Maxime Bousquet: Curating Spaces for the Good of His Clients
Maxime Bousquet is a gifted Parisian architect and interior designer whose work tells stories and is also highly inspired by fashion, cinema, and every aspect of the universe of art.
He rapidly became one of the most exciting young voices in this industry. His works are numerous, among which a recent spread in T: The New York Times Style Magazine on one of the most stunning designs for a 17th-century Parisian apartment.
Bousquet started his path in design in 2012 as a recently graduated National School of Architecture of Versailles student at Kenzo where he worked as a designer. Directly involved in renovation of the visual identity and retail concept under creative direction by Carol Lim and Humberto Leon at Kenzo, he became attentive to details and how certain spaces and objects may evoke feelings. "Designing the perfect piece of clothing only truly comes to life when it is worn," Bousquet says. "Similarly, an interior design is meaningful only when it is inhabited. My clients become my muses; I create spaces that resonate with their lives and aspirations."
Transformation Spaces
Talking about a recent project, Bousquet remembers a lifeless apartment he transformed. "When I purchased this apartment, it was completely painted black, stripped of character, although in a stunning private mansion with historical significance.". We stripped it down-to the not-so-inspired moldings and flooring-revealing its former charm. The weathered walls speak to time, and a fabulous 1940s rug is nothing short of a stunning focal point, akin to a painting, he says.
Bousquet also finds inspiration from cinema, especially with the so-called intimate and romantic settings of Italian director Luca Guadagnino. To further this idea, the designer even takes inspiration from David Lynch's adaptation of Dune for the more playful design of his studio logo, mirroring how both cinematic works blend ancientness and futurism into one aesthetic.
An Exquisite Journey
After spending more than a year at Kenzo, Bousquet worked for a period with celebrated architect Joseph Dirand and then moved on to work at Studio KO, honing his skills in luxury design and artistic craftsmanship. His first project after establishing his eponymous firm was for an amazing duplex at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, designing the space as if it were a hotel suite. "Nothing must be considered without thought, nothing must be carried out to less than perfection," he says.
I thrive on the freedom of creative expression. When a client comes to me with an unusual space and request, it's thrilling," he explains. His designs are influenced by both the personality of the client and the nature of the space itself. "My clients tend to share a common feature: they tend to be strong personalities who don't want to be babied. They challenge me to dream big."
One of his most ambitious projects to date, Bousquet is currently transforming the top two floors of this breathtaking 19th-century building in the 8th arrondissement. "My clients are very ambitious, and together we're creating a rooftop garden that offers breathtaking views of Paris," he explains.
Artistic Obsessions
While putting the needs of his clients and their spaces at the very top of all considerations, Bousquet cannot resist a personal artistic inclination. "At the moment, I am mesmerized by contemporary painting, particularly by the works of Tim Breuer, Issy Wood, and Sequoia Scavullo. Their artistry and materiality give me tremendous inspiration," he admits.
One of the most treasured services from him is where clients entrust him to curate their art collections. "Art is meant to be lived with; it changes and morphs over time," he says. "I found some of my favorite pieces in the Parisian gallery Sans Titre, known for its discerning curation of international artists. Their eye is exceptional," he adds.
A Jewel Box of Design
In another recent project, Bousquet transformed a duplex on Quai de la Seine, home to young collectors who love to entertain. "We reimagined the whole space, treating it like a jewel box, the colors inspired by a Juan Gris painting we stumbled upon during our travels, beautiful cream tones, variations of gray, sky blue, and deep green - a nostalgic reminder of the charm the used booksellers selling their books on tables on the Seine," he describes.
Believing that "beauty lies in the details, Maxime Bousquet redefines interior design. His redefined space captures the perfect fusion of aestheticism and personality, beauty, and vibrancy.
