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Jacques Grange is a distinguished French interior designer renowned for his ability to blend traditional elegance with contemporary flair.

Most Iconic Interior Designers: Jacques Grange

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Most Iconic Interior Designers: Jacques Grange

Maria Pereira 6 days ago

Jacques Grange, born on June 27, 1944, in Saint-Amand-Montrond, France, is a distinguished French interior designer renowned for his ability to blend traditional elegance with contemporary flair. He began his formal education at the Lycée Gerson and Lycée Janson-de-Sailly, followed by studies at the École Boulle and École Camondo in Paris, institutions celebrated for their rigorous training in decorative arts.

In 1965, Grange joined the esteemed design firm of Henri Samuel, where he honed his craft before establishing his own practice in 1970. Throughout his illustrious career, he has curated interiors for a host of high-profile clients, including Yves Saint Laurent, Pierre Bergé, Princess Caroline of Monaco and Valentino. Notably, he decorated the Château Gabriel in Benerville-sur-Mer for Saint Laurent and Bergé, drawing inspiration from Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time.”

Grange’s design philosophy is characterized by an eclectic mix of periods and influences, seamlessly integrating antique and modern elements to create sophisticated and personalized spaces. His contributions to interior design have earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur, reflecting his significant impact on the field.

Beyond his design work, Grange has influenced the industry through his mentorship under Henri Samuel and his ongoing commitment to excellence, inspiring both peers and emerging designers worldwide.

“Art doesn’t transform a space, but it magnifies it and gives it a rare flavor and style.”

Mastering the Art of Creating Timeless and Sophisticated Interiors

Jacques Grange has curated numerous residential projects that seamlessly blend traditional elegance with contemporary flair. Notably, he transformed Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s Château Gabriel in Benerville-sur-Mer, creating a luxurious and sophisticated retreat. In Manhattan, Grange designed Terry de Gunzburg’s residence, crafting a warm and refined environment that mirrors the owner’s lifestyle. Additionally, his own retreat, Casa Nina, comprises a series of cabanas nestled in Portugal’s Alentejo region, exemplifying his signature fusion of rustic charm and refined design. These projects highlight Grange’s adeptness at harmonizing classic and modern elements, resulting in unique and personalized interiors that cater to each client’s distinct vision.

In addition to his residential projects, Jacques Grange has significantly contributed to the design of prestigious commercial and hospitality establishments. Notably, he reimagined The Mark Hotel on Madison Avenue in New York City, blending modern luxury with timeless elegance. He also collaborated with Francis Ford Coppola to restore Palazzo Margherita in Bernalda, Italy, infusing the space with rich cultural elements and sophisticated design.

Top Projects by Jacques Grange

Paris Apartment

The apartment, a spacious and elegant residence with a traditional L-shaped layout, initially featured a classic floor plan. A long enfilade connected the main living spaces, preserving a sense of old-world charm and architectural continuity. Jacques Grange, however, brought his signature balance of heritage and modernity by completely reconfiguring the shorter wing of the “L.” This is where he introduced a sleek, contemporary kitchen and a modern bathroom – two spaces that now contrast beautifully with the more classical elements of the home.

Grange approached the project with a deeply personal touch, designing it for a friend and shaping every detail through close dialogue. “We spoke about everything, and where to put each piece,” he notes. The result is a warm, layered interior that blends vintage character with modern comfort, creating a space that feels both timeless and alive. As Grange reflects on the experience, he emphasizes the mutual exchange that defined the process: “We taught each other things. I am not interested in just sitting quietly with my own old thoughts. I learned too.”

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Gala Armchair

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Mesmerizing Paris Mansion

Jacques Grange transformed a 19th-century hôtel particulier in Paris, blending historical grandeur with contemporary elegance. The mansion, built between 1870 and 1872, boasts expansive windows overlooking the Seine River and the Musée du Louvre. Grange’s design harmoniously combines opulent fabrics, custom-designed carpets, and innovative room transformations, resulting in a luxurious and art-filled residence.

