A Tribute to Elegance: The Transformation of Villa Roche Cline
Villa Roche Cline is more than just a home; it’s a piece of history, formerly owned by the iconic Estée Lauder, and beautifully reimagined by Claudia Kempen Concept. In 2013, we undertook a two-year renovation project that honored its storied past while embracing modern design needs. The result was a seamless blend of the villa’s original charm with innovative, contemporary touches, creating a timeless, sophisticated space. View the final result here, and here.
A Tribute to Estée Lauder’s Legacy
One of the first steps in this ambitious project was paying homage to Estée Lauder herself. Known for her elegance and sophistication, Estée Lauder’s influence extended beyond the world of beauty into her personal spaces. To honor her legacy, we integrated her signature "Estée Lauder green" into various elements throughout the villa. This distinctive shade was used thoughtfully in key areas to maintain harmony while providing a subtle tribute to the villa’s former owner. By weaving this iconic color into the home’s design, we’ve not only preserved the essence of the past but also made it an integral part of the villa’s modern identity.
Location, Location, Location: Views of the Côte d'Azur and Beyond
Nestled on the picturesque French Riviera, Villa Roche Cline boasts breathtaking views that are nothing short of spectacular. The villa overlooks both the Côte d'Azur and two famed islands off the coast of Cannes: Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat. These views played a central role in the design process, as we sought to frame them as natural artworks visible from almost every room in the home.
With the stunning Côte d’Azur coastline serving as a backdrop, it was essential that the villa’s interiors not compete with the natural beauty but complement it. We emphasized clean lines, open spaces, and soft, neutral tones throughout, allowing the surrounding landscape to take center stage.
A Modern Classic Design
Villa Roche Cline’s architecture is a blend of modern and classic influences, perfectly embodying the “modern classic” design style. While the overall structure of the villa was preserved, a massive renovation was undertaken to elevate its interiors to modern standards without sacrificing its historical soul.
The original staircase is one of the key features that was kept intact. Its classic design anchors the home, providing a strong visual connection to the villa’s rich past. To ensure the staircase stood out in the new design, we complemented its traditional look with modern fixtures and furnishings throughout the rest of the house. This juxtaposition creates a dynamic dialogue between old and new, a hallmark of timeless interior design.
The Renovation Process: Two Years in the Making
Renovating Villa Roche Cline was no small feat. Given its status as a protected building by the French Bâtiment de France, the project required an enormous amount of care, respect for tradition, and attention to detail. The challenge was to modernize the home while ensuring that every change adhered to strict preservation guidelines.
Over the course of two years, we worked meticulously to restore, refresh, and reimagine every aspect of the villa. The process involved a delicate balance of honoring the villa’s original features while updating it for contemporary living. Structural changes were made where necessary, but always with a focus on maintaining the integrity of the home’s original architecture.
New Additions: The Pergola and Outdoor Spaces
One of the new additions we introduced during the renovation was the pergola on the balcony. This outdoor structure not only enhances the visual appeal of the villa but also provides a comfortable, shaded area for residents to enjoy the panoramic views. Designed with the villa’s aesthetic in mind, the pergola adds a touch of modernity while fitting seamlessly into the overall architectural language of the home.
Outdoor living is an essential aspect of life on the French Riviera, so special attention was paid to creating spaces that invite relaxation and connection with nature. The balcony, framed by the pergola, offers a serene setting to soak in the sunshine, entertain guests, or simply enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Balancing History and Innovation
One of the defining features of this project was the balancing act between historical preservation and modern innovation. Villa Roche Cline, being a protected building, required a respectful approach to every design decision. Yet, as with any historic home, there were updates needed to bring the villa into the 21st century.
Our design philosophy embraced this duality by blending modern design elements with the villa’s classic bones. The new kitchen, for example, is sleek and modern, yet features materials and finishes that reflect the villa’s historic character. The bathrooms, too, offer a perfect fusion of old-world luxury and contemporary amenities.
In choosing materials for the renovation, we were guided by the villa’s original palette. Natural stone, wood, and metal were used extensively throughout the home, echoing the materials found in the French Provence region. This approach ensured that every new element felt like an organic extension of the villa’s original architecture.
Design Keywords and Inspiration
Throughout the project, we remained committed to several key interior design principles:
Timelessness: Every design choice was made with the goal of creating a space that feels current today and will continue to feel elegant for decades to come.
Harmony with Nature: The villa’s design embraces the beauty of its natural surroundings, with large windows and open spaces that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors.
Modern Classic Aesthetic: By blending modern elements with classic architecture, we crafted a home that feels both luxurious and livable.
Villa Roche Cline is not just a house; it is an experience. From the serene views of the Côte d’Azur to the subtle nods to Estée Lauder’s legacy, every aspect of this home has been thoughtfully designed to create a space where history and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.
Final Thoughts
Renovating Villa Roche Cline was an exciting, challenging, and deeply rewarding journey. Through careful preservation and thoughtful innovation, we’ve created a space that pays homage to its prestigious past while offering all the comforts of modern living. With its breathtaking views, modern classic design, and thoughtful details, Villa Roche Cline stands as a true testament to the beauty that can be achieved when history and contemporary design meet.
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