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Hauvette & Madani
The French interior design duo who put a 21st-century spin on classic French Modernism
Who are they?
Samantha Hauvette and Lucas Madani met as students at the prestigious École Camondo in Paris, where they quickly became friends. ‘It’s the only school that specialises both in interior and product design, and we did a lot of workshops together that broadened our culture and style,’ says Hauvette. ‘It seemed obvious that we would continue to work together.’ In 2010, they set up their studio in Neuilly, near Paris; they now design ‘elegant and refined’ interiors, the aesthetic of which recalls the best moments of classical French modernism. ‘We do a lot of private residential projects as we like the collaborative way of working,’ says Madani. ‘We always want to do something new, and this process helps to challenge our ideas.’
What are their recent projects?
Amodern house beside Lake Geneva, and a grand Haussmannian apartment near the Avenue des Champs-Elysées for an art-collector client. Very different spaces, but they both share the same spirit, say the designers. ‘We design interiors to live in, so we try to give the feeling that they have always been there,’ says Hauvette. ‘Our style has affinities with the art deco movement and the 1970s, two eras that both feel very joyful to us. For the Paris apartment, we created a happy atmosphere where the art is in dialogue with bespoke furniture. This gave us the opportunity to work with great designers such as Hervé van der Straeten and [scenographer and artist] Richard Peduzzi.’
Expert advice
A recognisable design classic is a good starting point for layering other decorative pieces. We love 20th-century modernist furniture and objects, but prefer to integrate this influence naturally using secondhand finds.
Think in a Modernist way, using walls like a white envelope and dark, muted colours to create depth and interest. Texture and pattern come later in the final stages of decorating a room, and should be used to create a harmonious sense of balance.
Lighting is not just for illuminating a space; it can also fill a void and have an architectural quality. If you’re illuminating sharp corners, look for lamps with curves to add roundness. With high ceilings, choose totem-like floor lamps to accentuate height.
For us, wood is a timelessly elegant material. It gives a unique sense of identity to a space. We take great care to find the right wood veneers for each project, often using these on walls to define zones and create a comfortable feel. The effect is reminiscent of a boat cabin.
