Last August I found a fisherman's house for sale on the port in Cassis. French Husband and I had dreamed of a place in Cassis for many years, but nothing came up that we could afford... and then by lucky chance the fisherman's house came our way. The house was in need of major repair, most would have found it daunting, though we had a master contractor on our side: Rene the hero made it happen.
I have delayed showing photos of our place because I wanted everything to be ready down to the dishes in the cupboards, and paintings hung. It is 99 percent completed, and the unveiling can begin. Instead of showing everything all at once I will do it in sections.
First, the stairwell, as it was the most complicated configuration in the entire renovation process due to the space, the beams and because we moved the stairs from one side to the other of the house. Without Joel the clever brilliant blacksmith we would still be going up and down a ladder. The first series show part of the the second floor stairwell, there are three floors connecting 65 meters, or 700 square feet.
Those of you who know me, know the brocante bug has captured me to my very core, and to the hair on my chinny-chin-chin. When renovating the fisherman's house it was easy to see what walls to knock down, where and how to create the space. Though as time went on, I saw the fisherman's house more contemporary than I ever imagined, I felt it challenging me to keep it that way.
The light was an holophane street lamp from the1920s. We bought it at a brocante fair. The brocante dealer, who I know, told me over and over again that I was doing the right thing, and that it was worth four times more than the price he was selling it for. Rene transformed the holophane into a hanging light as I wanted.
The painting is from Camille, an artist who I also met at the brocante. Camille's wife was a dance teacher who became an antique dealer. One afternoon while at a brocante (with my friend Gina,) we cut through Camille's wife's brocante shop as to not have to walk around the block, that day she had her husband's paintings on display. Camille is in his eighties now, and he painted this oil painting nearly forty years ago. It is about three feet by four feet in size.
The holophane and the painting were a massive stretch for me to take from the comfort zone of "chichipompom" brocante style that I adore. Though French Husband fell instantly in love with the challenge, and that was the enduring encouragement I needed to leap into the modern territory of design.
The entrance is on the first floor, this is the second floor, as the stairs come up they make a mid-air curve to the second floor. We had the floor rounded to match the curved stairs below. I had Joel trim the edge in iron.
These stairs go up to the bedroom, behind the window there is a bathroom, in front of the window is the living room. The window I saved as it use to be the kitchen door, I had Rene transform it into a window.
The painting in the background is from Camille. The leather stool was a gift from my friend Mo (who makes black clay pottery). The mirror is from Ikea.
The second floor stair well.
Stay tune for more.
xxx
Ah - Maze - Ing!
Posted by: Joan | 25 March 2017 at 12:27 AM
It is fabulous! You have the decorating gene for sure. Now you know you can do any style. Even your friend, Nathalie, has a Contemporaine apartment. Hope you will be renting it out next year. We are planning on coming to Barcelona and want to go back to Collioure so only a few more miles to see your apartment. Congratulations! It was worth waiting for.
Posted by: Jean Munroe | 25 March 2017 at 01:10 AM
It is beautiful!
Posted by: Bev | 25 March 2017 at 01:15 AM
Yes, definitely AMAZING! and Wonderful too!
Posted by: Marilyn | 25 March 2017 at 01:30 AM
Oh Corey it is spectacular. From the artwork to the color of the accent wall, the curves, the iron. You mastered this modern style and it looks stunning! Can't wait to see it live!
Posted by: Debbie | 25 March 2017 at 01:53 AM
Simply stunning, Corey! I do not have the ability to envision what something "could" be. You have that ability oozing from your pores. I'm very much looking forward to seeing the next installment.
Posted by: Star | 25 March 2017 at 02:15 AM
Love it. Amazing (word used often I noticed) the vision you have in making this happen.
Posted by: Mardog | 25 March 2017 at 02:27 AM
Jaw. droppingly. gorgeous. You have amazing talent. That you can cross style lines and boundaries is evidence (in spades) of your ability. Gifted. Truly gifted. This is the epitome of modern chic. Most modern is too cold for me, this is perfection. Perfect for a Town and Country Mag spread! Do you still have those query letters I wrote????
Posted by: Jacklynn Lantry | 25 March 2017 at 02:27 AM
I could see James Bond in here...hiding out after a wild ride through the French countryside (in a convertible sports car of course.) He'd be having a martini...shaken, not stirred.
