A conversation with
Lucie Socrate
We had the privilege of meeting Lucie Socrate, a talented interior designer, who recently opened the doors to her latest project: a "marvelous apartment" inspired by vibrant Rio de Janeiro.
Lucie invites us to discover the fascinating story of the renovation of this unique space, as well as the choices that guided each step of the project. Join us in this interview.
Hello Lucie. If you had to describe yourself in one sentence...
Hello, I'm Lucie Socrate, an interior designer. My mantra is: Create joy. Preserve. Dare. I have an obsession with the "not too serious." In short, I create feel-good interiors!
Are you inviting us to come and discover your latest project?
With pleasure! We are here in a 61 m² apartment that is inhabited by a couple in their thirties. For this project, I was lucky enough to have complete carte blanche, both on the rearrangement (i.e. the interior design of the place) and also its decoration.
We are lucky to be in this “wonderful apartment”.
Can you tell us more about what inspired you?
The inspiration for this project is: Rio, a wonderful city.
The gold-colored opus floor and asphalt of the Ipanema promenade… The colorful architecture of Santa Teresa and its painted facades… The city truly has a unique, vibrant, and warm atmosphere. The other very strong bias for the decoration of the place is having selected entirely vintage furniture, from floor to ceiling, and even the light fixtures. For example, in the dining room, I really let myself go and had fun with the furniture. Everything is vintage without exception.
Precisely, do you have a tip to share to avoid making mistakes when hunting for bargains?
For vintage light fixtures, for example, I recommend making sure they're rewired and working properly. Because that can be a trap!
You describe your approach as positive. In what ways is it positive?
Through the responsible and sustainable impact in all aspects: the plan, the vintage sourcing we just talked about – with Selency in particular, the choice of materials and suppliers – with Plum which manufactures in France or nearby, right down to the more utilitarian elements and the greening of the space.
« By Charlot plants thrive in all spaces »
What place does greenery have in this apartment?
The presence of plants is a true ode to nature, offering a touch of freshness and life to every corner. A nod to the splendid Jardim Botânico de Rio – one of the most beautiful and largest gardens in the world
We are struck by this very joyful atmosphere. How would you define your work with colors?
I opted for uninhibited combinations of warm and cool shades. In the main room, the back wall is painted khaki, which gives it a majestic effect and delineates its library function. On the ceiling, blush pink brings personality and highlights the pretty cornices. This combination gives a masculine/feminine side that I really like. Working with color in this way creates great perspectives and adds modernity. The secret is to maintain a lot of consistency and bring rhythm to the spaces.
The kitchen, once a bathroom, has become a multi-colored space...
Yes, in the kitchen, we first created this opening from scratch. Then, to define it, we painted a pattern of an infinite number of tile-colored triangles. On the cabinets, I dared to use strong colors by choosing Plum fronts (ochre, tile, and rosemary) coupled with softer shades (ivory and pinkish beige). I think this kitchen is proof that you can make multicolored kitchens and that it works.
What was the biggest challenge during this renovation?
The plan was to redefine the spaces by capitalizing on what the apartment had to offer. The idea was to free up circulation while avoiding extensive demolition. The living room wasn't as spacious at first. So the first step was to remove the partitions to create this large, impressive living space.
But for me, the bathroom, which is less than 5 m², was the real challenge of the apartment because it includes the laundry room and a storage area for things we don't want to see. We had to think about how to best optimize it, pushing the limits of the room.
Tell us about the room. What's special about it?
Here we are in the apartment's bedroom, which features a multi-functional partition. Its first function is to hide the dressing room located just behind it. The second is to delimit and streamline circulation around the bed. And the third, probably the most obvious, is to serve as a headboard. A little extra: the headboard incorporates an overhead projector.
In each room, you've added little surprises to the decor. Apparently, there's a very curious detail in the bedroom...
In the apartment, there are indeed several surprising elements. On the dressing room, there are obviously handles to open the doors, but I put two of them, one on top of the other. I think it's a little detail that we're not used to seeing.
What is your secret for bringing soul to the places entrusted to you?
In decoration, I cherish the men and women who are at the origin of objects, furniture... and who have gold in their hands. It is important for me to highlight the know-how that requires talent, and above all a lot of practice in the gesture. This is why I selected several works of art, sometimes I even helped to co-create them. These works echo through their colors the rooms of the apartment and act as a common thread, a sort of visual reference and thus contribute to the harmony of the place. The important thing is the coherence of the decor.
A final word?
I sincerely thank the entire team of craftsmen who worked on the project for the quality of their work and their commitment. Beautiful projects are always collective successes.
Lucie Socrate's selection
She charmed you with her recent renovation project, "Comme un air de Rio." Plants, herbariums, and even terrariums punctuate the decor of this stylishly designed apartment. Discover Lucie Socrate's selection and let yourself be guided.
Lucie Socrate
Interior designer
Partners: Plum, Selency, Bonsoirs, The Naked Shop, By Charlot
Creators and artists: Margaux Keller, Afafaa, Olivia Dritzas, Valentine Benoist
Photo credits: ⓒ Hervé Goluza for Plum, ⓒ Mylène Comte for By Charlot
