Saturday, March 3, 2012

The Mill House Transformation by Marie-Laure Helmkampf

 This charming residence marks its roots as an old oil mill from the 19th century in Nimes, a city in southern France. The home has been transformed by interior designer Marie-Laure Helmkampf to create a family haven. Everything was rebuilt with a more solid foundation but with respect to the original architecture, old materials were repurposed such as solid beams, stone walls and other elements transformed into a completely different result.


 The resulting interiors still hold the charm of the old mill, but appear more as a ‘loft-barn’. The rooms feature towering ceilings and large iron framed windows, the living room, dining room, kitchen and study occur with absolute fluidity.


 These areas are decorated in soft shades white and off-white, and wood materials add warmth and character. In the bedroom, the designer resorted to color to enhance the decoration and emphasize its distinctive charm. The furniture mixes contemporary pieces with old and hints of vintage infused throughout.