Maison Guimet

To meet this brief, the designer and interior architect Constance Guisset was invited to reimagine the space. Her work respects the historic building while seeking to enhance what already exists. Light, reversible interventions bring in more light, clarify circulation routes, and improve the visitor experience. Throughout the areas treated, contemporary furniture was selected in harmony with the setting and with intensive use in mind.

From the entrance, the spaces are handled with care to welcome visitors as warmly as possible. Lighting work by Aura Studio optimises illumination along the circulation routes, while built-in benches unfold beneath the staircase. In the Salon Monsieur, a subtle intervention enhances the existing fittings and adapts them to both private hire needs and use as a meeting room. Large-scale contemporary light fixtures, a bespoke meeting table made by Atelier Emmaüs, and comfortable chairs transform the atmosphere of the room.

Continuing on the ground floor, near the garden, the art of tea reclaims its central place. An entire room is dedicated to it, combining an exhibition space and a tea room that can double as a private lounge or screening room. The Shang Xia Tea Pavilion is given pride of place in a spectacular setting, while display cases showcase a selection of tea-preparation accessories. At the end of the journey, visitors can soak up the atmosphere seated on movable chairs and bespoke furnishings in pastel tones.

On the first floor, the scenography has been entirely rethought to present works from the collection within a jewel-box circuit. The walls are clad in a range of blacks, creating a subtle sense of rhythm. This colour palette, combined with lighting work by Aura Studio, highlights the exhibited pieces and brings out the intense colour of the lacquerware. A sense of natural light is introduced by a trompe-l'œil window blending the original opening's frame with backlit washi paper. The curved design of the plinths creates visual distance while encouraging flow through the space.

The corridor display cases have also been reorganised to foreground exceptional works, including a precious bird-shaped brooch and a collection of ceramic birds arranged as if perched on branches. The formerly cluttered corridors are now lined with modular mirrored furniture intended to store the conference furniture used in the Salon Pelliot.

In the green salon, light transforms the space through spectacular paper light fixtures and delicate lighting work by Aura Studio. Here too, contemporary furniture makes the room more welcoming.

Finally, in the Salon Pelliot, the walls are dressed with mirrors to bring in light and visually enlarge the room. The existing woodwork is warmed by the graduated colours of a textile installation specially designed for the space by Constance Guisset. Inspired by the chromatic range of the works on display, it adds a contemporary touch while maintaining continuity with the historic building, and also improves the room's acoustics. On the ceiling, slender light fixtures are arranged to create a rhythm within the panelling.