One of the most striking features is the minimalist swimming pool in the basement, illuminated by atmospheric lighting designed by artist James Turrell. This addition provides a serene and otherworldly complement to the mansion’s historic architecture.

Grange’s meticulous restoration and design work exemplify a masterful blend of past and present, creating a mesmerizing Parisian mansion that honors its rich history while embracing modern luxury.

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Romy Sofa

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Christian Louboutin’s Penthouse

Jacques Grange designed his longtime friend Christian Louboutin’s Paris penthouse as a testament to the fusion of luxury and personal expression. Situated with views of the Eiffel Tower, the apartment showcases Louboutin’s penchant for vibrant colors and eclectic art. Grange’s design features ample spaces for entertaining, with a loft-like living area adorned with vintage furniture and custom-designed elements inspired by Louboutin’s observations, such as skylights reminiscent of metal cat flaps he noticed across the street. The bedroom, intentionally designed without a guest room, reflects Louboutin’s candidness about his lifestyle, with over 50 pairs of shoes casually arranged on the floor.

acques Grange is a distinguished French interior designer renowned for his ability to blend traditional elegance with contemporary flair. — Photo: Cyrill Matter

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Sumptuously tailored, the deluxe Nancy twin seat by Ottiu is upholstered in smooth cotton velvet. Designed to adorn the opulent living spaces of the elite, the Nancy Twin Seat exudes an aura of grandeur and extravagance. — Nancy Twin Seat by Ottiu

Nancy Sofa

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Pierre Passebon’s Apartment

Jacques Grange collaborated with his partner Pierre Passebon to transform Passebon’s 1820s Directoire apartment in Paris into a harmonious blend of history and modernity. Grange reimagined the space by removing interior walls to create an open, fluid layout that showcases a curated mix of modernist furniture, antique pieces and contemporary art. Notable features include a custom-designed quilted sofa by Grange, a striking 16th-century Italian marble fireplace, and vibrant artworks like Gino Marotta’s Amore Mio. The apartment reflects Grange’s signature style—merging diverse eras and cultures into a cohesive, elegant environment that balances eclecticism with refined taste.

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La Danse Dining Table

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“Grange’s decor cannot be explained; it is the Grange style.”

Pierre Passebon

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to interior design, Grange was honored with the title of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres and Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. Furthermore, in 2014, he received the Trophée des Arts from the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) during their annual gala at New York City’s Plaza Hotel.

And you? What do you think of Jacques Grange’s style? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Stay tuned to our Journal for exclusive insights, expert advice, and timeless elegance.

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Rustic Canyon Residence stands as a modern homage to Richard Neutra's architectural legacy. A partnership betweeen Assembledge+ and Jamie Bush + Co.

The Best of Richard Neutra Design: Rustic Canyon Residence

Architecture Amy Chin, Assembledge+, Best Design Projects, Best Designers, Furniture Design, Furniture Inspirations, Home Decor, Interior Decor, Interior Design, Interior Designer, Jamie Bush + Co, Projects Ideas, residential project, Richard Neutra Design, Rustic Canyon Residence, solid wood furniture, wood, Wood Furniture, Wooden Furniture, WoodTailors Club, World Architects 0

The Best of Richard Neutra Design: Rustic Canyon Residence

Maria Pereira 6 days ago

About Richard Neutra

Richard Neutra (1892–1970) was an Austrian-American architect renowned for introducing the International Style to American architecture and developing the California Modern aesthetic in residential design. His work is characterized by clean lines, simple geometric forms and a harmonious integration with the natural environment. Richard Neutra’s designs often featured expansive glass walls and open floor plans, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. He believed that architectural design should be attuned to human physiology and psychology, creating environments that promote health and comfort. Neutra’s legacy endures through iconic projects such as the Lovell Health House in Los Angeles and the Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs.

A Contemporary Interpretation of Richard Neutra’s Design Principles

Perched atop a canyon in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, the Rustic Canyon Residence stands as a modern homage to Richard Neutra Design’s architectural legacy. Originally built in 1923 and remodeled by Neutra in 1937, the original structure was unfortunately destroyed in 1993. In its place, Assembledge+ and Jamie Bush + Co have crafted a residence that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, embodying the principles of organic modernism.