Posted by: Jacklynn Lantry | 25 March 2017 at 02:30 AM
You make everything wonderful......
By the way, your home in St.Zacharie is featured in a book called French Style by Cindy Smith Cooper
Posted by: s/e | 25 March 2017 at 03:21 AM
FANTASTIC! It couldn't be better. Love the curve to the floor with the iron edge.
Posted by: Diogenes | 25 March 2017 at 04:32 AM
So much more fabulous than I ever imagined. The interior finish now has a defined elegance.
Oh la la!!
X.
Posted by: LeighNZ | 25 March 2017 at 06:20 AM
The mirror in the bathroom is Genius, tantalizing me with a reflected view of the living room and making the bathroom look so large. So much to see in such a tiny space. I've been wondering how you would work with the upstairs open floor "drop off". Every detail is amazing. Your photography and description are book or magazine ready. Thank you for the fun.
Posted by: Irene Thomas | 25 March 2017 at 06:29 AM
The dark paintings look smashing! It all looks terrific. You must be thrilled. Rene is amazing!
Posted by: Robin | 25 March 2017 at 07:57 AM
OMG it is amazing, I love the gunmetal grey, one of my favourite interior colours at the moment, cannot wait to see more, this is utter perfection. Have a lovely weekend xx
Posted by: Our French Oasis | 25 March 2017 at 08:05 AM
Spectacular! Beautiful! Fabulous!
Posted by: Ana María | 25 March 2017 at 09:20 AM
Corey, it is amazing & I have marveled at what you & yours have transformed am looking forward for the rest of the journey 📽
Posted by: Velia Garcia | 25 March 2017 at 10:37 AM
Well it is a love fest....love the light, love the stairs, love the paintings by Camille and love the colours and the retro/modern palette! Looking forward to the next instalment.....groovy!
Posted by: Jennifer Phillipps | 25 March 2017 at 10:50 AM
You've turned a prospect into a home. Did it shrink? When we were there it was almost 646 square feet!
Posted by: Kirk | 25 March 2017 at 12:37 PM
I won't use amazing but I will use WOW. 3 houses! Do you ever get confused like is that bowl I love in Paris or Cassis? I love your work, your vision. Wonder if Rene would like a TEXAS project? I propose a feature on HGTV from Cassis!
Posted by: Franco | 25 March 2017 at 01:35 PM
Superbe !!!
Posted by: Marie-Noëlle | 25 March 2017 at 01:37 PM
Just amazing!!! I see the "city" California girl emerging from you here, even though I think you are a country girl at heart!💕
Posted by: Pam | 25 March 2017 at 01:56 PM
The black accents are spectacular!
Posted by: Dd | 25 March 2017 at 02:15 PM
Gorgeous! !
Posted by: rms | 25 March 2017 at 02:41 PM
The anticipation has been killing us! Thanks for revealing Cassia in tasty morsels. Love love love!! Brava!!!
Posted by: diane bouchard | 25 March 2017 at 03:06 PM
The thing about interior design is that it may not be a persons personal asthetic in terms of style (speaking as a viewer) ......but the beauty of all the elements together is nonetheless outstanding. You have a real eye and although it was outside your usual style it all came together so beautifully!!! I am really anxious to see more......
Posted by: Lisa S | 25 March 2017 at 03:52 PM
Corey, I couldn't help but smile as I scrolled through the gorgeous unveiling photos. Can't wait for Part Teo!
Posted by: Nikki | 25 March 2017 at 04:12 PM
Wow, wow, wow! Simply stunning. I am in love with the accent wall with the window - the dark gray is perfect. Will be anxiously awaiting Part Two!
Posted by: Susie | 25 March 2017 at 04:17 PM
What a fantastic interior you have imagined and created with your talented Rene and Joel crafting pieces that perfectly make the space beautiful and flowing from one area to the other. Taking a leap into a different concept has proven to be a total success, dear Corey. I await the rest of the reveal, fully knowing that I will be enchanted.
Kristin
Posted by: KAMFreeman | 25 March 2017 at 04:40 PM
brilliant......❣️
Posted by: jani | 25 March 2017 at 04:43 PM
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!
Posted by: charland | 25 March 2017 at 05:31 PM
My very first apt I decorated in "MCM" and had so much fun with it.
Love, love the hanging light - spectacular! And the history behind it. The most amazing part is how you created living space in such a small space. The architect is brilliant and the decorating is icing on the cake.
