Cover The living area features a JD Staron rug, a custom sawn oak console, wood and marble tables designed by Stéphanie Coutas, and curtains in a fabric from Loro Piana
The living area features a JD Staron rug, a custom sawn oak console, wood and marble tables designed by Stéphanie Coutas, and curtains in a fabric from Loro Piana
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French designer Stéphanie Coutas infuses a Saint-Tropez villa with her signature relaxed couture aesthetic to create a vacation home fit for a well-travelled family
In chic Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera, the sun-drenched playground of celebrities and jet-setters, the holiday mood never ends. So, when a businessman acquired a vacation home in this scenic coastal town in France, he engaged renowned interior designer Stéphanie Coutas to imbue the space with her signature design aesthetic, to create a calming retreat for him and his 25-year-old son.
“He bought this house so they could enjoy a beautiful summer home,” says Coutas, who is known for her knack for blending neoclassical and contemporary elements in a manner that oozes instant charm. She added: “The client requested for the atmosphere to be similar to my own home, which he visited and had fallen in love with. He said he would love to have the same spirit in his villa.”
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Above Clad in Brazilian walnut wood decking, the pool area is furnished with daybeds and side tables from Kettal and Unopiù umbrellas
Clad in Brazilian walnut wood decking, the pool area is furnished with daybeds and side tables from Kettal and Unopiù umbrellas
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To evoke this effortless sense of comfort, Coutas completely renovated the villa, christened Villa Malko, with a “bohemian couture spirit”. To create a peaceful respite that echoes the harmonious tones of nature, the generously sized six-bedroom home is clad in natural materials throughout its spaces; these include the prominent use of materials such as raffia, linen, wood and marble. “The materials were chosen for their link to the property itself—they have a connection to the greenery around the house and also serve as a reminder that, on vacation, one should be surrounded by natural tones and textures.
Above French interior designer Stéphanie Coutas
Above Earthy tones seen on the Kettal sofa, arm chair and bohemian decor pieces create a warm atmosphere in the garden
French interior designer Stéphanie Coutas
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Above The green hues on the Kettal armchairs echo the verdant surroundings
Above Red Tribù accent lamps add a dose of fun to the outdoor areas
The green hues on the Kettal armchairs echo the verdant surroundings
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In a destination where daily life often revolves around fun-filled gatherings with friends and family, Coutas began her design journey at the central living area, from which all the suites are connected. The living room is anchored by two custom sofas positioned to face each other, with a marble coffee table in between—all the better to encourage convivial interaction among the guests. Unique ornaments such as black and white ceramics by Monika Debus from Galerie 1831 and vintage vases add a touch of visual interest and evoke a sense of lived-in ease in this space.
One of the highlights of the living room is a wooden relief wall created by French sculptor Etienne Moyat. “The piece, which is beautiful at night and during the day, emphasises the elements of nature that are apparent throughout the home’s design,” says Coutas. It also serves a functional purpose; besides providing access to the bedrooms, it connects to the stairs that lead to the master floor.
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The marble dining table designed by Coutas is paired with an understated set of dining chairs from Minotti and a mirror from Cinabre Gallery
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Offering the owner a private refuge, the master suite features walnut wood in contrasting matte and glossy finishes that evoke the ambience of luxury sedans and resorts. As in the other parts of the home, the restrained palette and the understated travertine flooring here impart a sense of airiness to the room. “The master suite must be sophisticated and must also reflect the atmosphere of the rest of the house. Similar to the concept of a hotel suite, I always integrate a bar area, a fridge, and a lot of social spaces,” explains Coutas.
The sophisticated dining area is likewise rendered in a blend of off-white and earthy tones to allow for a refined layering of decorative pieces, of which there are many to appreciate. There is a green-veined marble table designed by Coutas, surrounded by grey Minotti dining chairs. Nicholas Haslam-designed floor lamps flank the windows, while a mirror from Cinabre Gallery brings a dark-toned contrast to the room.
An artwork by François Fouchet is accompanied by a Minotti armchair and decorative items in soothing earthy tones
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In architecture typical of Saint-Tropez homes, the villa opens out to a magnificent garden positioned around a swimming pool. To enhance interaction and provide the owner and his guests with an array of options for outdoor activities, Coutas designed several different spaces for their use.
“It is important to define the various recreational spaces such as the bar and lounge areas so that there are places to be enjoyed at different times of the day,” she explains. Splashes of bottle green on the Kettal armchairs as well as the terracotta tones of the Tribù lamps add a dose of colour to the spaces. “Fun is allowed in a vacation home but on the other hand, I like the pool area to look neat, with towels folded properly,” quips Coutas.
Above In the dressing room, a custom wooden bench presents an inviting spot to enjoy a quiet moment of repose
Above The dressing room area also features custom cabinetry designed by Coutas and a coffee bar area
In the dressing room, a custom wooden bench presents an inviting spot to enjoy a quiet moment of repose
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Above A navy blue headboard designed by Coutas and the Porta Romana bedside lamp bring a modern touch to the bedroom, which also features wallpaper from Nobilis
Above A tactile mix of earthy-toned furnishings create a cocooning look in this bedroom
A navy blue headboard designed by Coutas and the Porta Romana bedside lamp bring a modern touch to the bedroom, which also features wallpaper from Nobilis
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This attention to detail has led the designer to continue working on the home, even after she completed the main renovation. For example, this summer, she designed an additional recreational space and a gym at the back of the house. “He [the owner] could not believe that we managed to find new areas to improve and how we were able to make them even more interesting,” she reflects.
Nevertheless, there is another particular moment she continues to hold dear. “My favourite part was when my client saw his house for the first time. He told me that of all his properties, this one feels like home,” shares Coutas with much pride.
The bathroom was designed in collaboration with Studio Travertino, a Greek bathroom furnishings brand
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