Villa Cavrois - proof that daring interiors never date

Some places have the power to stop you in your tracks...

Villa Cavrois in Lille was one of those places for me. It’s the kind of architecture that doesn’t just impress but reignites creativity. From the breathtaking proportions to the meticulous attention to detail—and above all—the fearless use of colour and materials. Designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens in the 1930s, this house is modernism in its purest form: clean lines, openness, and a bold approach to light and space. And nearly a century later, it still feels ahead of its time. That’s no coincidence.

Many people play it safe when designing their interiors.

Neutral colours, subtle materials—out of fear they might tire of them, or simply because the endless choices feel overwhelming. But Villa Cavrois proves the opposite: bold decisions are what truly stand the test of time. The golden-yellow brick exterior, the striking mix of marble, wood, and glossy surfaces inside—every detail was chosen with purpose, creating a home that still feels as powerful today as it did then.

What inspired me most was Mallet-Stevens’ masterful use of colour and texture. The soft yellow bricks catch the light in a way that makes the façade feel warm and inviting throughout the day. Inside, every room has its own carefully curated palette of materials and colours, shaping the mood and character of each space. The black-and-white kitchen, the dining room with deep green marble and pale yellow walls, the bold primary colours in the bedrooms—this house is a symphony of contrast and harmony.

Villa Cavrois is proof that bold interiors don’t date; they become timeless.

If you shy away from colour, you miss the opportunity to let a space truly speak. Here, every shade was chosen with intention, perfectly balanced with the rest. Textures play off each other—glossy against matte, rough alongside smooth. And the materials? They weren’t just selected for function but to create an effortless blend of luxury and warmth. What makes this house so remarkable is that it’s not just a collection of beautiful rooms—it’s a cohesive vision, designed with absolute conviction.

Visiting Villa Cavrois didn’t change my perspective—it reinforced what I’ve always believed: a great interior is one that reflects who you are. It’s tempting to play it safe, to stick to neutral tones and soft materials out of fear of getting it wrong. But a space that truly feels like home is one where you dare to make choices—choices that tell a story, add depth, and embrace you day after day.

Great design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about how a space makes you feel.

The best interiors don’t just look good—they resonate. They have a presence, an energy, a rhythm where everything works together. Villa Cavrois isn’t just a house that aged well; it was designed with a clear vision, where every material, colour, and texture was carefully orchestrated to form a perfect whole. And that’s exactly why it still feels so relevant today.

Villa Cavrois isn’t just a house that aged well; it was designed with a clear vision, where every material, color, and texture was carefully orchestrated to form a perfect whole. And that’s exactly why it still feels so relevant today.

Do you also want to create an interior that reflects your personality, where every element works together in harmony?

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