Stéphanie Coutas has balanced classical references with contemporary elements for the Hotel Madame Drouot in Paris
At the heart of the 9th district in Paris and just a stone’s throw from the historic covered passages, the Hotel Madame Drouot pays tribute to the iconic Drouot auction house whilst adding a touch – and even a title – of femininity.
The interior designer Stéphanie Coutas, a gallery owner herself, is accustomed to establishing powerful dialogues between art and space, and she has brought her expertise to this project.
The luxury Hotel Madame Drouot comprises 33 guestrooms and suites, a restaurant called Café Monsieur and a spa. It was designed to exude style and balance classical references with contemporary elements. Engravings and vintage objects, such as the white marble bust which represents a noblewoman from the 18th century, bought at an auction by Stéphanie Coutas, blend seamlessly with modern graphic and abstract fabrics and wallpapers.
Close attention has been paid to the selection and combination of colours, from pastels hues to deeper, bolder shades. The same care was taken with the interplay of textures and materials, particularly around marble and wood. In the lobby, Stéphanie designed a fireplace to welcome guests into a warm, inviting atmosphere, along with a feature wall in chocolate-coloured ethnic-patterned wallpaper by Arte. Other decorative elements, such as a selenite mirror, crafted by Stéphanie, and a stucco archway, set the tone for her elegant style and her appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship.
Accessible from the lobby, Café Monsieur has around 30 tables and is designed in an iconic Parisian bistro style. A mixture of banquettes and colourful chairs create a joyous atmosphere.
The original staircase has been restored and, in the stairwell, the walls are adorned with Casamance fabric in maximalist patterns, paired with a baseboard in light-oak wooden slats.
The Madame Drouot hotel offers four different types of rooms and suites. Each one features impressive high ceilings and views of the Parisian Hausmann architecture in the area. The colour harmonies are expressed through different palettes, ranging from neutral creams and light greys to vibrant oranges and blues. Each ensuite is coordinated with the corresponding colour scheme.
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