Deep in the French countryside, the Château des Joncherets stands as a testament to 17th-century architectural mastery. While its limestone walls and symmetrical gardens have weathered the centuries with grace, the interiors recently called for a new chapter.
In a stunning collaboration with Brunschwig & Fils, three visionary designers were tasked with breathing new life into this historic estate. By pairing heritage textiles with contemporary intuition, they have proven that “historic” doesn’t have to mean “museum-like”; it can feel vibrant, romantic, and profoundly lived-in.
An Arrival of Elegance: The Entryway by Natalie Kraiem
For designer Natalie Kraiem, the challenge lay in the contrast between the château’s breathtaking exterior and an interior that had fallen into disrepair. Her mission was not to rewrite the history of the entryway, but to “reveal what was already there.”
Kraiem’s vision was guided by the Louis XVI period, focusing on restraint, balance, and a seamless connection to the surrounding gardens. To achieve this, she utilized a palette of soft blues, warm stone, and creamy neutrals.
The “soul” of the room lives in the restored antique seating. Kraiem selected Brunschwig & Fils fabrics to bridge the gap between the 1600s and today:
- Bromo Velvet: Used on a rich stripe settee to add dimension and visual interest.
- Poivre Damask: A classic choice for the armchairs, reinforcing their traditional character while feeling fresh and luminous.
“Whimsy is about elegance, not excess,” Kraiem notes. “It lives in the way sunlight moves across the floors and the pale blue doors that soften the formality of the space.”
The Jewel Box: A Romantic Bedroom
Moving deeper into the château, designers Samantha Williams and Diane Luna took on the challenge of the bedroom. The duo leaned into the romantic heritage of French design, creating a space that feels both grounded and ethereal. Their fabric choices from Brunschwig & Fils serve as the focal point of the room:
- Carsten Check: Provides a structured, tailored contrast to the flowing florals.
- Karabali: A bold, jewel-toned floral that anchors the space.
The centerpiece of the room is the bed canopy: a staple of French aristocratic design reimagined for the modern day.
“I was thrilled to use Brunschwig & Fils textiles for the bedroom,” says Diane Luna. “The jewel-toned floral was perfect for the canopy. Historic with a touch of trend and incredibly romantic… très chic.”
