AT ONE WITH NATURE

who lives here?

Alexandre Reignier, furniture designer, his partner Aude Bertrand, blogger of The Little World, and their daughters Daphne, 2, and Noée, 3 months. Alexandre-reignier.com | @alexandrereignier

IT WAS A GUTSY MOVE INSPIRED BY A CHILDHOOD DREAM. Two years ago and following the birth of their two Simplicity, sustainability and a connection to the outdoors were top of Alexandre and Aude’s wish list when designing their home, plus it had to be made of wood, just like a real hut. “To me, wood is the best material – raw and warm at once,” Alex explains. Thomas had the idea of using ready-made panels to speed up the construction process, which meant the home was complete within three months. Covering a tidy 80 square metres, the finished product features an open-plan kitchen and living area on the ground floor, with two bedrooms, a playroom and study above. There’s even a tiny guest room over the playroom, which is accessed by a ladder. Floors and walls are lined with unfinished pine boards, with windows large and small giving a glimpse of the woodland beyond. In delicate contrast, the pared back interiors are a combination of Nordic and Eastern styles. “I like both for their elegant and pure lines,” Alexandre admits. He built much of the home’s furniture, including the kitchen counter, bedside tables, stools and older daughter Daphne’s bed, with the occasional vintage or designer piece added for impact. “I let my surroundings inspire me,” Alex says simply.