The living room is centered around a bold Paulin, Paulin, Paulin wool rug produced by the family of the late Pierre Paulin. Based on the celebrated designer’s drawings of a geometric stone garden, the black-white-and-gray pattern is one of few graphic moments found in the home. It’s both eye-catching and functional. “We spend a lot of time on the carpet,” Yoann reveals. “It’s the ideology of Pierre Paulin. He believed that you could live on the floor.”
More traditional seating appears in the form of twin Kazuhide Takahama Suzanne sofas that offer plush, rounded comfort, as well as a treasured set of Pierre Jeanneret Chandigarh V-leg armchairs, an extremely rare find that marries wood and square cane. “The profile is incredible,” Yoann muses.
A brief departure from the socially minded layout, Yoann’s elegant Pierre Paulin CM141 desk, foldable Joe Colombo Vademecum lamp, and ergonomic Ettore Sottsass Olivetti Synthesis chair compose a tranquil workstation. The backdrop is a deep teal–hued complex that conceals closets, a laundry room, and a black marble bathroom.
In response to the cool tones throughout, Yoann installed warm oak floors and created a bright red zone for drinking and smoking. An homage to Yves Saint Laurent’s fiery decor, the little lounge features Børge Mogensen Spanish chairs with broad armrests and sexy leather straps, a George Nelson daybed that can sleep overnight guests, and a ledge for rotating art. “I don’t hang things because I like to move them around all the time,” Yoann says. “I always want to rediscover them.”
Nearly all the lighting is by Gino Sarfatti, an Italian designer who Yoann reveres for his avant-garde approach. Sleek, minimal fixtures like the glowing green pendant in the kitchen and the arched floor lamp that illuminates the desk evoke the 1970s despite their invention more than a decade earlier. “The real problem with Gino Sarfatti is when you start to get into him, everything else feels a bit heavy,” Yoann admits. “I’m so obsessed that I only want Gino Sarfatti in my house.”
Such a precious, retro collection combined with vibrant, playful details achieves Yoann’s desired distinguished-meets-childish vibe. It embodies his current state in which he might write an emotional, intricate song and play Mario Kart on the same day. It’s just the balance he needs.