Los Angeles-based firms Assembledge+ and Jamie Bush + Co have collaborated to design the Rustic Canyon Residence, a modern homage to Richard Neutra's architectural legacy. Perched atop a canyon in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, this residence harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings. — Photo: Yoshihiro Makino

“The current design of Rustic Canyon Residence seeks to restore this lost architectural unity, paying homage to its historical roots while integrating the principles of organic modernism.

This project reflects the core of our design philosophy – creating warm, modern spaces that celebrate natural materials, craftsmanship, quality, and a sense of humanity,” the team said.

The design emphasizes a harmonious relationship with nature, featuring a terraced layout that mirrors the canyon’s contours and extensive use of Western Red Cedar cladding both inside and out. This material choice not only pays tribute to Neutra’s aesthetic but also fosters a treehouse-like ambiance, allowing the home to blend organically with the landscape.

Jamie Bush + Co’s interior design complements the architectural vision by incorporating elements of Japanese and Brazilian modernism, resulting in a nuanced yet cohesive aesthetic that bridges openness, nature and thoughtful design. The careful selection of materials, including brick, cork, ebonized oak and black metal, enhances the home’s connection to its environment.

Key features include a custom Brutalist-style interior mural on the fireplace by Stan Bitters. Additionally, Bush and his team have curated pieces from various artisans and makers, with a particular emphasis on wooden furniture.

Embracing Organic Modernism: The Rustic Canyon Residence and Richard Neutra’s Influence

The Rustic Canyon Residence offers expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This lush area is renowned for iconic homes by architects such as Ray Kappe, Lloyd Wright and Richard Neutra.

The home’s elevated, treehouse-like allure is enhanced by its timber-clad upper floors, where bedrooms are seamlessly nestled among the treetops. These spaces boast floor-to-ceiling windows, dissolving the boundary between the warm, wooden interiors and the sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains. As David Thompson, Assembledge+, notes these expansive windows “intensify the immersive experience of living within the trees, offering a secluded yet open retreat infused with intimate comfort.”

“The design reflects a modern yet timeless approach, balancing clean lines and natural materials to restore the home’s modernist heritage while creating a serene retreat that exudes sophistication and warmth,” David Thompson, Assembledge+, said.

Internally, the residence offers a balance between expansive communal areas and intimate private spaces. The lower level is illuminated with natural light and includes a theater, music room and guest accommodations. Upstairs, the primary suite and office boast panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains, providing a serene retreat.

The Rustic Canyon Residence exemplifies how contemporary design can honor historical influences while creating a living space that is both functional and deeply connected to its natural context.

Project credits:

Architecture Design: Assembledge+
Interiors: Jamie Bush + Co
Landscape: Chris Sosa Landscape and Terremoto
Construction: Ceci Clarke Construction
Structural Engineering: Labib Funk + Associates
Styling: Amy Chin

We would love to hear your thoughts on the Rustic Canyon Residence project. Do you appreciate this tribute to Richard Neutra’s design by Assembledge+ and Jamie Bush + Co?

Related Projects

In the heart of SoHo, a quintessential New York loft has been transformed into a warm and inviting space under the discerning eye of interior designer Michael Ellison. This project seamlessly blends industrial elements with cozy accents, creating an ambiance that is both chic and comfortable. The inclusion of the James dining chairs by Wood Tailors Club adds a touch of timeless elegance to the dining area, enhancing the overall aesthetic with their refined craftsmanship.

New York’s Soho Loft

by Studio Michael Ellison

London House Project

by Echlin

Stay tuned to our Journal for exclusive insights, expert advice and timeless elegance.

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Sources: Dezeen & est living.

Elsie de Wolfe, often hailed as one of the most iconic interior designers, revolutionized interior design in the early 20th century. Renowned for her innovative approach, she transformed spaces with light, airy designs.

