The Concept: A Space of Transformation
The concept for our space, “Les Coulisses” (meaning Backstage in French) was born from the idea of the bathroom as a space of transformation—both physical and emotional. It’s where we prepare for the day ahead or unwind in the evening, where rituals of self-care take place. I wanted to explore the art of getting ready, that moment of anticipation before stepping into the world, much like an actor preparing backstage before a performance.
These daily rituals engage all the senses. There’s something almost primal about them, universal across cultures and time. I sought to capture that tactile, sensory quality through texture, materials, and design details.
Beyond function, a bathroom is also be a place of escapism—a moment of pause before stepping out. This idea of retreat and transformation led me to think about travel, one of the ultimate ways to step outside the everyday, immerse in new experiences, and dream. The space was designed to feel deeply rooted yet infinitely transportive.
Parisian Influence & Travel Inspiration
The space is unmistakably French – rooted in Parisian elegance with a sense of global exploration. The traditional parquet flooring and wood-paneled walls recall a Parisian study. The Kravet leather-wrapped tub, inspired by Louis Vuitton and Goyard luggage, was designed to look like a traditional French malle. It’s a nod to travel that brings the romance of adventure and old-world craftsmanship into the space. The decadent custom bolster (upholstered in the same Brunschwig & Fils fabric as the vanity chair) adds a chic, vintage touch to this ultimate moment of indulgence. Above the tub, black-and-white images from iconic French films like La Piscine add layers of storytelling, reinforcing the cinematic quality of preparation and self-expression
The Bas-Relief Mural: A Signature Moment
The plaster bas-relief mural, created in collaboration with Segreto Finishes, was hand-sketched by me and then meticulously brought to life by the artisans at Segreto. It was deeply inspired by my travels to Africa and the work of luxury French fashion houses like Cartier and Lanvin. The panther motif emerged naturally, symbolizing strength, elegance, and a sense of quiet power. The mural’s texture allows the play of light and shadow to create depth, making it feel sculptural rather than purely decorative.
Architectural Transformations
Architecturally, this was a complete reimagination. The original bathroom felt dark and segmented, with outdated soffits, standalone pedestal sinks, and a smaller shower. Removing the soffits and introducing a gracefully curved ceiling, inspired by the newly renovated Grand Palais in Paris, completely changed the space. The ceiling, wrapped in Porter Teleo’s hand-painted wallpaper inspired by La Danse by Matisse, with gilded gold accents, creates an intimate, artful glow.
We expanded the shower footprint and introduced a double vanity and a dedicated makeup vanity in Calacatta Viola marble by Primestones. Lighting was layered throughout, incorporating multiple focal points to create a sense of depth and expansiveness.
The deep maroon accent wall behind the tub, painted in Benjamin Moore’s Bewitched, adds richness and warmth, inspired by historic libraries, while Venetian plaster in Frappe softens the remaining walls, introducing an organic, luminous texture. The interplay of these tones creates a space that feels both dramatic and inviting.
Luxury & Functionality
The bathroom blends heritage and innovation, incorporating modern amenities without sacrificing the timeless elegance of the space. All of the plumbing fixtures are by Kohler, and the French Gold finish, a refined balance between gold and champagne, gave us a feel that is reminiscent of Paris in its golden era. That color also unifies the metallic elements throughout, while their jetted tub and smart toilet introduce contemporary indulgences within this highly curated, timeless environment. Lastly, their rain head shower transforms a daily ritual into an immersive experience, reinforcing the space’s dedication to relaxation and self-care.
The shower’s dramatic, Moorish-Andalusian Calacatta Viola marble arch, supplied by Primestones, is meant to evoke a temple-like retreat, while the Calacatta Gold marble and Vanilla Onyx combination of the Duo tile by Artistic Tile brings a warm, luminous quality, playing with light and shadow to enhance depth and texture. The fan motif in the tile design mirrors details found in the Cartier scarf and the vanity hardware, subtly linking elements throughout the space for a cohesive narrative, and a nod to the Art Deco era.
Together, they reflect the rich cultural tapestry that defines Paris—a city shaped by centuries of global exchange. This interplay of materials not only nods to the city’s storied past but also evokes the allure of distant, dreamlike destinations, infusing the space with a sense of mystery and escape.
The commode is discreetly concealed by a privacy drape in the distinctly French style of Versailles—an understated yet chic solution balancing decadence with practicality. The Shade Store fabricated the custom drapery treatments, using Élitis fabric and Houlès passementerie tiebacks, turning everyday necessities into moments of refined luxury.
Layered Touches and Collected Elements
The leather-seated swing, a nod to Hermès’ equestrian heritage, reflects my passion for horseback riding, adding a sense of playfulness and mischievous charm. The custom rug by Sacco Carpet, based on my own hand-sketched design, mirrors the curvature of the ceiling, reinforcing the sense of movement and fluidity in the space. Accessories sourced from French artisans, including Swadoh’s collaborations with makers like Lucie Touré and Morgane Baroghel-Crucq, reflect my commitment to curated, timeless design while celebrating my Parisian roots and dedication to heritage craftsmanship. The Cartier scarf, depicting a confident woman petting the iconic panther, exudes grace, luxury, and powerful energy, echoing the bas-relief, while the fan she holds mirrors the shower’s tile motif and the fan detail of the vanity. Made Goods’ leaf-shaped side table echoes the jungle-inspired bas-relief, while their vanity chair, with its arched detail, was a serendipitous match to the shower’s arch. And the custom equestrian-inspired embroidered towels from Dea’s Anello Collection add a layer of refinement and texture, reinforcing the subtle equestrian influences throughout the space.
Final Thoughts: What We Hope Visitors Take Away
The most timeless element in design is the human condition—our emotions, our rituals, our daily moments of transformation. I want visitors to feel something when they step into Les Coulisses. Whether it’s the tactile experience of leather and marble, the softness of drapery, or the quiet strength of the bas-relief, the space is designed to evoke both a sense of grandeur and deep personal intimacy. It’s a place for ritual, for escape, and ultimately, for self-expression.