Hôtel Vernet | François Champsaur

THE SPIRIT OF PLACE
Renovated by French interior designer François Champsaur, the Hôtel Vernet celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2014 and enters the age of modernity.
Owned by the Bessé Signature family group, the Hôtel Vernet is a veritable secret garden that maintains the tradition of great Parisian institutions alive by paying tribute to French elegance and savoir-faire.
The Hôtel Vernet invites visitors to come and explore this luxury townhouse. From the entrance hall to the rooms, the accuracy and precision of the hotel’s design engages in a dialogue with the spirit of the space and its history. The contrast between two different eras creates a dynamic and light-hearted energy. This subtle chemistry rejuvenates the atmosphere without unnecessary ostentation.
François Champsaur, a passionate contemporary art collector, chose a set of drawings, original watercolours and engravings, creating the start of a collector’s home and reinforcing the private and intimate side of the entire hotel.
At night, light plays with the hotel’s decorative elements and features the precision of the shades and richness of the textures, creating a beautiful candle-lit atmosphere.

ENTRANCE AND LOBBY
From the front door, visitors enter an area surrounded by glass panels, brushed by hand with blanc de Meudon, which reflect the sunlight to create a kinetic art effect. This very modern, bright and visual contrast, made using traditional French handicraft, creates a double-door entrance between the street and the lobby.
On a Carrara marble floor, a black graphic oak counter held on two brass feet is surrounded by copper and nylon woven panels. In the evening, a soft light embraces these walls and reflects their brass sparkles.
A large abstract carpet, created by Jean Michel Alberola, brightens the length of the lobby between a set of white columns and arches.
Large leather armchairs designed by Bassam Fellow converse with the Minotti blue armchairs and bench in front of a brass mesh folding screen. The plaster and bronze ceiling light and copper origami wall lamps add successive finishing touches to the spirit of Vernet.

BAR
The unstructured Carrara marble bar is set up as a sculpture in front of a large folded copper screen. Together, this timeless design blends perfectly with the original red marble fireplace.
In keeping with the finest tradition of painted ceilings, a fresco was painted by Jean-Michel Alberola on the ceiling to match the carpet, which was also designed by the artist. The spirit of place gives this space remarkable elegance and modernity thanks to the blend of statuesque forms, contemporary art and indirect lighting outlining the shapes and colours.

RESTAURANT
The beautiful dining room is bathed in light under the monumental glass roof designed by Gustave Eiffel. Placed on an enormous carpet, two large half-circle green and blue benches face each other.
The kitchen is visible through a large bay window. Its discreet and continuous movement contrasts with the contemporary artwork that is beautifully hung on the walls and mirrors and appears to be stopped in time.
To the back of the restaurant, a small golden-coloured lounge can accommodate approximately 10 guests.

ROOMS
Room numbers are placed on metal console tables in front of each door. These small tables are individually lit, spread out on the carpets of the corridor and designed with a chevron pattern as a way of accessorising this public passageway.
Large curved oak screens, used as architectural elements, lead the room towards the bathroom. The graphic style of the glass mosaic with its black and white geometrical lines is softened by the marble rugs underneath the washstands and bathtub.
All of the bathroom fittings are made of solid brass that will continue to shine over time.
The statuesque bedside lamps with brass leaves match the headboards carved in low relief.
The randomly shaped mirror designed by Jean Michel Alberola is hung above a long white lacquered desk that incorporates a blue writing case. A paper watercolour lampshade covers the lamp, which completes the entire furniture ensemble.
A white extra large cotton chair bed, placed in front of the black and white striped organic cotton curtains by Pierre Frey, creates a warm and sophisticated setting.
The woven layered wool blanket from Arpin reinforces the room’s peaceful and relaxing feel.

List of artists:

- Jean-Pierre BOURQUIN
- Alain DESWARTE (sea rock drawing)
- Katrin BREMERMANN
- Gérard TRAQUANDI
- Jean-Michel ALBEROLA (ceiling painting)