Victor Cadene, Dream Interior Designer

Victor Cadene is totally passionate and proof that youth is no bar to impeccable and singular taste. Initially heading towards a career in textile design, he moved by chance into scenography and interior design. In Marie-Lise Fery’s gallery, Un Château en Espagne, he honed his artist’s eye and discovered scenography. Working and learning by her side for a while, he also supported the Magic Circus lighting company in its new venture. Then, after a chance meeting, he went to live in Milan for a while. This period was rich in experiences and filled with visual encounters and creative impulses that were a great stimulus to his career path. Back in France, the young interior designer decided to go solo. The effect of materials, patterns, textures and colours changing under the light, Victor Cadene composes his world as a painter composes his palette. New objects have no place in his heart, the patina of time being absolutely essential to belong in the timeless worlds that he creates. From the coffee spoon to the wooden horse in the living room, everything this aesthete has in his home has already had another life elsewhere. An elegant and absolutely delectable mix for the eyes that nevertheless doesn’t stop this self-taught designer. Victor Cadene is creative and demonstrates that fact by continuing to compose delicate paper icons, true theatres of aesthetics. A warm and inventive personality to keep a close eye on.

Salon Appartement Victor Cadene Décorateur Lyon

Bibelot Vase en verre coloré Appartement Victor Cadene Décorateur Lyon

I think the thing that interests me most about interior design is the work of the colourist. Colors bring things together and think deeply about personality.

Collage Appartement Victor Cadene Décorateur Lyon

Victor, tell us about these paper worlds that you create.

Victor

They’re drawings/collages made from furniture and patterns that I design, cut out and compose, a bit like the work of a goldsmith. You can find them on my website. I like the jewel-like aspect that can result. It’s something very fine with something of the feel of an icon. I started doing it before I was an interior designer. It helped me create my mood boards. And I love it, it’s really a moment of freedom for me.

What brought you to interior design?

Victor

I think my mother influenced me from a very young age. She’s mad about art in general. Then, after studying applied arts, I worked in Marie-Lise Fery’s gallery, Un Château en Espagne. It was very eclectic, ranging from Le Corbusier to stuffed elephants and that’s where I started to do a bit of scenography. I followed her in her project for two years and then I decided to go solo.

How do you approach your work?

Victor

The thing I enjoy about being an interior designer is having projects that are quite unlike each other. I really like working on a story. For example, at the moment, I’m working with people who’ve travelled a lot, so lots of their pieces are full of memories for them. I don’t like blank canvases. I like to work from a base and give them the idea that they have designed their decorative scheme.

Is there a Cadene style?

Victor

A fairly masculine, understated atmosphere. And timelessness. That’s something that’s absolutely essential to a good atmosphere. And colours! I think the thing that interests me most about interior design is the work of the colourist. They bring things together and think deeply about personality. Currently, I’m working a lot with greys from the forties, I find them very warm.

Salon Miroir Gio Ponti Lampe Mante religieuse Jean Rispal Appartement Victor Cadene Décorateur Lyon

Lampe en laiton Peinture ressource Appartement Victor Cadene Décorateur Lyon

Couloir Couleur ressource Appartement Victor Cadene Décorateur Lyon

Céramiques Salon Appartement Victor Cadene Décorateur Lyon

What inspires you?

Victor

Travel, above all, and all the discoveries that come with it. What’s more, it’s funny because sometimes we’re unaware of the things that affect us during these explorations and they reappear and get translated in unexpected ways.

Do you have a favourite city?

Victor

Milan! I lived there for a while and it was a fabulous stimulus for my work. I think you need to live like a Milanese to really experience it and I think there’s a kind of craziness in the air down there, even in the way you drink your coffee, for example! As if there were always an omnipresent aesthetic dimension. It was very stimulating and inspiring. In particular, I’m thinking about the Nilufar gallery and the designs of Dimore Studio.

Where do you like hunting for vintage stuff?

Victor

The Puces du Canal flea market in Lyon. Plus there’s a really great atmosphere there on Sundays. I also go to little second-hand shops a lot, like La Galerie du Désordre and Passé Entreposé. Every Thursday, in Milan, there’s a flea market behind the Duomo that’s just crazy. I used to go there regularly.

Which are your favourite things in your home?

Victor

All of them, I think. The seventies Italian sofa, the stork lamp and also the collection of Vallauris ceramics. The paper dogs’ heads are from the furriers, the fibreglass horse is from the Musée de Automates in Lyon. I’ve got a huge amount of objects, I’ve even got some stored at my parents’ place!

Could you tell us about your future projects?

Victor

I’m getting ready to create a complete series of illustrations/collages.