The traditional Parisian bakery gets a minimalist reboot
Liberté continues its graceful rise, merging modern baking techniques meet minimalist interiors in Paris
Newly opened Liberté on rue Saint Dominique is giving the traditional Parisian bakery a modern, minimalist makeover courtesy of acclaimed interior architect, Emmanuelle Simon. Liberté’s new location in the 7th arrondissement is the bakery’s fourth Parisian outpost, with another set too open soon and two locations already in Japan.
Liberté caused a stir when it first opened on rue des Vinaigriers in 2013 by serving up traditional pâtisserie fare that was informed by modern gastronomy trends; things like, baguette bread infused with charcoal and covered in sesame seeds or an all-white Buche de Noel cut like a slab of marble.
This nouvelle vague approach to pastries is reflected in the interiors of Liberté’s latest space, which reconfigures the traditional French bakery aesthetic to suit contemporary tastes. Interior architect and designer Emmanuelle Simon was given carte blanche to transform the small, narrow space into anything of her choosing.
What she chose was to create a wabi-sabi inspired cloister with white washed walls and arched nooks for single person seating. Simple Beachwood stools and monochrome vases decorate the space, while a blue stone floor, inspired by the paving stones outside the front door, brings a subtle touch of colour.
The shop maintains the same cosy and welcoming atmosphere of the typical boulangerie, but with a style that is drastically different from the rustic decor or pastel coloured, confectionary type displays that are typical of most.
It’s no surprise that Simon has managed to create a sliver of serenity in a challenging, tight space that could have easily have become just another cramped storefront. As an architect, Simon understands how to manipulate the dimensions of a room to maximum potential, and as an interior designer she understands how objects can utilise that space.
Simon honed these skills working with architect Jean-Marie Massaud and then designer Pierre Yovanovitch before launching her own agency in 2017. Just two years later she won a Wallpaper* Design Award for her sober design of Evidens de Beauté first Paris salon. She’s a precocious talent, and it is exciting to see her unique blend of Art Deco and wabi-sabi philosophy on display at Liberté’s.
INFORMATION
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
Mary Cleary is a writer based in London and New York. Previously beauty & grooming editor at Wallpaper*, she is now a contributing editor, alongside writing for various publications on all aspects of culture.
-
Find yourself at Six Senses Kyoto, the brand's breathtaking Japan debut
Six Senses Kyoto opens its doors boasting tranquil, luxurious interiors by Blink Design Group
By Danielle Demetriou Published
-
Shigeru Ban’s mini Paper Log House welcomed at The Glass House
'Shigeru Ban: The Paper Log House' is shown at The Glass House in New Canaan, USA as the house museum of American architect Philip Johnson plays host to the Japanese architect’s model temporary home concept
By Adrian Madlener Published
-
Artist Mickalene Thomas wrestles with notions of Black beauty, female empowerment and love
'Mickalene Thomas: All About Love’, a touring exhibition, considers Black female representation
By Hannah Silver Published
-
The joy of AIX Rosé, sunshine in a glass
AIX Rosé, made in the sun-drenched hills of Côteaux d'Aix-en-Provence, is a dry, pale pink and aromatic, everyday luxury
By Simon Mills Published
-
How Debauve et Gallais and Marie Antoinette sparked a chocolate revolution
Paris chocolatier Debauve et Gallais is built on a sweet legacy, involving a chocolate coin designed to cure Marie Antoinette of her distaste for medicine
By James Gurney Published
-
Le Clarence: a culinary gem within Paris’ historic Golden Triangle
Le Clarence restaurant at The Hotel Dillon flies the flag for a new era of French luxury as the city gears up for the 2024 Olympic Games
By Melina Keays Published
-
Saint Laurent and Sant Ambroeus celebrate the joy of ice cream with Paris gelato cart
Saint Laurent Rive Droite has united with Milanese patisserie Sant Ambroeus on a six-flavour Italian gelato cart, arriving at the house’s Paris store ready for the height of summer
By Jack Moss Published
-
Château Galoupet is teaching the world how to drink more responsibly
From reviving an endangered Provençal ecosystem to revisiting wine packaging, Château Galoupet aims to transform winemaking from terroir to bottle
By Mary Cleary Last updated
-
Young chef Mallory Gabsi opens his first restaurant in Paris
25-year-old Belgian chef Mallory Gabsi has collaborated with designer Arnaud Behzadi to create a welcoming, contemporary restaurant in the heart of Paris
By Mary Cleary Last updated
-
Café Compagnon brings home comforts to the heart of Paris
Interior designer Gesa Hansen and restaurateur Charles Compagnon open an inviting Paris café and restaurant in the heart of the city
By Mary Cleary Last updated
-
Le Dôme by Foster + Partners perfectly blends architecture and landscape
Foster + Partners’ new winery for French producer Le Dôme is a perfectly balanced blend of architecture and landscape
By Natasha Levy Last updated