34 DIGS.NET
| 8.21.2020
P R O F I L E | H I D D E N H A V E N S
A
rchitects Emil Humbert and Christophe
Poyet—the creative force behind their
eponymous design practice—express a
high-toned sensitivity for low-key luxurious living, as
evidenced by the pair's growing portfolio of projects
ranging from the interiors of a stylish Parisian hotel to a
fashion boutique to a theatrical-feeling restaurant. Of
their most exuberant spaces to date is also their most
romantic—the diminutive beach retreat La Mer Veille.
That the posh, pint-sized hideaway has a nautical
feel is apropos to the glittering setting and its designers'
inspiration—boat cabin design. This is apparent in
both style and scale. Architecturally, conditions of
the building mandated replacing derelict elements
like roofing, windows, cladding and paneling, while
maximizing the cabin's small footprint meant the
designers focus on the essentials to ultimately carve
out space for two bathrooms and a kitchen. Everything,
from the practical (storage, custom-made cabinetry)
to the pretty (custom brass fixtures, reclaimed marine
wood paneling), is bespoke.
Awash in natural white to imitate the cabins
marking the Italian coastline, this dreamy aerie—a
(FROM LEFT) LIGHT
AND AIRY LA MER
VEILLE LOOKS OUT
TO A BEAUTIFUL
VIEW; A PLACE
SETTING ECHOES
THE TONE OF
THE SPACE; THE
WARMLY ADORNED
KITCHEN FEATURES
GLAMOROUS
TOUCHES INCLUDING
CARRERA MARBLE
AND CUSTOM-MADE
BRASS BY HUMBERT
& POYET.
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French firm Humbert & Poyet
applies its signature savoir-faire to an
airy and exquisitely well-fashioned
cabin in the Italian Riviera.
A Vision in White
fetching mix of warm woven pieces,
linen textiles and glamorous touches
including brass accents and Carrera
marble—basks in a rapture of blue
sky and outstretched sea. It's a view
that permeates the place and is most
charmingly beheld from the roof, where
a secondhand, oh-so-French loveseat
provides an irresistible perch.
With the sunny surround and chic
interior setting, this cabin leans in the
direction of a dreamy artist's retreat or a
summerhouse for those with Robinson
Crusoe inclinations. The desire is not
for an island, however, but an absolute
oasis. humbertpoyet.com
EMIL HUMBERT
AND CHRISTOPHE POYET
PHOTOGRAPHS:
COURTESY
OF
HUMBERTETPOYET.COM