Posted by: Ann | 25 March 2017 at 05:36 PM
You've spread your magic once again! Would love to see it one day.
Posted by: pmj | 25 March 2017 at 05:49 PM
Stunning! Thank you for sharing. I enjoy seeing your success. Best wishes to you and your family
Posted by: Bonnie Gale | 25 March 2017 at 06:27 PM
Wildly applauding the entire outcome. Must admit though that the thing that intrigued me the most was how you outlined the curved floor with metal edge. You are working with Master Craftsmen! And I am sure they enjoy your creativity too.
Posted by: nancy w | 25 March 2017 at 06:39 PM
Hope to see you in Cassis!
Posted by: French la Vie | 25 March 2017 at 06:43 PM
Thank you Debbie, soon you will see first hand, with Eric too!
Posted by: French la Vie | 25 March 2017 at 06:44 PM
Hi Star! Thank you. How are you feeling?
Posted by: French la Vie | 25 March 2017 at 06:44 PM
I have been looking for those letters!!! When are you coming back? Doesn't it look different from the first time you saw it?!
Posted by: French la Vie | 25 March 2017 at 06:45 PM
s/e thanks for telling me about CIndy's book, I haven't seen it yet.
Posted by: French la Vie | 25 March 2017 at 06:46 PM
lol, me and numbers!!! I have since corrected my error. Remember when we had a drink in the dust and debris. Well this is how I saw it in my mind's eye.
Posted by: French la Vie | 25 March 2017 at 06:48 PM
Merci! lol, no I do not confuse bowls, objects and such, but I have woken up wondering what bed I am in. Rene Texas? Why not. Or why not HGTV come here?
Posted by: French la Vie | 25 March 2017 at 06:50 PM
Thank you, we really enjoy working together. It seems no idea I have is too hard or too wild to accomplish. I think Rene has golden hands.
Posted by: French la Vie | 25 March 2017 at 06:53 PM
Yes HTTV riveting project potential award winning for you both.
French Muse as well.
❤
Posted by: Linda | 25 March 2017 at 08:14 PM
You stretched your wings and flew in a different direction instead of the path you know so well. Your home is airy, and clean...very modern. Well done Corey. Many years will be spent enjoying this beauty by the sea. Hugs
Posted by: Sharon Morrison | 25 March 2017 at 08:37 PM
Perhaps a French version of FixerUpper should be on HGTV fall schedule. Your Cassis home looks fabulous!
Posted by: Kipper | 25 March 2017 at 08:38 PM
So beautiful!
Posted by: stadtgarten | 25 March 2017 at 09:37 PM
Wow! The place looks terrific, Corey. You both - and Rene! - did a great job with the interior design.
Posted by: susanna | 25 March 2017 at 10:32 PM
Bonjour, Corey,
Adore your sense of style and photographic sense of balance and just the right amount of mystery. Bravo!
Peg
Posted by: Peggy Kopman-Owens | 26 March 2017 at 12:14 AM
WOW!!!! Love it, modern style and all!!!
Posted by: Paula Tyner | 26 March 2017 at 03:12 AM
Breathtaking....I hope we can get a glimpse in October or November. It's beyond what I imagined. Bravo!!!!!!
Ali
Posted by: Ali | 26 March 2017 at 03:37 AM
What a fabulous space. I love everything you did...the staircase...the art...You are such a talent...
Posted by: CINDY hattersley | 26 March 2017 at 03:48 AM
Wow! Love it!
Posted by: Lynn McBride | 26 March 2017 at 04:52 AM
When I see this place, I always think about the day that Dave & I spent in Cassis with Yann. He walked up and down all the streets looking at all the buildings & telling us about your dream to have a place there. You have done it and it is amazing. No doubt, with your talent and great taste have made a masterpiece.
Posted by: Teresa Young | 26 March 2017 at 05:01 AM
It is all simply stunning, Corey.
Posted by: Jan D-M | 26 March 2017 at 06:00 AM
The style is perfect for the size and shape of the home. You are genius. Love it.
Posted by: Sue Tinker | 26 March 2017 at 04:16 PM
Just amazing - you are (both!) so creative!
Posted by: Lora | 27 March 2017 at 11:46 AM
C'est magnifique!
Posted by: Shelley Noble | 29 March 2017 at 06:30 PM