A mix of mid-century modern furniture within a classical shell is how Pia Casal describes this early 19th-century French townhouse …
“I believe interiors should be timeless and age gracefully”, says Pia Casal, who relocated from Buenos Aires to Paris in 2012, overseeing high-end residential projects in Switzerland, the UK and US before establishing her own studio. “In Paris, I discovered an entirely new world of materials and craftsmanship, collaboratingwith artisans to develop custom finishes and bespoke pieces.”
Pia Casal is based in Ranelagh, Dublin 6. She defines her approach as client-centred. “I spend time understanding how my clients live, what inspires them and I try to introduce references that may be new to them.”
Now based in Dublin, Pia’s projects are defined by their inclusion of antique pieces to give a sense of permanence with a layering of textures and materials, often against a light canvas.
The house was the former “mairie” (town hall) on the grounds of the 19th-century Château de Champlâtreux.
One example of Pia’s work is the renovation of a townhouse on the grounds of Château de Champlatreux on the outskirts of Paris. The château is often used for weddings and events, while the townhouse was a former town hall, dating from 1810. Pia’s brief was to create a practical home for a young family of four incorporating existing architectural elements in the house.
In the sitting room, the sofas are upholstered with Paris L’ Apres Midi fabric by Pierre Frey, with the custom pouf in Le Manach Ecailles. The curtains are a Robert Kime fabric. An oak bookcase with bullnose detail was designed with an oak surround for the fireplace.
The two-year project began with the stripping back of the house to an empty shell. “We discovered old beams after removing plasterwork on the first floor. These were removed to create double-height ceilings in the bedrooms; while the beams were used in the kitchen.”
The dining room features a mid-century modern table and light fitting.
Creating an open-plan layout on the ground floor was a priority. A new entry hall merged with the kitchen, laundry, mud room and living spaces. “We laid terracotta flooring in two colours which gave the impression it had always been there. We also incorporated some antique sconces which created a common thread for the project: a mix of mid-century modern furniture within a classical shell.”
The kitchen features exposed beams, a custom-made table by Pia Casal, tiling from Terres Cuites de Raujolles, and lamps belonging to the family. All appliances are hidden except the Lacanche range.
In the kitchen, work spaces overlook the extensive château gardens. “Taking inspiration from Parisian bars, we used copper for the countertops and oak for the central island – materials that would age beautifully.” In the living area, an internal wall was demolished to allow in more light from windows on either side of the room.
In the master bedroom, walls are upholstered in Boteh Paprika fabric by Clarence House. The pendant lamp is by Petite Friture. The bespoke side table was made by Stanislas de Baudus.
On the first floor, comprising master bedroom, the children’s rooms and two bathrooms, the floor plan was modified to bring more light into the corridors and a glass partition was incorporated in the playroom area.
A portrait of the client’s grandmother hangs in the open-plan sitting room.
Pia decorated the house with contemporary furniture pieces and classic fabrics from Pierre Frey, Le Manach, Loro Piana and Robert Kime.
In the guest bedroom, the alcove was custom made; the headboard is upholstered in a Lewis and Wood fabric. The wallpaper is by Holland & Sherry.
The guest bathroom features a Pierre Frey ikat wallpaper in Alizarine.
SEE MORE: Inside The Spacious Renovation In This Victorian Townhouse
