Explore the Serenity of François Catroux's Rustic Provence Home in a T

François Catroux was by far one of the big names of French Interior Design. Unfortunately, the worldwide designer passed away last Sunday, in Paris, but Inspirations Blog will be remembering him as the Master of ‘Grand Coziness’ he was known for. In a tribute, explore the rustic Province home and take a few ideas for your home renovation.

François Catroux “did things that were truly modernistic before anybody else did,” the Marquise de Ravenel told Vanity Fair. The French interior decorator died in Paris, at the age of 83, but the mark he left on the design world will never the erased. “He used materials like stainless steel, plastic, and bronze that were not fashionable then. He was very ahead of his time.”, Vanity Fair.

Explore the Serenity of François Catroux's Rustic Provence Home in a Tribute to the Worldwide Renowned Designer — *Image Credit: Elle Décor*

The interior designer was known for displaying settings with the most amazing neutral and sophisticated tones. He would be able to transform a standard room into a warm ad welcoming space that characterized his unique signature style. His incredible ability to pull of design projects that would skip modern and vintage elements, giving an authentic touch to all his creations.

? FRANÇOIS’ HOUSE IN PROVENCE

One of François’ clients, Diane von Furstenber, described his work as ‘grand coziness’, a step ahead of contemporary design. Sometimes, we find it hard to define, but contemporary means ‘at the moment’ and it indicates that this particular aesthetic is always evolving throughout time. The designer would skip modern and vintage elements to add a more eclectic look to his ambiances, making them unique. As the self-taught designer told a newspaper reporter on a visit to New York City in 1970, “I am just resting and observing but of course careful observing is a kind of work.”

This luminous stone house, located in Province, could be defined as his personal retreat for a mental brief vacation. He always defended that escapes are essential, and with that in mind, he transformed a 16th-century stone house into a rustic design dream. With his wife, Betty Catroux, the former Yves Saint Laurent muse, he spent the most relaxing time at this peaceful place.

“I drink rosé and gaze at the beauty,” Betty says. And François? “I dream.”
Elle Décor

Catroux designed the sofa and chairs, which are upholstered in a Bernard Thorp fabric, as well as the bookcase, which is flanked by artworks by Henri Matisse. A few statement-making and monumental pieces pop, such as the polyhedron pendant in the living room, which the interior designer made out of oak, and a pair of exotic wood screens.

The tripod side table and the pendant were also designed by François, and the most interesting part is that he was always able to pull off an antique that would add value to his décors: the lion statue is from the 17th century.

The designer was also inspired by the surroundings that is why he decided to add this traditional floor that consists of stones set into cement. And a straw wall hanging serves as a statement-making rug.

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