Explore a Parisian Home Transformed into Dreamy Realms with Unique Designs
Imagine the astonished looks of artisans when Ramdane Touhami unveiled his vision for the drawing room in his family's new Parisian home located in the 9th Arrondissement.
The inventive French-Moroccan designer, who leads his creative agency, challenged them to adorn the walls with ebony burl. He envisioned the paneling peeling back at the corners, revealing traditional moldings that hinted at an alternate reality.
Sitting Room: Tiles portraying tarot cards surround the fireplace, a special gift to past occupant Jean-Claude Carrière from filmmaker Luis Buñuel. A reproduction of Pierre Jeanneret's Kangaroo chair is provided by Cassina
“It was quite a task to create,” Ramdane reflects, explaining the two-month wood soaking process required to achieve his desired curl.
Ramdane and his wife, Victoire de Taillac-Touhami, known for revitalizing Cire Trudon, the oldest candle maker, and relaunching Jean-Vincent Bully, a 19th-century perfume house as Officine Universelle Buly, share this extraordinary home with their three children, aged 17 to 22.
Kitchen: “I aimed for warmth and a Mediterranean touch—my roots—along with a handcrafted vibe,” Ramdane notes. Custom tiles from Umbria pair with steel appliances, reflecting the terracotta to ensure it takes center stage. Appliances by Gaggenau
From the terracotta-clad kitchen to the dining room with its giant illuminated spiders crawling overhead, each area offers a peek into the mind of a daring, creative spirit.
“I envisioned a home where each room feels like a new journey, with surprises behind every door,” Ramdane shares.
Dining Room: Names of those who have impacted the house adorn the upper walls, crafted by Ramdane’s typography studio. Glass etching by Christian Fournié. Lacquer artisans created the furniture.
The family had been residing on the Left Bank when they discovered this house in the Pigalle district was on the market.
“True to Ramdane’s style, he placed an offer within two days,” Victoire recounts, serving as Buly’s brand and image director.
Study: “This is Ramdane’s sanctuary, where his most cherished items reside,” Victoire explains. The swimming pool is just across the way. Carpet designed by Ramdane Touhami
The house stands as one of a pair facing a courtyard, rich in history. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec reportedly rented the top floor when the lower levels served as a brothel; writers Stefan Zweig and Alphonse Allais also spent time here. During the art deco era, it belonged to a rug artisan who collaborated with esteemed designer Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann.
Since the late 1970s, it had been in the hands of the eminent screenwriter, novelist, and actor Jean-Claude Carrière, who passed away just before the couple purchased it. “It was filled with his art collections and literature,” Victoire remembers.
Sitting Room: Initially, sofa makers deemed Ramdane’s designs too intricate to produce. Ultimately, they found the solution, and the result is something everyone takes pride in. A similar floor lamp can be found at Vinterior
Except for removing a mezzanine level on the top floor, they kept the original layout, allowing Victoire to grant her husband creative freedom with the interiors.
“This was our opportunity to live within Ramdane’s imagination,” she states, noting, “He was on-site daily for nine months, making every decision.”
Sitting Room: Vintage Asafo flags are framed within the ebony burl paneling. For an Eros black marble table by Angelo Mangiarotti, visit Vinterior. Adire African Textiles provided vintage Asafo flags.
Craftsmen, including lacquer artisans, were essential in creating the glossy furniture and cupboard doors in the dining area, reminiscent of a luxurious Art Deco ocean liner.
For the living room's low-slung seating, which resembles oversized felt-covered pipes, Ramdane sought skilled artisans in eastern France. “Their initial response to his designs was 'non,' often just the start of the conversation. We never take offense,” Victoire laughs.
Bathroom: Ramdane creatively mixed vibrant stones—Blue Bahia granite, Carrara, Rosso Levanto, Verde Guatemala, and Rosa Tea marbles—creating a stunning effect. Taps and shower fittings from Atelier Traditionnel du Vimeu. The Invisible Collection offers re-editions of the Satellite mirror by Eileen Gray and the sconce by Pierre Chareau.
Her favorite area is the kitchen: “I struggled to grasp the design until I saw it, but it’s breathtaking; the terracotta adds a unique warmth,” she remarks.
On the lower level, a resistance swimming pool was built for Victoire, a passionate swimmer. “I never imagined having a pool in my basement,” she exclaims.
Bedroom: Upon purchasing the house, this room was an atelier with a mezzanine. The plaster moldings are painted in a subtle ombré effect. For D90 beds by Carlo de Carli for Sormani, visit Vinterior
Whether custom-made or sourced at auctions and flea markets, the chic Italian furnishings in their bedroom reflect Ramdane’s keen eye.
“We all have these elegant Italian beds—we live under an aesthetic regime,” Victoire jokes, highlighting the perks of their aesthetic lifestyle: “We’re surrounded by extraordinary items. For instance, opening the cupboards in the dining room reveals stunning green lacquer. I’m captivated by its beauty each time.”