Most Iconic Interior Designers: Elsie de Wolfe

Interior Designers Best Design Projects, Best Designers, Best Interior Design Projects, Best Interior Designers, Celebrities Interior Designer, Design Projects, Elsie de Wolfe, Furniture Inspirations, Interior Design, Interior Design Ideas, Interior Designer, Interior Designers, Most Iconic Interior Designers, rattan furniture, solid wood furniture, wood, Wood Furniture, WoodTailors Club 0

Most Iconic Interior Designers: Elsie de Wolfe

Maria Pereira 6 days ago

“I’m going to make everything around me beautiful – that will be my life”

Elsie de Wolfe, also known as Lady Mendl, was born in 1865 in New York and led a glamorous life as a prominent figure in European café society. Often referred to as the “grand dame of modern decorating,” she is widely credited with pioneering the profession of interior design and is considered by many to be the first modern professional decorator.

Her career began in the theater under the guidance of theatrical agent Elisabeth Marbury. Though her acting received modest attention, it was her impeccable fashion sense that captured the public’s eye. Women admired her carefully curated outfits and began to emulate her style, establishing de Wolfe as a fashion icon of her era. In fact, she was named the “best-dressed woman in the world” in 1935.

But who exactly was Elsie de Wolfe, and what lasting impact did she leave on the world of interior design?

Elsie de Wolfe: The Woman Who Invented Interior Design

Known and revered as America’s first decorator, Elsie de Wolfe changed the course of interior design forever. Her influence is still felt today — in every bright, airy and feminine space that rejects heavy drapes and dark furniture. Even decades after her passing, her legacy lives on through the casual elegance she championed.

Elsie once described herself as a “rebel in an ugly world”. At a time when late Victorian interiors were weighed down with clutter and gloom, she brought in simplicity, comfort and light. Mirrors, chinoiserie, soft color palettes and whimsical flourishes became her signature. She believed in “plenty of optimism and white paint, comfortable chairs with lights beside them, open fires on the hearth and flowers wherever they belong, mirrors and sunshine in all rooms”.

In 1913, she published The House in Good Taste, a guide to decorating that became an instant hit and remains a design classic today. De Wolfe was the one who proved that pale color schemes, painted woodwork and floral chintz could be not only stylish but timeless. She introduced the use of painted trellis as wallcovering, animal-print carpets and mirrored walls — elements still used by designers around the world.

Interior of Elsie De Wolfe' music pavilion looking out on to the pool , The Villa Trianon, painted by William Bruce Ellis Ranken — The Villa Trianon painted by William Bruce Ellis Ranken

Elsie De Wolfe’s Career

In 1887, de Wolfe formed a partnership with Elisabeth “Bessie” Marbury, a prominent literary agent. Together, they transformed their shared residence on Irving Place by replacing the dark, heavy furnishings typical of the Victorian era with lighter, more inviting decor. This successful endeavor inspired de Wolfe to pursue interior decoration professionally. In 1905, she secured her first major commission to design the interiors of the Colony Club, New York’s inaugural social club for women, with the support of architect Stanford White and her influential social circle.

The triumph of the Colony Club project catapulted de Wolfe into high demand among affluent clients, including notable figures such as industrialist Henry Clay Frick. By 1913, her burgeoning reputation enabled her to establish a substantial studio on Fifth Avenue. De Wolfe’s design philosophy emphasized simplicity and suitability, advocating for interiors that were both elegant and comfortable. She favored light fabrics, pale color schemes, and practical furnishings, often incorporating mirrors to enhance natural light and create a sense of spaciousness. Her work not only revolutionized interior aesthetics but also laid the foundation for interior decoration as a recognized profession.

Hollywood’s Favourite Designer

Fleeing Paris ahead of World War II, Elsie de Wolfe settled in Los Angeles, where her refined and airy aesthetic captivated the film industry’s elite. Her clientele included notable figures such as Countess Dorothy di Frasso, for whom she designed a Beverly Hills villa. De Wolfe’s influence extended beyond private residences; she also served as a set decoration adviser for films like “The Razor’s Edge,” further cementing her status as Hollywood’s go–to designer during its golden age.