Family
Life in a (little) château and maximalism in a 30-square-meter apartment in the Marais
)
At
Louis Edmée de Jacno
One tapestry, then two, then three… a rococo sofa, columns and more columns — all within 30 square meters! Welcome to the home of Louis Edmée de Jacno, a content creator passionate about design, architecture, travel, and stories of châteaux. At 27, this young globetrotter blends micro château living with design-driven escapes across the globe. With his partner, he has transformed their Marais apartment into a maximalist jewel box where 18th-century tapestries, flea-market finds, and clever small-space solutions coexist in perfect harmony. A graphic pass-through window, smart storage, and a full wall of closets making the most of the high ceilings: every detail is designed to combine beauty, functionality, and warmth, revealing a world that feels both intimate and spectacular.
Location
Paris
Author
Anne-Laure Griveau
Photos and videos
Eugenia Montresor, Gautier Billotte, Constance Gennari
)
)
)
)
)
)
TSF
How would you define your work as a content creator?
Louis-Edmée
The idea is to share my passions on Instagram: design, hospitality, travel, architecture, and a touch of lifestyle. Before that, I worked in graphic design: I worked for the fashion brand Nathalie Dumeix and for a perfumer in New York, managing his entire visual identity. That experience taught me to pay attention to detail and to understand how an aesthetic universe can tell a story.
TSF
How long have you had this love for aesthetics and for architecturally striking hotels?
Louis-Edmée
It began in my teenage years, when I started traveling and opening myself up to the world. I began visiting a lot of châteaux — which probably would have bored me to tears when I was younger! At first, I focused on easily accessible châteaux, often small and often in France, like Bonnemarre or the Château de Bagatelle in Abbeville, in the Somme region. I discovered a contrast between opulence, gilding, and a sense of human scale that still inspires me today. I’m 27, I grew up outside of Paris, and I moved to the capital at 17 — I visited every museum in the city! Later, with my girlfriend, now a dermatologist, we expanded our scope, starting with the Villa Savoye by Le Corbusier in Poissy. That’s when I began to take an interest in design and to question architecture: why these spaces, these volumes, this layout? Those questions fascinated me and led me to observe the world more attentively.
TSF
Does that contrast between opulence and warmth come through in your interior as well?
Louis-Edmée
Yes, there’s definitely a bit of that “mini-château” spirit in our apartment. We already had a tapestry in our previous place, in the 18th arrondissement. Then we thrifted the sofa, then another tapestry, a few objects — which eventually grew into quite a substantial ensemble! When we found this place in the Marais, with its exposed beams and beautiful ceiling height, we realized that most of our impulse purchases were strongly rooted in 18th- and 19th-century styles, with touches of Napoleon III. I love that richly patterned, layered look. So we decided to fully embrace the concept!
TSF
Yes, you even managed to fit two pairs of columns into 30 square meters! So would you say you’re more of a maximalist?
Louis-Edmée
Yes, absolutely. For me, maximalism is warm and aesthetic — it creates an atmosphere where something is happening. I’ve never really liked minimalism, even though I respect it when it’s well done. To me, a maximalist interior is like a living collection: each object tells a story, and together they create a narrative.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
TSF
Are fashion and personal style important to you?
Louis-Edmée
Yes, but it’s often by chance. I let my curly hair grow out and experimented with bangs a long time ago — and I never looked back. As for clothing, I favor second-hand pieces, shopping at stores like Tragic Vintage or Dynasty, or local shops in my neighborhood. One of them is run by a friend with a very ‘70s vibe, who inspires me a lot.
TSF
And what about your other sources of inspiration?
Louis-Edmée
Musically, Serge Gainsbourg — I often wear Repetto shoes — Renaud, and Philippe Léotard. It’s that mix of nonchalance and elegance that inspires me. In film and design, I’m drawn to worlds that tell a story, that are coherent yet surprising. These influences shape the way I see spaces and objects.
TSF
How did you optimize this 30-square-meter apartment?
Louis-Edmée
We love having people over, even though the space is small. We host cocktail-style dinners around the coffee table. In such a tiny kitchen, everything has to be perfectly organized and in its place! Then there’s the pass-through window, both practical and visually striking — almost cinematic! We use hidden storage everywhere: bins under the bed, high shelves with a ladder, and even a storage ottoman. Behind one of the tapestries, there’s a tiny closet! Near one of the windows, an antique desk hides all the unsightly items: cables, chargers, etc. The radiators are camouflaged with Napoleon III-style fireguards we found on Le Bon Coin!
TSF
Any recommendations for architectural visits?
Louis-Edmée
I’m a fan of organic architecture and bubble houses. In Mexico, I discovered Javier Senosiain and his Casa Orgánica, a landmark work in this style. I also admire Antti Lovag, who created the Palais Bulles and Maison Bernard, as well as Pierre Colleu for his organic experiments. In Mexico, there’s also the modernist work of Luis Barragán. Elsewhere, I’m inspired by Art Nouveau in Brussels and London, the work of Tadao Ando in Japan — where, surprisingly, there’s also a Frank Lloyd Wright house that I adore. All these travels feed my perspective on design and decoration.
TSF
When you’re in Paris, do you tend to stay home a lot?
Louis-Edmée
Absolutely — we spend a lot of time in bed with our 10-year-old cat, Mali! It’s a small space, so we don’t have many alternatives. The best light is usually on the sofa, so I alternate between that, the bed, and the table where I work.
TSF
What about your professional projects?
Louis-Edmée
I’m working on launching an online magazine called… Studio!
)
I’m a fan of organic architecture and bubble houses. In Mexico, I discovered Javier Senosiain and his Casa Orgánica, a landmark work in this style.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Recreate This Setting with Our Pieces
Related Story
)
Next Up
Tatiana de Nicolay and Amedeo, 2