An immersive takeover of de Gournay’s Rue des Saints-Pères showroom brings poetry, antique curiosity, and exquisite hand craftsmanship to Paris Design Week

For this edition of Paris Design Week, historic house de Gournay opens the doors of its Parisian enclave on Rue des Saints-Pères for a captivating artistic takeover. Partnering with antiques dealer and scenographer Antoine Billore, the brand stages an enchanting dialogue between classic hand-painted wallpapers, delicate porcelain, and Billore’s signature upcycled furniture creations.

Known for its mastery of traditional artisanal techniques, de Gournay has built an international reputation around its breathless Chinoiserie, Japanese & Korean panoramas, and striking Art Deco collections. Founded in 1984 by Claud Cecil Gurney alongside his nephew Dominic Evans-Freke, and today steered with his daughters Hannah and Rachel, the family-led company continues to bring interiors to life through bold contemporary reimaginings and historic reinterpretations alike. Every surface reflects painstaking devotion to craft, from hand-embroidered textiles to intricately painted porcelain and scenic wall coverings.

In Billore, de Gournay finds a delightfully unconventional foil. Renowned for his eclectic, character-rich aesthetic and humorous online stagings, Billore celebrates unsigned pieces, narrative objects, and vernacular antiques. His design philosophy revolves around upcycling forgotten treasures - interlocking vintage woodwork, marquetry panels, and naive artwork into surprising, functional hybrid furniture. Rather than viewing design through a purely formal lens, Billore approaches creation with poetic sentimentality, combining objects in unexpected series and playful juxtapositions.

Inside the Rue des Saints-Pères space, this meeting of minds transforms the showroom into an immersive interior experience. Newly installed wallpapers and lush fabrics serve as atmospheric backdrops for Billore’s bespoke furniture pieces and curated series of antique obsessions. Delicate hand-crafted porcelain and iconic wall coverings mingle effortlessly with upcycled wooden frames, ceramic figures, and side tables. The result is a vibrant, lived-in space that bridges heritage craftsmanship with contemporary spirit.

By inviting Billore to reinterpret its refined universe, de Gournay reaffirms its commitment to intrepid collaboration and creative freedom. The takeover stands out as one of Paris Design Week’s most inspiring destinations, offering design enthusiasts a captivating look at how history, art, and upcycled design can seamlessly coexist.