Haussmannian Apartment: A Thoughtful Restoration in Geneva

A Home Tailored to Its Owners

As with every project, the starting point was an in-depth dialogue with the clients. Their lifestyle, defined by a love for hosting and a passion for reading reflected in an extensive collection of books spanning generations, guided the approach. Creating generous seating arrangements in the dining and living areas became a priority, ensuring the home could accommodate frequent gatherings. A bespoke library was designed offering both storage and display for their carefully curated collection.

Beyond function, the aesthetic vision was equally considered. Influenced by Japanese culture, the clients gravitate towards simplicity, fine craftsmanship, and a subdued palette with accents of green and warm ochre. Rather than relying on bold patterns, the design focused on texture and materiality, creating a refined yet inviting atmosphere. The result is a space where Haussmannian elegance meets sleek design, blending historical details with contemporary furnishings seamlessly..

Craftsmanship and Considered Details

Throughout the home, attention to materiality enhances the sense of warmth. In the bedrooms, textile wallpaper adds softness, fostering a cocoon-like retreat. Decorative elements, lighting, and furniture were carefully sourced from the UK and Europe, with select pieces discovered at trade shows in their early design stages. Others were custom-designed to suit the project’s specific needs, ensuring a cohesive approach.

The guest WC is a highlight of the home, featuring a hand-painted and embroidered wallpaper from Fromental. Working closely with the client, colours and motifs were refined to create a composition that complements the space.

A Kitchen of Subtle Refinement

In the kitchen, two hand-painted silk wallpaper panels by De Gournay flank the tall cabinetry, reflecting the client’s appreciation for Japanese aesthetics. The colours were carefully matched to the overall scheme, ensuring harmony throughout the space. Functionality was just as important as form—the minimalist yet highly practical kitchen features a generous island that serves as the centrepiece. Designed for everyday living and entertaining alike, it also accommodates cooking classes, demonstrating that style and efficiency can coexist.

The dining area is anchored by a custom-made Capricorn table from Tom Faulkner. While the original design was already a strong contender, the tabletop was modified to a sunburst pattern, adding a beautiful detail to the room.

A Personal Approach to Design

Handmade soft furnishings from the UK bring a sense of craftsmanship, while artwork selected by the client personalizes the space. Rugs from The Rug Company, featuring designs by Kelly Wearstler and Elie Saab, were chosen with a focus on complementing the home’s muted palette rather than overpowering it.

This project is a reflection of our tailored approach to design. Each project is shaped by the architecture, the people who inhabit it, and the details that make a space feel like home. By balancing preservation with thoughtful reinvention, the result is an interior that is both timeless and deeply personal.

Our Clients’ Thoughts

“I Love Colours was invaluable in our renovation project. Alexandra not only magnificently conceived our interior, she was also incredibly reliable in finding and delivering the objects chosen, some of which she herself designed and subsequently had manufactured by expert artisans.

At all times budgets and timelines were strictly adhered to. The whole process was perfectly smooth and always very pleasant. Alexandra is intelligent, fast and totally committed. She is truly an outstanding interior designer!"

Our clients are happy to discuss their thoughts on working with I Love Colours Design Studio with prospective clients; to speak with them directly and hear more about their experience, simply get in touch here to arrange a call.