Family
A light-filled top-floor flat blending Japanese influences, wood panelling and the art of hospitality
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Constance Jablonski et Matthias Dandois
On the top floor of a contemporary block of flats, model Constance Jablonski has designed a flat that reflects her personality: bright, practical and wonderfully welcoming. When she first saw the flat, it was a blank canvas. She therefore designed every space herself, guided by a simple desire: to create a haven where she could spend time with her family between trips. She lives there with her husband, BMX champion Matthias Dandois, their two children and their little dog. From the dark wood panelling that frames the entrance to the wallpaper that features throughout, via a spectacular walk-in wardrobe, every detail brings warmth and character to this spacious interior. Inspired by Japan – a country that influences both her aesthetic and her philosophy – the kitchen sets the tone for an interior designed to be as beautiful as it is functional. Extended by a conservatory opening onto the terrace, the spacious living area is where the family loves to gather, but also to welcome loved ones for impromptu meals or long evenings with friends. Juggling modelling, family life and the development of her brand of non-alcoholic sparkling wines, French Bloom, Constance Jablonski has created an interior that reflects her personality: generous, vibrant and designed to be lived in to the full.
Location
Paris
Author
Anne-Laure Griveau
Photos and videos
Gautier Billotte, Margaux Buisson
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TSF
What’s your story with this flat?
Constance
There are five of us living here: Matthias, my husband, our two children and our dog. What immediately appealed to me were the spacious rooms and the light. I was looking for a flat in a modern block, with a large lift and a garage. Tiny lifts and creaky Haussmann-style parquet flooring aren’t really my thing: I like things to be practical.
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TSF
How would you describe the atmosphere there today?
Constance
I wanted it to feel airy. Parisian flats often have a reputation for being small, and as we’re all quite tall in our family, it was important that everyone had plenty of space. The bedrooms aren’t very big, but we managed to group them together on one side to create a spacious living area comprising the kitchen, dining room and bar. I then focused heavily on the décor to make the whole place feel warm and cosy.
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TSF
You designed this interior without using an interior designer. Why was it important to you to carry out this project yourself?
Constance
In reality, my main constraint was time. I would have loved to work with an interior designer I’d been following for a long time, but the flat had to be ready as quickly as possible. We’d sold our previous flat and I’d had enough of moving from one rental to the next. With young children, I wanted to get back to a stable routine. Our jobs mean we travel all year round, so it was essential to have a proper home of our own as soon as we returned to Paris. I took the plunge; I knew what I liked and, in the end, the layout was fairly straightforward to define. I worked with Opus Paris, a brilliant building firm whose director has excellent taste and gave me a lot of guidance with my choices.
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TSF
What were the key design and material choices that gave this interior its distinctive character?
Constance
Definitely dark wood. When you have so much light, you can get away with very deep shades, and I think it adds a lot of style and character. I love the wallpaper; I would have put it up all over the house! In fact, that’s the only thing my husband put a bit of a stop to: he let me put it up everywhere… except in the living room. We love Japan, so I wanted to bring that inspiration into the home through various elements, such as the Japanese screens, the wallpaper on the staircase and the wooden wall separating the kitchen from the living room.
TSF
Which objects, pieces of furniture or works of art are most dear to you?
Constance
I’m very fond of two Louis XVI chairs that belonged to my aunt, which I had reupholstered with Hermès fabric. They’ve found their place in our bedroom. In the corridor leading to the children’s bedrooms, there’s also a painting by a friend of my father’s, in which she’s depicted us with my dog. I absolutely love the softness of the colours. My dog was my first ‘child’, so she had to have her own spot in that corridor too!
TSF
What is your family’s routine in this flat?
Constance
We often find ourselves in the conservatory, on the terrace. It’s such a lovely spot that it doesn’t feel like we’re in Paris at all. It’s our little corner of nature. We start the day there with our yoga mats to do a few stretches, we have breakfast there at the weekend with the children, and we also organise film nights or watch sports matches with friends there.
TSF
Your walk-in wardrobe is a space in its own right within the house. What were the key considerations in its design?
Constance
I’m not organised enough to have open cupboards, so everything had to be closed off. I also liked the idea of incorporating the beautiful wooden panelling from the hallway and fitting large mirrors into it to make the space look bigger. White carpet is a bit of a gamble with a dog and children, but I wanted a really cosy space, as I spend a lot of time there. It also brings in plenty of light.
TSF
Your career has taken you to see many interiors around the world. Which of your travels have influenced the way you live?
Constance
The Nordic countries, and particularly Sweden, where I discovered my love of furniture. At the start of my modelling career, I used to go there every month for a client. And then, once again, Japan, for its sense of functionality and minimalism. Matthias and I both feel a bit anxious in cluttered spaces. We love simplicity.
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Suspension UFO Silk par Oi Soi Oi
Chaises
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Suspension UFO Silk par Oi Soi Oi
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TSF
What sort of environment did you grow up in, and do you think it has shaped your outlook?
Constance
I grew up in a modern house in a small country town. I suppose I’m replicating that model to some extent today. I need nature and, above all, spaces that feel airy. Everyone in my family is quite tall, and we can quickly feel cramped.
TSF
Entertaining is part of your way of life. What does an ideal lunch or dinner at your home look like?
Constance
In spring and summer, we make the most of the terrace and the outdoor kitchen. We entertain a lot, but rarely in a very formal way: it’s always spontaneous and friendly. For next winter, I’m having a bar made from recycled glass built so we can host cocktail evenings whilst listening to our favourite tracks on the record player. I love making homemade cocktails with everyone. I also think it’s important to always offer non-alcoholic alternatives. Lots of people are cutting down on their drinking, and I hate the idea of ‘forcing’ anyone to have a drink. I want my guests to have plenty of great options, and I don’t want those who don’t drink to ever feel left out.
TSF
Which part of Paris do you like to go for a walk in?
Constance
I still have a soft spot for the 18th arrondissement, my old neighbourhood. I go back there for Debeaulieu and its magnificent flowers, Dealeuse and its selection of vintage furniture, or simply to take a stroll through Montmartre, passing by the Villa Léandre before stopping for a coffee at Marcelle’s.
TSF
What are you working on at the moment?
Constance
With my brand of non-alcoholic sparkling wines, we have just acquired our own vineyards in Limoux. It will officially be the world’s first estate dedicated exclusively to non-alcoholic wines. Opening soon!
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