryside kitchens. The Heart of the Kitchen: Traditional Fixtures At the heart of this culinary haven is a Lacanche kitchen range, a staple in Provençal kitchens that combines practicality with elegance. The uniquely sculpted built-in vent hood reflects the villa's curved concrete walls, creating a cohesive look that enhances the kitchen's character. Along with limestone countertops and a farmhouse sink, this space is designed for both culinary creativity and guest engagement. Adding Elegance with Thoughtful Design Lighting plays a vital role in the ambiance of the kitchen. With fixtures like the Jim Lawrence Club Wall Light and carefully chosen table lamps, the kitchen remains bright and inviting while serving as a functional workspace. Every choice in lighting and decor contributes to the overall tranquil and sophisticated atmosphere. Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere A French country kitchen is more than just a cooking space; it’s where family and friends gather. This kitchen embraces that idea by incorporating natural elements, such as a mix of traditional and modern furnishings. Whether it’s the well-placed artwork or aesthetically pleasing storage options, the design encourages interaction and warmth. Why This Style Works for Everyone Even if you don’t live in a picturesque villa in France, these design principles can be applied to homes in any area, from urban settings to suburban neighborhoods. Incorporating natural materials like wood, stone, and soft colors allows homeowners to capture that effortless yet stylish French country feel. You can combine aesthetics gleaned from this renovation whether in Marseille, London, or Los Angeles. Transforming Your Own Kitchen Interested in infusing your kitchen with a French country flair? Consider starting with a fresh coat of paint, integrating neutral cabinetry, or featuring high-quality natural materials. Introducing unique light fixtures and traditional elements like pot racks or open shelving can create a kitchen that feels both inviting and functional. Emulate this tranquil kitchen style to create a space that inspires you, whether you're preparing a four-course meal or sharing a casual breakfast with loved ones. So, why not take a leap into the world of French-inspired kitchen design? Your culinary adventures are waiting to unfold.

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