Quiet Elegance
The Designs of Pierre Yovanovitch
The French interior architect and furniture designer Pierre Yovanovitch is celebrated for his sophisticated, understated approach to interior design. His work exudes a quiet luxury that speaks softly but unmistakably. Yovanovitch has shared that his first foray into interior design was deeply personal. After leaving his position at Pierre Cardin it was his how he decorated his Paris apartment that led to commissions from close friends and ultimately laid the foundation for his thriving practice.
Yovanovitch’s expertise lies in harmonizing historical architecture with contemporary living, but what truly sets him apart is his forward-thinking philosophy and passion for art. He has emphasized his focus on the present and future rather than solely drawing inspiration from the past. This perspective infuses his work with a distinctiveness that resists trends, offering a refreshing alternative to the nostalgia-driven aesthetics dominating today’s creative landscape. While his viewpoint may not be radical, it resonates powerfully in a cultural moment enamored with revisiting history.
Château de Fabrègues
Château de Fabrègues, Pierre Yovanovitch’s home in Provence, is a testament to his dedication and vision. The restoration of the 17th-century château was a five-year labor of love, bringing the historic property back to life. Yovanovitch describes his home as a personal manifesto, where his passions for art and interior design converge. As part of this vision, he commissioned Claire Tabouret to create a fresco for the chapel on the property. Tabouret’s evocative work transformed the chapel into a space for renewed contemplation. Their collaboration continued with the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Yovanovitch’s Asymmetry chair, for which Tabouret designed special editions. These projects highlight Yovanovitch’s deep appreciation for art and its integral role in his creative practice.
NYC Showroom
Situated among New York City’s renowned art galleries, Pierre Yovanovitch’s Chelsea showroom exemplifies the effortless elegance characteristic of his work. Occupying a sprawling 10,000-square-foot loft above Gagosian’s 24th Street location, the space is designed to evoke the warmth of a beautifully designed apartment, inviting visitors to envision themselves living with the furniture. Enhancing this sense of comfort and sophistication are carefully curated artworks by artists such as Danielle Mckinney and Francesco Clemente, which seamlessly complement the furniture and overall aesthetic.
Patinoire Royal
Le Patinoire Royale, originally a skating rink and later a Bugatti garage, reopened to the public in 2015 as the site of Philippe Austruy and Valérie Bach’s art gallery. Pierre Yovanovitch was commissioned for the project on the recommendation of former French Minister of Culture Jean-Jacques Aillagon. Yovanovitch's design, initially met with some skepticism, highlighted his talent for manipulating proportions to create a space that feels both balanced and captivating. A standout feature is the off-center staircase, which guides visitors through the expansive interior, harmonizing its scale while introducing a distinctive, unconventional flow. Combined with Yovanovitch’s thoughtful use of materials, these elements break away from traditional gallery layouts, setting a new standard for gallery interiors.
Rigoletto Opera
Pierre Yovanovitch’s set design for Theatre Basel’s production of Verdi’s Rigoletto highlights his prowess as a multidisciplinary creative. An opera enthusiast, this project is a natural convergence of his skills and passions. The design demonstrates his mastery of crafting drama and tension through color and lighting. Unlike his interior work which is designed to be unchanging, this project allowed him to embrace dynamic storytelling, amplifying the bold, dramatic elements to create a set that is both adaptable and visually arresting. Despite its theatrical intensity, the design retains his signature simplicity, providing a compelling stage for the opera’s unfolding complexity.
