At home With The Babooshka - Season 3 - Episode 3

At Home With The Babooshka

Hello Charlène, can you introduce yourself?

I'm Charlène, 33, and I'm a happy mom to my two little boys, Achille & Arsène. Although my daily life is punctuated by a life of sailing and traveling for my work, I love being at home, in Nîmes, in the south of France.

How would you define your interior style? What inspires you?

My interior style is defined by the portrait of a sunny, uncluttered and authentic Mediterranean. I draw inspiration from these landscapes on a daily basis to nurture a sober, elegant and warm art of living. At the heart of my home is a harmony of noble materials like wood, combined with raw materials like stone. For a touch of sparkle and new inspiration on a daily basis, I like to take the time to browse through magazines like Ideat, Milk or Home.

If we've understood correctly, you've redone everything in this house.

This house is the story of a dream, a crush and now, a reality. After several months of searching for the ideal environment, close to the energy of the city center and with a desire to adopt a decidedly urban and responsible lifestyle... We found the ideal address. Orchestrated by architect Anthony Pascual, our project became a reality after 2 years of work.

What was your greatest difficulty?

We encountered a number of difficulties, but in the end each one was an opportunity to design a project that was as close to our desires as possible. In the end, each doubt was a step in the right direction, allowing us to move forward serenely with this construction project. But if we have to mention one, it's coordination: thinking of everything and anticipating the smallest details. It's not always easy to make the right choices and plan ahead!

Conversely, what was the most stimulating/your favorite stage?

In this life project, one dynamic, that of building our family cocoon to live happy moments with our children and our families. All the stages of this project will remain with us, but the moment when the house began to take shape and emerge from the ground remains our favorite. The project was coming to life, feeding off our ideas, and each volume sketched out beautiful perspectives. Reading this interview, don't be misled into thinking that the project was always idyllic. As a little anecdote, our door was remade twice before the final result was achieved. If you have a "down" moment, don't forget that you're planning a grandiose life project, and that it requires patience to create the ideal cocoon. Time and agility remain your best allies!

How did you come up with the design and spaces? What's your favorite room?

In this house, I dreamed of a central element, the lung / heart of our cocoon. The idea of a wooden box at the center of the house was the ideal representation of this idea. From there, we built many elements around it. In love with the South of France and in search of solitude, I dreamed of a house bathed in light. To achieve this, large openings are omnipresent. From inside to outside, fluidity is the order of the day.

What advice would you give for a renovation project?

Think of it as a life project. The greatest successes are achieved over time. Never forget that, especially when in doubt. Be patient and allow yourself time to think. There will be a good dose of stress, but a wave of happiness afterwards. It's definitely worth the effort. It's also the beginning of a new chapter in your family life. don't forget that great stories are made up of many chapters! The secret? Don't be too hasty in your choices, go and see the materials again and again to be sure.

What role does interior design play in your daily life?

Design is at the heart of my daily inspirations. I love the beautiful, the refined in all its forms... from fashion to architecture to design, there's plenty of material to multiply my favourites and beautiful encounters.

What do you like about NV GALLERY?

NV GALLERY has the art and manner to assert a sober, minimalist and warm style. You can see and feel the style in every product. I love the idea of finding timeless pieces that assert a singular character.

What's your typical day like?

There's no such thing as a typical day. As best I can, I juggle my daily life with my role as a mother, my life as a fulfilled wife with my partner, and my entrepreneurial career, which I've decided to pursue in the world of influence. Every day is an adventure. In love with life, I enjoy my daily routine as much as I love living it.

What's the link between your interior and your style?

I think I can say that there's a real natural harmony between my style and my interior. As I was saying, between fashion, art and architecture, my aspirations are the same. Year after year, I try to build a real art of living.

Any recent discoveries you'd like to share?

Because travel is at the heart of my daily life, and before the summer season arrives, I can't conclude this interview without revealing a favorite address. One that has recently written a new chapter... Le Couvent des Minimes. A wonderful discovery and re-discovery. After being closed for a few months, it's time for a new place to live... incredible! This address is a true haven of peace, where the decor is selected with taste and delicacy.