Guillaume Alan - Refined Parisian Elegance
French interior designer Guillaume Alan transforms a top floor apartment in Paris’ 16th arrondissement, stripping back the extraneous elements to create a refined, minimalist space.
Guillaume Alan’s signature style– clean lines, a refined material selection, and a limited colour palette work wonders for this spectacular property, located on the top floor of a typical Haussmann-style building in Paris’ 16th arrondissement. Stripped back to the structure’s original form, the interiors allowed Alan to highlight the unique arching forms and mesmerising features of the space, including an original mosaic floor in the entrance hall. The starting point for the decoration was the discovery of a fifteenth-century stone bust in London at Jamb on Pimlico Road– the colour and texture of the figure had a significant influence on the design. While at first glance, the interior’s style appears relatively contemporary with modern seating, furniture and accessories, several traditional elements and references help to soften the design and give it a timeless elegance. Pieces include the bespoke Georgian-style lantern hanging in the main living space, the chimney-piece, and the beautiful parquet flooring.
Photography: Matthew Donaldson
Designer profile
Background
Guillaume Alan knew about architecture and design before he could even walk: his father was an architect, his mother an interior designer and his grandmother an antique dealer. Growing up in such a design-oriented environment influenced his career choices, as he naturally set into working in interior decoration. At just 22, he opened his own studio in Paris, in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, already displaying his unique style by refurbishing the space with concrete floors, wooden panels and very pure lines. For the opening, he presented his first furniture collection, an instant classic, manufactured by the best craftsmen. In 2011, he opened another design studio in London’s Mayfair, to cater for an international clientele. True to the finest tradition of French design and “Décorateurs ensembliers”, he specializes in architecture, interior decoration and furniture design. His work is internationally praised and sought after and is often featured in major publications all over the globe.
Signature Style
A great combination of minimalism and classicism, proving that the famous notion “less is more” is anything but simple. With elegance and refinement, he treats and defines the space in a very clean way, with a very pure, flawless approach. His strong lines and impeccable proportions are always balanced with douceur – softness- brought by the curved lines of the furniture, the soft textures and a gentle palette. Obsessed with details, using fine woods, such as oak or ash, in brushed finishes, natural marble, brass, natural linen, soft leather, wool, silk and bronze – and always focused on a bespoke palette – his aesthetic is all about restrain in architecture and elements but opulent in spirit. The interiors he creates are imbued with serenity, calm, and emotion.