PARIS, ST GERMAIN: Tom Ford, cigar rooms and dark wood

Frederic Berthier is a Parisian architect with quite an impressive pedigree of working with the best architects and designers in the world- Jean Nouvel, Dominique Perrault and Philippe Starck, only to mention a few. After 7 years working with Mr. Starck, his main role model and inspiration, he started his own office in 2012 and is now travelling all over the world designing the most amazing and inspiring places and homes. Featured in below photos, this Parisian flat, located in the district of Saint Germain is one of Frederic’s recent projects.

What were your inspirations and thoughts behind this project?  

My main inspiration for this Paris flat was the Tom Ford movie "A single man". The client was a man whom liked cigar rooms, wood, marble and classic things. I wanted to create something simple but still elegant. The precious materials I chose are a combination of Saint Laurent marble, brown oak and smoked acacia wood. The flat consists of pretty much two colours: White and dark brown with a slight touch of grey. You can find the most advanced technology throughout the flat, but nothing is visible. I want things to work seamlessly but not be visually disturbing. As an example, you will not find any radiators, but instead the heat flows from heated walls and floors, which are invisible to the eye.

 Where do you seek inspiration?  

I would say most of my inspiration stems from my childhood and simply just by looking around you. Sometimes you find inspiration in unexpected ways. Paul Smith said "you can find inspiration in everything" and I agree with this. I can find inspiration while bicycling on the streets in Paris, when watching a movie or when I am travelling. The nature is always an important inspiration element.

What do you do when you are not designing houses? 

Your favourite place in this world? 

People you admire?