Inès Deschodt & Johanne Le Griffon: A Dynamic Duo Reinventing Versailles with Bold Contrasts

The recently formed architectural duo of Inès Deschodt and Johanne Le Griffon has quickly emerged as a force to reckon with in the world of avant-garde interior design. Both graduates of Paris’s prestigious design schools Deschodt from Penninghen and Le Griffon from École Boulle they’ve masterfully blended classical grandeur with contemporary minimalism in their latest project: the renovation of an 18th-century apartment in Versailles.

A Harmonious Clash of Eras

Tasked with redesigning the home of a pastry chef and culinary artist, the duo faced a unique challenge: to create a “cocoon” that subtly echoed the opulence of the nearby Palace of Versailles while avoiding overt classicism. “We wanted something radically different—a space that felt contemporary yet respectful of its historical roots,” the designers explain. Their vision came to life through high ceilings, clean lines, and raw materials like stainless steel and marble, juxtaposed against preserved original moldings mandated by France’s strict heritage laws.

Theatrical Living Spaces

• Living Room: A moody, rock-and-roll vibe dominates with a curved dark sofa, a steel coffee table, and a fur throw. The designers cite Betty Catroux and Yves Saint Laurent as inspirations “like an eternal tuxedo, timeless yet rebellious.”
• Kitchen: Framed by ornate moldings, the space features a stainless-steel bar for socializing, balancing functionality with artistry.
• Dining Room: A black wooden table and sculptural chairs contrast with grand, molded doorways, creating a dialogue between old and new.
• Bedroom: Hidden behind discreet doors (a modern nod to Versailles’ secret passages), the room combines Sapelli wood veneer with Japanese-style pendant lamps for an exotic twist.

The Garden: A Serene Counterpoint

The 1,450 sq ft garden was reimagined as a tranquil retreat, offering the owner who splits his time between entertaining and solitude a private oasis.

Design Highlights

• Furniture: Pieces from Paul Quin, Gilles Derain, and Clément Pasquier add sculptural depth.
• Art & Decor: A curated mix of bronze vessels, abstract paintings, and Art Deco screens creates a layered narrative.
• Lighting: 101 CPH pendant lights and Marcelle tube lamps punctuate the spaces with dramatic flair.

“Every constraint became an opportunity,” the duo reflects. By embracing the apartment’s historical framework, they crafted a home that’s both a stage for entertaining and a sanctuary for introspection.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

Inès Deschodt and Johanne Le Griffon’s Versailles project brilliantly negotiates the tension between heritage preservation and modern audacity. Their approach leveraging period moldings as design anchors while injecting contemporary materials demonstrates a nuanced understanding of spatial storytelling. However, the bold contrasts, though striking, risk overwhelming the classical essence of the space; subtler transitions between eras might have deepened the harmony. That said, their fearless use of texture, light, and hidden details (like the bedroom’s secret doors) elevates the home beyond a mere renovation into a dialogue across centuries. A testament to how constraints can spark creativity.

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