When I came across this video interview with Parisian architect Joseph Dirand via Twitter, I can honestly say that watching Dirand discuss his beautiful home in Paris stopped me in my tracks. I already knew of Dirand’s work – I’ve posted about another glorious elegant project of his – but still, his own home is just exquisite in its refined aesthetic and gorgeous, gorgeous use of materials.
Consider the kitchen with its herringbone parquet floor and chunky marble countertop and matching splashback – though the word ‘splashback’ doesn’t do this feature justice. Look at the compact dining area in the kitchen with its built-in bench seating. Look at that perfectly minimal marble fireplace in the living room. And the way in which the period detailing – detailing that Dirand installed into this property in the city’s 7th Arrondissement – is effortlessly complemented by the elegant, clean-lined furniture.
As well as posting the video, The New York Times also featured an interview with Dirand which you can read here, and it’s a great piece by Tom Delavan that details the architect’s meticulous approach. My favourite quote from Dirand in the feature is this: “I don’t care about style anymore, in a way I hate style, I hate design… It’s about life, and generosity.”
Which is an interesting statement coming from someone with such an undeniably stylish aesthetic. But perhaps he’s referring to ‘overblown’ design; to style that tries too hard. This space, by contrast, feels more quietly luxurious.
Photography by Simon Watson for The New York Times; read the feature here.
